Unemployment Is No Fun
by So, I have no job. I did a while ago, but not after I told my boss that I wanted to work part-time. Before I found another job. So I quit my job, having no next job to go to. Was that a smart move?? Not really. Not a lot of money runs out quick. So now, I'm desperately looking. Certain people on this site have been very helpful, and gave me quite a lot of ideas, but still no job. I'm looking for a part-time paralegal job, but I think that the problem is I don't have too much experience, being that I just graduated from college in June. I really dont want to have to drive up and down streets bombarding all the law offices around until I find a job, but that may be on my agenda for next week. I even called my career services counselor every day this week, and he keeps telling me that I should call back tomorrow. Why is this sooooo hard?????????
AI Summary
22 Comments
In what kind of law are you looking for a job? Maybe your resume just needs a little sprucing.
Well, i have experience as a legal secretary in education law. But I really am looking for anything
Yes. Resumes are vey important...I had ZERO experience in finance and somehow I got in and was complimented on my resume which is interesting cuz I just went thru a resume workshop and they basically told me it was crap. I've since revamped it and it's the best it's ever been. People tend to underestimate and downsize what they do. So make your resume about accomplishment. It shouldn't be full of job descriptions rather should follow this formula: 1 or 2 actions (researched, designed, facilitated) and then what the result was (how did it help the company or what goal was met) cuz they wanna know what you've done and potentially can do for them.
My resume has the last 3 firms I've worked for and about 5 bullet points under each stating what I did there.
ive only worked in one law firm
Stretch it out, then. Is that the only job you've had? If not, try to pull your job duties that had anything to do with office work from your other jobs and put them in. Don't list waitressing jobs. If it is the only job worth mentioning, make your list of skills long. List things you did in your last firm that were unique, i.e. "implementing new filing system" or "Reorganizing the flow of data".
Nope.... my last job title was legal secretary....nothing special! My jobs before that were in retail.... Staples for a year and a half
No, the title isn't what's important, it's the skills you list. Make those stand out.
ok.... my resume says: General Office Responsibilities, Research, Education Law
Don't generalize. Be specific. List what "General Office Responsibilities" entails and don't use single words or short terms like "Research" or "Education law", use sentences, like "Legal research through internet mediums and law textbooks" and make "Education Law" it's own heading, then list duties specific to that kind of law underneath it. Don't forget to put your typing speed and that you can use a dictaphone, if you can't, learn.
can i ez message you my resume?... the dictaphone.... is that the tape recorder thing?
Sure. Or you can e-mail it to me in word at my office: diana@kingspry.com
Alyssa you could start your own self promotion campaign. Ie: Compile a list of all the legal offices in your area, then send your resume and cover letter to them. Promote yourself to them. I've done this a lot -- actually i have an interview Tuesday with a printing firm which is most excited because I was requesting part-time work in the letter.
I'll help you if you want.
A sister in my hall suggested that to me as well..... I definitly want help!!!! Thanks!
sure thing. seriously i got my design job in PA that way and now I have interviews here.
I think that is a good idea.... The sister said that sometimes companies may not actually know that they need someone either
well the interview i have on tuesday the guy said just that. he said well when I originally recieved your resume i really didn't need anyone, but now there is an opening and i remembered you wanted part- time. sweeeeeeeeet.
wow thats really nice!
Check the firms in your area on www.martindale.com and strive to make your coverletter fit each firm; i.e. their accomplishments and specific type of law. Make your resume seem that you've had your hand in every type of law, too. Firms want to see that you can step into anyone's shoes if need be. Mine lists that I've done matrimonial, criminal, real estate, collection, insurance defense, education, mass tort, etc. And always follow up with a phone call. Enthusiasm will make you stand out. So try to direct your resumes to a specific person rather than just "Human Resources".
Do I want to go into Student Resources??
What do you mean?
yea, experience is a big thing out there in the working world. I haven't went to college so the only thing i Can put on my resume is what experience i have. For you who has went to college tho, you could always check out paying internships which won't require ppl with alot or any experience.Check it out on the web.