Why e-resumes are different

It is so easy to submit a resume on-line that it has probably encouraged you to apply to many more positions than you have in the past. However, there is a downside to the ease of electronic submissions. Employers now spend even less time reviewing resumes. Thus, you need to make sure your e-resume stands out from the crowd. Here are some tips from the non-legal world of employment that are certainly helpful to aspiring lawyers. Pay particular attention to the section on using keywords. This is especially important for government employers and others who use resume software as their first-line resume reviewers.

"Be Bold and Valiant" in your job search

I came across an article today that seems both counter-intuitive and perhaps brilliant. The author cautioned law students not to settle and to after their dream job with gusto. The article states "[h]iring partners, career professionals and candidates agree on some basics for seeking work in today's difficult market: Applicants need to be realistic about qualifications and the market, sweat the professional details, and be flexible enough to think about alternative job opportunities." But then goes on to state that "like investing in a down market, the reward for taking the risk to seek that dream job may be stunning." So, while you want to be ruthless with the details, perhaps you also want to be "bold and valiant" in your consideration of opportunities. Check out the article to find out how.

What's your greatest weakness?

If this isn't the most dreaded interview question, then it's certainly in the top 5. How you answer this question says a lot about you as a candidate and an employee. How to respond? There is really only one option - identify a weakness that does not impede your ability to perform the job responsibilities and highlight your efforts to improve. The Wall Street Journal has some excellent examples and tips for overcoming this question. Whatever answer you craft, make sure you deliver it confidently and with a smile. As always, if you need assistance or guidance with interviewing, visit our office. We're here to help!

Foreign service is hiring

Ever consider a career in the foreign service? Are you intrigued, but don't know what it entails? The New York Times has an excellent article highlighting foreign service and the extent to which the hiring window is open. If you don't mind travel and are looking for a way to contribute to the global community, consider foreign service. As always, we're here to help you pursue this and all other career goals.

Political appointment positions

President-elect Obama's transition website has a direct job application page for political appointment positions throughout the executive branch. It is at http://change.gov/page/s/application. Prospective job applicants who are interested in career, civil service (not political appointment) positions are still directed to the OPM website at http://www.usajobs.gov

How to create and cultivate a network

Many sources, not the least of which is your CSO, have said on numerous occasions that networking is the most cited job source for new graduates and lateral hires. You perhaps have the idea that networking is all about making connections. However, you may not know how to go about making those connections, and once made, how to keep those connections current and alive. One career counselor advises to "get out and be yourself." Once you make a contact, keep in regular touch by updating them on your progress. You may not see immediate results, but this is an excellent way to keep yourself fresh in their minds. The bottom line is to treat your contacts like a garden. If you keep feeding it, it will grow and prosper and bring you good things.

Law Firm Diversity Database

The Minority Corporate Counsel Association (MCCA) and Vault have teamed up to bring you a comprehensive means to compare law firm diversity performance. The Law Firm Diversity Database was developed to provide corporate counsel with statistics and other crucial information on diversity at over 200 firms nationwide. This online database contains both quantitative and qualitative data regarding diversity programs at firms, the leadership of these initiatives, and the firms' action plans to increase the hiring and retention of a diverse staff. You can use it to determine which firms do the best job of recruiting and retaining diverse members. The database will allow you to pull up a list of firms and make side-by-side comparisons using a number of diversity factors. This will be a powerful tool in making decisions about where to apply and where to accept offers. To view the database, click here.