National Jurist - January 2009 - (Page 68)

CAREERHOTLINE The key to finding a job in tough times — flexibility Q: What tips do you have for finding a job during meager economic times? A: Times are tough for many law grads. It seems like everywhere we look, we see news of yet another law firm cutting back on its associate class, laying off lawyers or closing its doors. But while there may be fewer big firm opportunities in secondyear summer work and third-year recruiting, there are still plenty of opportunities out there, says William Chamberlain, ADVICE assistant dean and clinical assistant professor of law at the Center for Career Strategy & Advancement at Northwestern University School of Law. Like many other fields, legal work is cyclical, Chamberlain adds. Hiring goes through ups and downs periodically and will increase again. And while you can’t change the economy, you can change your reaction to it, Chamberlain says. The key to finding a job in tough times is to be flexible. Don’t be too specific about practice areas or work environments, and certainly don’t expect to be hired by any one particular employer. Students m u s t b ro a d e n their horizons. Fo r e x a m p l e , Chamberlain believes that hiring will be on the upswing at smaller firms, which typically offer lowercost options and may be sought out by corporate clients lookBy Ursula Furi-Perry, Esq. ing to cut costs. He also says that regulatory work may increase, creating some jobs for new grads as well. So, stay flexible and keep an open mind when looking for employment. Students must go back to basics when it comes to job searching. Students need to be more proactive than just trusting the on-campus interview process. Chamberlain says students need to actively search for jobs, network with attorneys and use the career services office at their school to assist with employment searches. Finally, students must broaden their definition and understanding of networking. As I’ve said many times before, networking isn’t about awkward small talk at cocktail parties; it’s about making connections and building professional relationships. Take any chance to meet attorneys, whether through seminars, professional organizations or social groups. Q: How can I ensure that I’m projecting a professional image online, and why is it important to do so? A: Students are often shocked to find out that employers are looking through online profiles and conduct when hiring, says Paula Nailon, assistant dean for professional development at the University of Arizona Rogers College of Law. From social networking sites to blogs to personal and family websites, legal employers are increasingly checking up on a candidate’s online image. In fact, Nailon adds that some bar associations also check all information available to them when conducting a character and fitness exam for admission — and that information may include online sources. That can mean troubles if you have posted information that’s incriminating or unprofessional. For example, Nailon says really strong political views may turn off an employer. The reason why employers run online searches is not only to find information that a background check won’t uncover, but also to help gauge the applicant’s fit with the firm. More subtle content like blogging about stress, alcohol or substance abuse, gambling and other issues – can also be a turn-off. Remember that online content is permanent — something you delete can still be cached and later pulled up, Nailon warns. Even a screen name or email address can make you look unprofessional to a potential employer or a professor whom you’re asking for a recommendation. Still, there are some great ways to use the internet to your advantage when trying to build your professional reputation. For instance, you can publish articles about your interest in a particular practice area to help get your name out there in a positive light, Nailon says. Likewsie, you can blog about a presentation you gave, volunteer work you did or a student organization you created. Got a career question? Submit to Ursula at furiperry@verizon.net 68 THE NATIONAL JURIST January 2009

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of National Jurist - January 2009

National Jurist - January 2009 Contents Hot Button: Affirmative Action Entertainment: A Road Trip Through Law School News: American Justice, Kaplan Survey, Part-time Ranking The Firm Report: Diversity Law School Online No label No label Fordham Student Honored for Public Interest Work Former Law Student's Life Lives on After Her Death Most Influential People in Legal Education Most Innovative Law Schools Your Guide to Studying Abroad Career Hotline Texas Tech Law Grads Explore Dispute Resolution Evaluating First-Year Exams Disturbing the Peace

National Jurist - January 2009

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