Friday, August 14, 2009

job search tips

I confess....I keep a list

JOB SEARCH RULES (from an attorney recruiter, a work in progress)
  • Use a work-friendly email address. “Beerdrinker###” is not work-friendly
  • Do not list your FAILING bar exam score on your resume.
  • Be a Big Boy. Having your wife call about a job is not a good move.
  • You are not who you know. You are not qualified for a job in the medical field because you have a large family of doctors
  • It is not impressive to label yourself an “Experiendced” attorney
  • Bar passage is required to practice law. Do not try to convince me that you are “better than a barred attorney” for a job because of your life experiences. Experience is lovely, but you still can’t practice law!
  • I’m fine with a bit of reaching, but be reasonable. Don’t apply for a job requiring 7-10 years of experience when you only have one (that isn’t remotely on-point)>
  • Sell yourself, but be reasonable. Don’t overword: “Experienced administrative professional seeking a full-time position within an office environment wherein application of excellent communication, attention to detail, and organizational skills can be utilized.”
  • If a recruiter takes the time to call and explain why you aren't a match for a specific need, do not apply to the same job TWICE the very next day. It shows a lack of attention to detail.
  • Think about your target audience. If you are applying to a job in a sports-crazed town, it is best not to indicate you are a fan of a rival team with your email address…Boston hiring folks WILL hold an address that includes “yankeefan” against you
  • If you are applying for an attorney job, you MIGHT want to include your JD on your resume. I may not bother to look at your cover note if I don’t think you have the minimum requirements…
  • It’s 2009. Don’t address a blind letter “Dear Sir.”
  • Use terminology correctly. “I have a JD in Law” is redundant and does not look informed.
  • Don’t make controversial, political jokes…levity is fine, but not anything that might offend someone.
  • I do understand we are a nation of immigrants. But do not use a phone number where no one speaks English during the day….or at least have them let the machine get calls.
  • A little common courtesy, please. I run early, but do not show up a full hour early for an interview without calling. And, if you do, offer to wait…do not act annoyed if you are 60 minutes early when you are asked to have a seat for five minutes while someone gets ready to meet with you
  • If you don't know all the major terms in the job description, you are probably not qualified. Do not call and ask what they mean.

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

So here is my question - why do law firms have signs that say "Attorneys at Law." Is there another kind of attorney? The court house is across the street from my office so there are a lot of lawyers in the area and half of them have similar signs. I don't get it.

-MHR

The Rambling Blogger said...

I'll say (with no back-up) that it has to do with the old law and equity distinction and is thus just a throw-back that no longer has relevance.

Unknown said...

I'll buy that. Though I can't say that I really understand the different between law and equity. Good thing I am in law school now and not 200 years ago!! (Not that they had many schools then, but that is a whole different story.)

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