Comments on: How To Land Your Dream Job

By: Debra L Bruce

Debra L Bruce — Sat, 12 Feb 2011 19:51:10 +0000

You’re right, Jack. Blogging is an effective tool for a job seeker. A recent grad that I gave some tips to credits the blogging with making the difference. I’ve seen some other law student bloggers get well-placed. I can’t say for certain that the blogging helped, but it shows initiative and confidence…two things firms like.

Two caveats: 1) readers shouldn’t conclude that employers will find them through their blog (unless it develops a huge following); and 2) be careful what you talk about. If you wouldn’t say it to a potential employer’s face in an interview…don’t say it in a blog!

By: Rachel Rodgers

Rachel Rodgers — Fri, 11 Feb 2011 04:27:38 +0000

Congrats on getting the call! I agree with your job searching strategy. In this economy, we’re all entrepreneurs and have to prove our value before a client or employer will “make the purchase.” Nowadays, job seekers must brand themselves and begin making the sell far before they actually need the job. Its definitely challenging but social media tools make it much easier than it could be. Plus, when you are forced to commit to a niche and brand yourself, you’ll probably wind up with the right type of job for you. When the interview lasts for months and employers have access to everything you say online, it will be really hard to fake it for a job that’s not the right fit.

By: Chuck Newton

Chuck Newton — Thu, 10 Feb 2011 16:36:52 +0000

Very good advice, Suzanne.

By: Suzanne Meehle

Suzanne Meehle — Thu, 10 Feb 2011 16:10:34 +0000

I agree with everything you say here, Jack. After having landed my “dream job” several years ago and now striking out on my own, however, I would add the caveat, “be careful what you wish for.”

At many, if not most, law firms, you may not recognize your dream in all that ugly reality, Take the time during your clerkship to assess what life will be like working at the firm as an associate. Don’t get caught up in the prestige of working there, and do not delude yourself that you will be less miserable than the other associates. Take a long, hard and objective look at the partners, the associates, the clients, the paralegals, and the staff. Look for the red flags and, if you have a nagging voice in your head that tells you something isn’t right, listen to it.

In scuba diving, we have a rule: The Dive Never Gets Better. If something is fundamentally wrong, don’t try to fix a bad situation; cut your losses and move on. It’s your life that’s at stake, after all.