National Jurist - February 2008 - (Page 44) CAREERHOTLINE How to use your grades to your advantage Q: How important are grades to landing a good job? A: It depends on the employer. Bill Chamberlain, assistant dean for career strategy at Northwestern University School of Law, said grades certainly are important at most big firms with formal summer programs. Smaller firms may be more forgiving of grades in favor of a candidate whom they consider the right fit. Many public interest employers focus on interest and commitment rather than grades. Like it or not, some of the importance attached to grades depends on your school’s academic rankings. Chamberlain said even big firms are more likely to go deeper into the applicant pool at top-tier schools. Generally, law students tend to view grades as a “be-all, end-all” in finding employment, Chamberlain said, and are too quick to discount themselves based on grades. While grades are important, the good news is students can also impress employers with their networking, interviewing and people skills. Chamberlain said he has seen students at the bottom of their class land multiple job offers. Plus, at most schools, students can take comfort in high placement rates at graduation, pointed out Anne Lukingbeal, associate dean and dean of students at Cornell Law School. So even if your worst fear comes true and you end up at the bottom of your class, you are likely to find a position. Q: How can I best use my grades to my advantage when interviewing for jobs? A: Whatever your rank, focus on networking and interviewing skills, Chamberlain said. Figure out your strengths though self-assessment testing and sell those skills to potential employers. Look outside the OCI process to alumni, faculty, family and friends and make connections, Chamberlain said. If your grades don’t put you at the top, highlight other experiences and qualities that may make you stand out among other candidates. For example, work experience, activities, awards, leadership skills, legal writing skills and diverse backgrounds can all impress employers. You might also highlight any significant academic improvements from one semester to the next. If you performed poorly during one semester due to a personal hardship, you might choose 44 By Ursula Furi-Perry, Esq. to explain that to potential employers—but be careful about starting the interview on a sour note, Chamberlain said. Even if you’ve got great grades, don’t assume your work is done. Employers can sense when candidates try to coast by on their grades, Chamberlain said, so practice interviewing, build up your people skills, and NEVER exhibit a bad attitude or air of entitlement at any interview. Q: What are some mistakes law students make when studying for exams? A: Speaking of grades: Chances are, you’re already thinking ahead to end-of-year exams. But are you studying the right way? One of the biggest mistakes law students make is waiting until the end of the semester to cram in all the material, Lukingbeal said. Law school exams require continuous studying and outlining, so begin focusing on exams now if you haven’t done so already. Don’t rely on others’ outlines or case briefs, not even if they were made by the star student in your class, Lukingbeal said. By using your own outlines, you’ll personalize the material and be able to make better sense of it on the test. On the flip side, don’t overdo ityou shouldn’t get so anxious about exams that you end up losing focus, unable to concentrate or physically sick, Lukingbeal said. Not taking advantage of your school’s academic resources is another mistake. Most law schools have an academic support center, and many offer free writing help and substantive tutoring. Take any practice exams offered by your school, Lukingbeal said. You should also visit professors for questions or clarifications during their office hours. And review past exams that were given by your professors. A good study group can be helpful during exams in a number of ways: Comparing outlines and notes, reviewing old essay exams, testing analytical skills and quizzing each other on legal concepts. But if your study group makes you feel academically inadequate or self-conscious, leave the group, Lukingbeal said. Exams are not the time to get distracted by emotional issues. ADVICE Got a career question? Submit to Ursula at furiperry@verizon.net THE NATIONAL JURIST February 2008
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