[blindlaw] 10 tips on how to get noticed by legal recruiters

[Daniel McBride]

Ross:

In her brief article, Ms. Mantis states, "I recently heard an excellent
panel of top law firm recruiting professionals..."  Ms. Mantis left out the
#1 essential for having any chance with these firms, whether blind or
sighted.

And that is to be a graduate of a very highly rated law school and be in the
top 5% of your graduating class.  Otherwise, forget it.

Dan McBride
Fort Worth, Texas

-----Original Message-----
From: blindlaw [mailto:blindlaw-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Ross Doerr
Sent: Wednesday, June 26, 2013 7:00 AM
To: 'Blind Law Mailing List'
Subject: [blindlaw] 10 tips on how to get noticed by legal recruiters

Attention Law Students - This article appeared today on LinkedIn, and was
originally published on June 3.
So, if you are a law student, read on.
I cannot say how much of this would be specific to blind students, but any
idea that helps should be welcome. I still say to network, network and then
network some more.
***
Top 10 Tips from Legal Recruiters: How to Land an Interview Mon, 06/03/2013
- 11:37am -- Hillary Mantis Guest Commentary By Hillary Mantis Summer may
have just begun, but fall on-campus interviews are right around the corner.
You will probably start hearing about summer resume deadlines from your
career center, if you haven't already. If you are trying for a Big Law
position, how can you present yourself in the best light?
I recently heard an excellent panel of top law firm recruiting professionals
speak to a standing room only crowd at a program at The Association of the
Bar of the City of New York, Inside the Hiring Committee: Inside Tips from
Recruiters on How to get Hired. 
Here are some of their tips:

. Research each firm carefully. Let the employer know why you are
specifically interested in their firm, and why you would be a good fit for
them.  Know each firm, their specialties, and their individual offices well.
They can tell if you're prepared.
. Be enthusiastic. Firms often keep candidates on "hold" for a little while
if they are not sure whether to make an offer. If you would definitely
accept an offer from them, let them know they are your first choice, and
keep in touch with them to reiterate your interest.
. Make sure your resume, cover letter and thank you notes are absolutely
perfect - it's their first representation of you. If you make any typos, you
will lose credibility, and possibly the opportunity to interview.
. Any time you can get make additional connections through networking, to
find someone to forward your resume to a law firm, such as an alumni of your
law school, do so. It may help your resume get noticed.
. Be ready during the interview to give specific examples of how you have
solved problems, showed initiative, and acted as a "team player." Behavioral
interview questions are sometimes used during interviews to elicit these
types of examples.
. Cast a wide net. In this economy, don't just rely on who is coming to
interview your campus. Apply on your own firms in other cities, and apply to
smaller firms and government agencies.
. Know the different times of the year when large firms, small firms, and
government agencies hire, and in general, stick to those times. Larger firms
tend to hire much more in advance than smaller firms, who may not be able to
predict their needs as far ahead of time.
. Become a student member of your local bar association, and volunteer for
committees, where you may meet practicing lawyers. If possible, volunteer to
write an article with them.
. Network with other lawyers throughout your years in law school, not just
when you are going through on-campus interviews. Make contacts to leverage
for the long haul, not just for the immediate future. Keep in touch with
your connections throughout law school - they will be more likely to
remember you when they do hear of a job.
. Emphasize leadership roles you have held on campus, or even as an
undergrad - firms are looking for people who can one day be an "ambassador"
for the firm.

Hillary Mantis advises law students, lawyers, and pre-law students. She is
the Director of the Pre-Law Program at Fordham University, and author of
Alternative Careers for Lawyers. You can write to Hillary at
altcareer at aol.com


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