The Career Development Office has provided a
thorough list of web sites to give you a good place to start; don't feel limited to this list -- feel free to explore the web on your own!
The internet can be an invaluable tool for the job hunting law student. While the internet has revolutionized the job search process, it does not diminish the importance of traditional job search techniques such as networking and informational interviewing. The internet does, however, provide easy access to information about potential employers and positions. It can be useful throughout the entire job search process -- from locating employment opportunities and researching employers to conducting salary negotiations. As the internet expands daily, it will no doubt play an increasingly important role in the legal job search process.
Developing a Strategy
Just as in every other aspect of your job search, you must develop strategy to make the most efficient and effective use of your time on the internet. Before you begin surfing, think about the kinds of information that you should be looking for. Keep in mind that while many classified sections of newspapers, legal publications and legal job search sites are available free of charge on the internet, they are generally most useful to practicing attorneys. Your time may be best spent elsewhere. Also remember that web sites and services are added and removed quite rapidly. Always check The Digest and The Career Connection for helpful sites.
How We Organized Career Development Web Sites to Aid in Your Research
We here at the Career Development Office (CDO) have done extensive research into job seeking resources available on the web. Please note that web sites vary widely in content and target audience. We have, therefore, grouped together websites with common themes and included information about them that may be of use to you. Since some sites do not fit neatly into one category and all change frequently, be flexible and explore sites of interest to you. Approach this part of your job search as an enjoyable opportunity to obtain information in a different manner. Remember that the web based job search skills that you develop as a result of this effort will be an asset throughout your career.
You may find that visiting web sites can be a very efficient method of researching general legal employment trends as well as particular employers and opportunities. Due to the sheer volume of information available, however, the user may become daunted and discouraged. To avoid frustration, we strongly encourage you to plan your search before you begin. Ask yourself these questions: What is my goal? General information or knowledge of opportunities within a specific firm or organization? Have I looked at all information available on a firm or organization? Also, step back from time to time, evaluate the results of your searches, and refine your approach to assure that you use the web to its fullest potential.
An organization's home site is a valuable information resource, but other organizations may have useful and relevant information not found at the home site. For example, the National Association for Law Placement has independent information that is of great use for the student interested in how a firm compares with similar organizations.
Remember that the web is a fluid and rapidly changing resource. Websites are frequently updated, and should be consulted on a regular basis for the most current information. Sometimes they are discontinued or a link is changed. If you find any of our references to be out of date, please inform us so that we can keep this list current. Also, please do not hesitate to consult with us at the CDO for further advice on website usage.
Preparing for your Online Job Search
Self-Assessment
The Keirsey Temperament Sorter and Keirsey Temperament Theory web site features a personality test of 36 questions in two parts. It sorts your responses and categorizes your personality into one of four types--rationalists (Einstein and Margaret Thatcher), idealists (Gandhi and Eleanor Roosevelt), artisans (Ernest Hemingway and Barbara Streisand) or guardians (George Washington and Mother Teresa). The web site offers ideas of the type of profession that you might do well in, depending upon your personality type.
Job Outlook
The Occupational Outlook Handbook is maintained by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The "index" provides an extensive list of professions (from "A" Able seaman to "Z" Zoologist). Each profession is described, working conditions are provided, salaries are listed. Also of interest is the job outlook which offers predictions about whether the number of jobs in the profession are likely to increase or decrease in the future.
Salaries
Abbot-Langer contains current legal salary statistics.
Resumes
Jobsmart is a web site established by California librarians. Topics include: Resumes, Career Guides, Salary Information, and Hidden Jobs. The resume section is helpful. It defines a resume, offers sample versions of chronological, functional, electronic, and curriculum vitae resumes. The section also addresses cover letters and gives samples. In the career section, there is information on specific careers.
Interviews
Visit Monster.com's interview tips. The site includes a "virtual interview" in which you are asked some tough questions. There are sample questions for you to ask the interviewer. The site includes tips on preparing for the interview (research, rehearse, relax), strategies for telephone interviews, and a interesting "interview planner."