BLS Career Services & Professional Development

The Benefits of the Informational Interview

2009-10-21T09:19:00.001-05:00

This article is a very practical guide to arranging for and getting the most out of informational interviews.

Resume Honesty

2009-09-25T09:28:00.001-05:00

I haven't seen this as a problem with our students, but just in case you are tempted to fudge your resume a bit, let this article remind you to be completely honest.

Finally, Some Good News!

2009-09-04T09:51:00.002-05:00

Those wanting to work for Uncle Sam will find some comfort from this Washington Post article.

Will Tweet for Work

2009-09-03T11:13:00.001-05:00

Scroll to the bottom of this page for some great advice about using Twitter in your job search.

Staying hired: Everything young lawyers need to know, but are afraid to ask

2009-08-25T11:10:00.000-05:00

Tips from the ABA on succeeding in your first position

Lessons for Lawyers from Mary Kay Beauty Consultants

2009-08-11T14:49:00.002-05:00

Scroll down to the bottom of this page for an interesting approach to thinking about your future business (or job search!).

Baby Steps to Marketing

2009-07-31T09:52:00.002-05:00

This article encourages attorneys to just start somewhere - anywhere - when marketing themselves.

Words of Wisdom for New Associates

2009-07-23T16:15:00.001-05:00

This associate offers advice for starting out in your new job.

Ladies, Don't Be a "Dorothy" in the Workplace

2009-07-10T09:58:00.002-05:00

This article discusses the need for women to assert themselves in large firms.

25 Ways to Sabotage Your Job Search

2009-06-18T18:22:00.001-05:00

Great article from MSN about mistakes to avoid

Info for Going Solo

2009-05-29T11:10:00.003-05:00

If you are considering the possibility of starting your own practice, you might be interested in this free teleseminar being presented Tuesday, June 9.

Tech Etiquette

2009-05-19T09:31:00.001-05:00

I confess: I am addicted to my iPhone. Regardless, we would all do well to remember the pointers in this article.

Tips for Getting an Offer at the End of the Summer

2009-05-19T09:17:00.002-05:00

For those of you doing a clerkship at a firm this summer, this article has great pointers about how to make the best impression possible.

Extreme Interviewing

2009-05-07T15:32:00.001-05:00

Certainly not an approach we recommend...but very funny

Cover Letters: Mystery Solved

2009-04-30T10:27:00.002-05:00

Many of you ask to see sample cover letters, because it is so difficult to figure out where to jump in when when writing one. While we have format and content suggestions here, we have chosen not to provide actual cover letters for fear they will all start looking and sounding the same. This article has good suggestions for making your cover letter stand out. And, as always, we are happy to review any materials you intend to use in your job search.

My Ideal Job Would Be...

2009-04-24T09:35:00.001-05:00

This article is geared toward people who are already practicing and would like to change careers, but the message is the same: if a career in law is not for you, evaluate your strengths and interests and channel them elsewhere.

Fibbing Is Not Ok.

2009-04-24T09:16:00.002-05:00

Just a reminder of the importance of honesty in the application process...Integrity issues seem to be a theme in this person's academic background.

LinkedIn & Law Students

2009-04-15T14:35:00.003-05:00

I admittedly have not been a big proponent of LinkedIn - largely because I have not really figured out how to effectively use it. However, this blog (written by a law student) makes a compelling argument for being deliberate in using LinkedIn as one tool in your networking belt. As with all social networking sites, remember to use large doses of discretion and propriety.

Moxy gone awry

2009-03-11T13:38:00.002-05:00

When we tell you to think 'outside the box' when searching for a job in this economy, this is not what we have in mind.

Job Hunt Tips in Today's Market

2009-01-27T10:51:00.001-06:00

Ursula Furi-Perry, nationally published legal writer and adjunct professor at the Massachusetts School of Law, gives advice on navigating the recessionary legal job market in this article.

More Words of Caution About Your Presence on the Web

2008-12-18T10:54:00.003-06:00

As we regularly discuss, things you say or do on the web now, may come back to haunt you later.

Non-Traditional Uses of Your Law Degree

2008-12-18T10:44:00.001-06:00

Maybe you, too, can become a football coach...

1L Job Search

2008-12-16T11:55:00.001-06:00

This article provides summer job search advice to 1L's in a tougher economic climate.

Manage Stress During a Job Search

2008-12-04T12:01:00.000-06:00

Manage Stress During a Job Search
(taken from an article by Mary Jeanne Vincent)

Reducing and managing stress is one of the keys to a successful search.
Too much stress and you appear desperate. Not enough and people question
your motivation. Only you can decide how much stress is the right
amount! Here are seven steps you can take to significantly lower
stress, improve your effectiveness, and ultimately shorten your job hunt.

1. Have a realistic understanding of how long a job search takes. Many
job seekers have an unrealistic time frame for finding their next job.
It always takes longer than you think. When you don’t have a realistic
expectation for how long it can take it is easy to feel stressed out.

2. Develop a job search action plan. Map out where you want to go and
how you are going to get there. Set specific daily and weekly goals;
then develop a contingency plan for when Plan A doesn’t work. Once your
plan is in place and you are emotionally prepared – take action!

3. Reduce unnecessary expenses immediately. Minimizing financial
responsibilities and maximizing financial resources will significantly
reduce stress. This is not the time to go stress shopping. The greater
your financial resources the more flexibility you have to accept the
right job offer rather than grabbing the first one that comes along.

4. Think of your job search as a job. Consider putting specific job
search activities on your calendar and treat them like a job.

5. Spend time on the right activities. Do spend time developing high
quality marketing materials – like a résumé, cover letter, and reference
list; networking with friends and colleagues who can connect you to the
right people or opportunities; and following up with potential
employers. Don’t spend hours on the internet searching job boards for
the ‘right’ job. Instead use the internet to research organizations,
gain information about specific industries, and network with people who
can assist with your search.

6. Evaluate your progress on a weekly basis. Stay on top of your search
so that you can tell immediately if your search starts to stall and take
steps to get it back on track. Assess what is working – do more of it.
Determine what isn’t working and revise your approach. If you are still
stuck consider working with a career coach.

7. Take time to refresh your mind, body, and soul. Looking for a job,
especially when you don’t have one, is something you carry around 24/7.
Remind yourself to set regular office hours and knock off at a
reasonable hour. That includes taking time off on the weekends. Take a
walk, go to the gym, escape with a good book, or have coffee with a friend.

Networking Re-visited

2008-12-02T13:33:00.002-06:00

As was discussed at the Bear Essentials session on the topic, Networking doesn't have to be difficult. MSN posted this article listing characteristics of great networkers - just as true for attorneys as it is for sales people.