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You’re Hired! Job Hunting Advice For Law Students and Young Lawyers
The Most Common Answer I Give
When asked how to get a job, I always offer the same answer, the old adage, “it’s who you know.” Typically, the two types of candidates who get a second look are those with exemplar credentials and those who know someone. If I know a candidate, I’m much more likely to consider their resume, and if I can’t help them, I’ll suggest other attorneys and firms that can. You help people you know. We all do. So that’s why getting a job starts and ends with who you know.
But you say you don’t know anyone who is in a position to hire you. I have two responses to your objection. First, you know more people than you think. Second, you can get to know those who can hire you.
Go through all your contacts, and see who can either hire you or refer you to someone who can. Then, get involved in your local bar associations, get to know people, and when the time is right, ask for a job or ask for a referral to someone who has a job to
fill. That’s it. That’s how it’s done. See who you know and get to know others. Keep reaching out. Keep laying the foundation for relationships. Keep fostering those relationships. Sooner or later someone you know will offer you a job or direct you to someone who will. In fact, this whole book can be reduced to three sentences:
◗ It’s who you know.
◗ Reach out to those you know.
◗ Get to know others and reach out to them.
That’s job hunting 101. That’s all there is to it. That’s the whole kit and the caboodle. It’s simple. It’s not easy. It takes time and hard work. But it is simple.
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