Finishing law school and earning your online criminal justice degree is an amazing accomplishment, but it can sometimes be more terrifying than exciting. You’re wondering what you’re going to do with your new degree and how you’ll find a job. Luckily, there are five simple ways to get a job right out of law school. Here’s everything you need to know.
Search firms
A retained search firm works to find the right candidates for current job openings. Many law firms utilize search firms to find the best employees, since these search firms are able to devote their time and energy to the hunt. Being recruited by a firm is an excellent way to find a new job because it means you meet the standards they are searching for. You can create a profile online and provide headhunters with your information. This greatly increases your chances of finding a full-time job.
Network
Ideally, you’ve been networking your entire law school career. You’ve met people who work for firms and you’ve spent time chatting about your mutual interests. Now that you’re officially graduated, it’s time to follow up on those connections. Reach out to anyone you might have previously talked with and let them know you’ve graduated. You should also attend networking events and begin to make even more connections. Networking should feel like a full-time job itself, and that’s because it’s a great way to land that gig you’ve been hoping for.
Pass the Bar exam
Obviously, law school has all been preparation for you to become a lawyer, but you can’t do that if you don’t pass the bar exam. After graduation, you want to devote a lot of your time to studying for the bar. While this might feel frustrating since it’s not explicitly leading you to a career, you really cannot practice law in the United States without passing your state’s bar exam and joining the bar association. This means that passing the exam should be your primary focus, as it will greatly increase your chances of finding a job. If you already have a firm in mind that you’d like to work for but know they won’t even consider you unless you’ve passed the bar, then your efforts are actually all just part of your career preparation.
Gain more experience
Many law firms are not looking to hire young adults right out of law school. They are looking for smart individuals who have experience in the field, and right after graduation is the perfect time to start gaining this experience. If you’re ready to work but aren’t sure you have the necessary experience, look for opportunities to volunteer or do pro-bono work. Spend time working for a clinic or volunteering for a local non-profit. This will give you some amazing experience in your field and will help you stand out from other applicants when you do begin applying to jobs.
Connect with your school’s career center
Many law schools offer students an invaluable resource: The career center. This center can help you with services like practice interviews and resume review. Many career centers are also connected to local organizations and know when new jobs are available. See if your school has a job board and take advantage of the resources offered. You spent the money to earn your degree. You should get every possible service you can from your school.
Graduating law school should feel like an accomplishment, not like a stressor. If you haven’t found a job yet, don’t panic. If you follow these tips, you’ll find the perfect employer before you know it.