In It to Win It: Job Hunting After Law School

Hire an Esquire, LinkedIn & Your Resume

Whether you’re still a student or a recent grad, what your resume looks like plays a very big role in the types of opportunities you get. In the age of online hiring, LinkedIn and platforms like Hire an Esquire are just as important. 

• Keep resume content relevant. If you’re still in school, your resume should reflect most of your academic accolades. This is great for internships. After graduation, however, including every single thing you did in your law school career isn’t necessary. Avoid adding unnecessary “fluff.”
• Keep your information up to date. On LinkedIn, you want to make sure you change your status from student to graduate, and list that you are “Open for work.” If you sat for the bar and are awaiting results, be sure to include that as well. 
• Be detailed in your experiences. When recruiters are looking for potential candidates on LinkedIn or Hire an Esquire, they search for key terms to find them. If you have experience in specific practice areas or specialties, make sure they’re included. That goes for your physical resume as well.
• Narrow your scope. Know what type of work you’d like to do during your job search. Being open for work shouldn’t mean you’re open to everything. When a recruiter asks what type of roles you’re interested in, or a potential employer asks why you want to work for their firm, avoid using phrases like “I just need a job.” Have direction in your search and in your responses when interviewing.

Bonus Tip: Set an out-of-office responder if you’re traveling and won’t have access to your email. This lets recruiters and hiring managers know that you aren’t ignoring their message if they reach out to you while you’re away.

Interviewing

First impressions are everything, and there are a lot of easy ways to make a bad one. There is a lot of competition for entry-level roles, and a bad interview can quickly take you out of the running for one. 

• Organization is key. You’re likely applying to multiple positions—do yourself a favor and keep track of which job you’re interviewing for and when. Nothing says careless like asking a recruiter or hiring manager which job the call is about. 
• Be prompt and prepared. Know when your interview is scheduled and make sure you answer the call or get to where you need to be on time. If it’s a phone interview, make sure you are in a quiet place ready to speak to the interviewer. Don’t take a call while driving or in a noisy location with a lot of distractions. 
• Never dodge a recruiter. Recruiters are often the sole connection between you and an employer. Never miss a scheduled call with a recruiter or treat a conversation with one as “no big deal.” Your first impression often starts with them, and they will be the ones who hand over your resume to a potential employer. 

Networking

Networking is fundamental in any industry, but especially in the legal realm. Luckily, technology has made networking easier and more accessible these days.

• Use LinkedIn to your advantage. List legal groups you may be a part of, organizations you’ve volunteered with, or even Greek life connections you have. You never know who will come across your profile and have one of these things in common.
• Keep in touch with your law school’s career center. They’re there to help you even after graduation, but they won’t know to contact you for opportunities if you aren’t keeping them in the loop about your job status.
• Prioritize in-person networking. In an AI world where AI is being used to review resumes and sort through candidates, making everything automated, networking in person couldn't be more important. Get face-to-face with people who can open doors for you, make lasting human connections with people. If the in-person aspect makes you nervous, read our article on how to make it easier.

The job market is tough, especially as a recent or soon-to-be graduate. While certain practices may seem obvious, not everyone follows them. By being prepared and knowing how to set yourself up for success, you’re putting yourself ahead of the rest.

And if you’re a law student hoping to get some real-life experience before graduating, Hire an Esquire is the place for you! Click here to make a law student account!