Throughout the entire career search process, you
should focus some of your efforts on networking.
The single best source for new positions is "word-of-mouth." A startling
number of legal positions are never posted (about 80%), because a qualified
candidate learned of the position by talking to the right people at the right
time, and the position was filled without any formal advertisement. Employers
frequently hire through contacts because they prefer to hire someone they know.
If they receive a recommendation of a good candidate, they can feel confident in
their new employee while saving time and money as compared to the traditional
job posting methods. Hiring through contacts bypasses the need to advertise a
position, read countless resumes, and interview many candidates. With this in
mind, you can see how it is beneficial for employers and job candidates alike to
be networking!
The term "Networking" may bring to mind visions of cold calling, and talking
with strangers about uninteresting subjects. Fortunately, networking can be as
easy as talking to your friends and neighbors! Everyone that you meet in life
should be considered a future resource. Take a minute to consider the people in
your informal contact list:
The idea is that everyone you meet is a potential lead. If you continually
tell these people what field you hope to enter, or what type of job you are
seeking, any one of these people may have an acquaintance who offers exactly
what you seek.
Additionally, once you have determined a field of interest, be sure to talk
with professors in that field. Faculty members are a good source of advice and
information and frequently maintain contacts in the legal community. Be sure to
use their expertise.
Networking at Events
Throughout your career, you will be asked to attend
various events. These events can be at Bar Association functions, holiday
parties, foundation dinners, and many more. You should attend these events with
a goal to meet at least one person (it's best to avoid the goal of meeting as
many people as possible becasue the "meeting" may be insignificant). More
importantly, approach these events as an opportunity to simply connect with
others who in the future may be of assistance.
Join the Local Bar Association
Bar Associations have committees that meet regularly
to discuss current issues in the law that pertain to the members of the
committee. You get up-to-date and interesting information about this potential
area of practice. And you get to meet the people who do what you want to do,
thus opening the door to movers and shakers in the bar.
Do Informational Interviewing
Informational interviewing is a great way to meet and
to expand your network of individuals. The approach to informational
interviewing is to meet people you have researched and wish to find out more
about. Using such resources as Martindale-Hubbell is a great pace to find
individuals. Try using your status as a Capital alum to get your foot in the
door.