Dear 1L: Job Search Info
Dear 1L,
I am writing to you from Day 3 of quarantine. My oldest daughter (age 22) tested positive for covid early Christmas morning. Hoping it is a mild case and that we don’t all get it.
IN any event, I hope that your holiday has been covid-free, and that you have had time to recover and enjoy some fun. Here is a start to some job-search information, as you think about things this week.
A. RESOURCES
First, the website for Yale Law’s Career Services Office (CSO) has dozens of samples (cover letters, resumes, thank you letters, etc.).
They are pretty easy to find online, but I can share the direct link with anyone who would like—just drop a comment, or DM.
🔹I find samples particularly useful when drafting content for letters. It can be so hard to find job-specific things to say, and to make each letter sound fresh and non-boilerplate. Yale’s site also has a list of strong verbs (meant for resumes, but many are good for letters, too).
Second, beyond all the resources provided and recommended by your school’s CSO, consider setting up a LinkedIn job search, with results sent directly to you.
🔹I hear about a lot of 1L and 2L jobs and internships this way. I pass them along to the students with whom I have spoken by phone, but all of you can access the information directly.
(But I love speaking to all law students, so please do not hesitate to reach out!)
B. MATERIALS TO COMPILE & POLISH
For almost all 1L and 2L Summer jobs, you will need:
-resume
-cover letter for each opportunity
-writing sample
-cover page to writing sample
-list of references.
I will have more to say about each, but this post is getting long.
An initial, important, and quick thing you can do is to ensure your resume is 100% consistent with your LinkedIn profile.
✏️Check specific months listed for graduations, job/experience start and end dates, and how you describe each entry.
Part 2 to come later this week.
I have set up a hashtag to collect my content. Follow 📥 #Dear1L to increase chance that future posts appear in your feed.
Finally, PLEASE wish us luck against our current Omicron houseguest! Is most unwelcome.
Fondly,
Amanda