How to Find Your First Job After Finishing Law School
It may not be as straightforward as you think to come out of law school and go straight into employment. The job market today is more competitive than ever before, and with more people graduating every year, it is essential that you stand out from the crowd if you want to be successful.
Here are some of the things you should think about doing if you want to find your first job after finishing law school.
Polish Your CV
Your CV is the first impression you will give to a potential employer, so it is crucial that it is perfect. Keep in mind that employers may get sent hundreds of CVs just for one vacancy, so you need to make sure that your CV is engaging, but not too long.
Your CV should also be different depending on which job you are applying for, as you should discuss your relevant skills to meet the job description.
Find Out Who Has Vacancies
You will need to carefully plan your job search so that you find the jobs that are relevant for you. Many law firms post their job vacancies on online job search websites or on their own company websites. So, be sure to keep a close eye on job opportunities online.
By using these online job search sites, you will be able to search for jobs by location or by company. So, if you wish to work for a particular company you can focus your search on them. For example, attorneys at law, Tully Rinckey use job search site Indeed, where you will also find reviews from former and current employees.
Use Career Services
There may have been a career services department at your law school, and you should be sure to visit them to see what help they can offer you. Often career services have first access to job vacancy adverts and can recommend the best places to find job opportunities.
They may also be able to help you work on your CV, as they will have a better idea of how to make it exactly what the employer is looking for. They will also be able to provide you with information regarding the bar exam if you are considering practicing law.
Be Prepared to Move Around
Unfortunately, you may not find your dream job just around the corner from your house, so you may have to consider moving further afield for employment. Often, the best job opportunities are in the bigger cities, so if you are from a more rural area job vacancies may be limited.
However, if you have already moved away from home for law school, then you will be used to moving somewhere new and it could be a great way to start afresh for the next chapter in your life.
It may feel a little deflating that you will have to compete against so many others when applying for a job once you finish law school, but this is a great opportunity to show off all your hard work and tell employers why they would be lucky to have you as part of their team!