Job Search Workshop Overview

The following summarizes some of the recommendations and points made during last week's job search workshop.

NETWORKING: Most positions are found through networking. Use all possible networks available: social clubs, family friends, professional associations, etc. Students can join any section of the WSBA for $8.00 per section. While you won’t have voting rights unless you are an active member of the bar, you will have the opportunity to meet the active members and impress upon them your investment and interest in the tax and business communities.

Informational interviews are the best way to assess the market within the particular area of law you want to practice. Conduct a Martindale search to find attorneys that practice in the area of law you are interested in and that you have a connection with you, be it the same college, law school, professional or social organization, etc. Find something to connect you to that person, and then contact them. This is not the time to ask for a job, but rather, to find out about the tax community in general and what they do. If you are unsure about how to answer some of the questions that are typically posed to you during an interview, use these opportunities to pose such questions to them. With informational interviews, the tables are turned and you are the interviewer.

PAPER: Ensure that all written materials are neatly presented and free of typos. Even if your application is stellar, having typos or a difficult to read resume may mean the difference between whether or not you are granted an interview. This is your first opportunity to show that you are organized and detail oriented: two skills that are instrumental for practicing attorneys. Your resume should also highlight your community involvement, as that is indicative of whether, down the road, you will likely be able to develop your own practice.

INTERVIEW QUESTIONS: Questions such as “Why law?”, “Why Seattle?”, and “Why this firm?” are all geared toward one thing: assessing whether you will stay with the firm. Firms spend significant resources training you, and are therefore concerned about retention. Prepare answers to these questions with that concern in mind. You should be able to demonstrate that you are passionate about the law and your chosen geographic location.

CREATIVITY: In a recent WSJ Article titled “Taking a Career Cue from Hollywood” (http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123506769093324881.html), the author highlighted the successful Hollywood trend, “If the right opportunity isn’t coming your way, create it for yourself.” More than ever, showing ingenuity and creativity will serve you well. If you’re interested in a particular firm, research the firm’s structure and see if you can find an opening where your particular skill set will serve them well. If they’re concerned about your lack of experience or perhaps whether they will be able to keep you busy, suggest that they hire you as a contract attorney or on a trial basis. This strategy, however, works best after you have had a face-to-face meeting with someone in that firm, which is where networking comes into play. If you simply send a letter or email, in this economy, it may (and likely will) get ignored. If, however, you have already met with someone from the firm, that person may rally behind you and convince the firm to give you a chance.