If you are looking for guidance on your job and internship searches, take a moment and read "Job Advice for 1Ls Who Are 'Scared to Death' by Lynne Traverse. Ms. Traverse, a recruiting and professional development manager at Byran Cave offers her reflections on things ALL law students should be doing in their individual searches. A few points are listed below and the full article is available HERE.
BE SPECIFIC
A generic, meant-for-mass-consumption application letter won't work this year (if it ever did). Your research will tell you something about prospective employers. Use the details you dig up in your application materials. There is no rule that you should send the same cover letter and resume to every potential employer. And by addressing employers correctly and specifically, you show them you are genuinely interested in them. That helps make you stand out in a crowd.
A generic, meant-for-mass-consumption application letter won't work this year (if it ever did). Your research will tell you something about prospective employers. Use the details you dig up in your application materials. There is no rule that you should send the same cover letter and resume to every potential employer. And by addressing employers correctly and specifically, you show them you are genuinely interested in them. That helps make you stand out in a crowd.
LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION
In the current climate, it is even less likely than usual that you will have luck applying to an area of the country where you cannot demonstrate a strong connection. (By strong, I mean you have lived there, have parents, siblings or other close family members living there, attended college there, or a similarly compelling connection.) Employers take local ties as a sign that there is good chance that they will see you again in the future, which increases the potential value of their investment in a summer intern. Instead of papering the country with generic applications, devote your time and energy to a thorough exploration of possibilities in areas where you can show a connection.
In the current climate, it is even less likely than usual that you will have luck applying to an area of the country where you cannot demonstrate a strong connection. (By strong, I mean you have lived there, have parents, siblings or other close family members living there, attended college there, or a similarly compelling connection.) Employers take local ties as a sign that there is good chance that they will see you again in the future, which increases the potential value of their investment in a summer intern. Instead of papering the country with generic applications, devote your time and energy to a thorough exploration of possibilities in areas where you can show a connection.
BE PATIENT AND STAY PROFESSIONAL
Finding a summer job this year will be tough and take perseverance. Keep in mind that whatever job you have this summer, you will use the skills you gain, and the relationships you build. Even the search itself will offer you a major learning experience, as well as opportunities for new proficiencies and a perspective you did not have before.
Finding a summer job this year will be tough and take perseverance. Keep in mind that whatever job you have this summer, you will use the skills you gain, and the relationships you build. Even the search itself will offer you a major learning experience, as well as opportunities for new proficiencies and a perspective you did not have before.
For more tips, click HERE to access the full article.
