Ask Miss B. Havior

Happy 2011, my dearies! Among your New Year’s resolutions to lose weight, exercise, find true love, and actually do your reading before class, don't forget to add "get a job" to the list. For the 3Ls, congrats on being nearly done with law school–it's almost over! For all you 1Ls and 2Ls, hopefully you've all recovered from finals and rested up over the break, because it's a new year, a new semester, and high time to lock down your summer plans. No, I'm not talking about your summer vacation in picturesque and charming Dewey Beach, MD–I'm talking about your summer job. Read on:

Dear Miss B. Havior,

I'm a 1L, and I've been reading your column religiously and am freaked out about getting a summer internship. I followed all your advice last semester and did resume and cover letter review with the CDO, did mock interviews, sent out applications for summer internships over the break, and went to networking receptions while I was home. What else can I do this semester to get a job for the summer?

-Sleepless and Jobless from Seattle

Dear Sleepless,

Not to worry, darling, you're on the right track to eventual gainful employment. But yes, there is still more you can do this semester as you're waiting for that offer letter to come in.

First, don't forget to do the Public Sector Recruiting Program. It's a great way to get interviews and find an internship. Also, even if you don't get an interview slot, you can still drop by the employers' tables to ask questions and drop off your resume. This is an opportunity for a "stealth interview," so dress in a suit and have copies of your resume on nice paper ready.  Ask the employers thoughtful questions about their agency or organization. If you strike up a good conversation, ask if you can leave a copy of your resume and express your interest in an internship. I know lots of people that have found their summer jobs this way.

Second, it's never too early to plan ahead. Lay the groundwork for Fall Recruitment by attending the receptions for 1Ls that law firms hold throughout the spring and summer, if you are interested in working at a firm. These are great opportunities to get to know the attorneys and the firm culture, as well as to find out what type of work they do. Feel free to ask questions to find out exactly what "corporate law" is, for example, or ask how the attorneys got into their practice area. Show genuine interest and ask for business cards to follow up with a nice email note afterwards. If the attorney seems open to it, you can ask for career advice or set up a coffee or phone call to talk further. Then, when you do your on-campus interviews, you can mention that you spoke with that attorney and hopefully he or she will remember you favorably and put in a good word. This is a good idea for networking with any attorney you happen to meet.

Finally, don't overlook the unexpected. It's important to be creative in this economy and tough job market. Keep sending out applications directly to any employers you are interested in. Ask around and see if any friends or your parents' friends know attorneys that will talk with you or go to coffee. It's surprising how often these casual conversations can turn into a real lead on an internship. Attend job panels or seminars, or events put on by bar associations or other legal organizations, and talk with the speakers afterwards. You never know what could happen.

Okay boys and girls, that's it for this issue. Welcome back to school and get excited - Martin Luther King Jr. Day is in only two weeks! Send your fan mail and questions to notabene@law.gwu.edu.

XOXO,
Miss B. Havior