Legal Jobs (posted by Jessica)

The economic downturn is affecting the job market and even the legal field has not escaped. Do not let this fact discourage your plans to become a paralegal. The Lord opened the door for you to take Oak Brook’s course and He will open a door to a paralegal job when the time comes. There are practical steps you can take to prepare for job-hunting while you are still in school.

RESUME
Update your resume or create one if you do not have one. There are templates and examples on the Internet of different resume styles. The traditional, reverse-chronological resume is probably the best choice. Place the “Education” section near the top and include OBCL with your expected date of completion. If your paid work experience is limited, have a section to detail volunteer work. Life experience counts whether you were paid or not. Ask others to look at your resume and give feedback.

NETWORK
“It is not what you know, but who you know.” The buzzword among job seekers is “networking.” People naturally gravitate towards hiring or working for someone they already know or who is connected to someone else they know. No doubt you have told family and friends about your paralegal course. Guess what! You have begun to network! Ask your friends and acquaintances if they can recommend someone you can speak with to learn more about law and the legal environment in your area. These contacts can lead you to still other contacts. Most people will be happy to talk with you and share suggestions.

INFO INTERVIEW
An informational interview is another pre-job hunting step. As you network, ask yourself which areas of law you are especially interested in. Seek contacts that specialize in those areas and ask if you could meet for coffee or lunch for an informational interview. The purpose of the interview is not to inquire about a job, but to learn about the challenges and responsibilities of the work the interviewee does. You will discover important facts, and narrow down options if you have not yet decided what branch of law you want to be in. Have a list of questions and afterwards write a thank you note.

VOLUNTEER
Have you considered volunteering/interning at a law firm, court or district attorney’s office while you are still in school? The experience will be invaluable to your studies, and will look good on your resume when you seek a permanent position after graduation. If you can allocate a little extra time each week to volunteering in a legal environment, you will find it well worthwhile. An internship is also a good way to meet people and network, allowing you to establish a positive reputation and later on hear of job opportunities.

Have a good week of studies.