We are 4 months into mask wearing, constant hand washing, and social distancing. With all of these changes, sometimes it’s hard to figure out how to job search during a pandemic. Below are some helpful tips for law students, thanks in part to the National Association of Law Placement (NALP):
1. Communicate with your Career Development Center. Meet with their staff online, on the phone, or through email.
2. You need to be proactive. Working remotely is not going out of style any time soon so you need to feel comfortable working remotely. Familiarize yourself with video conferencing tools.
3. Is your LinkedIn profile updated? Take down unprofessional posts on social media (rude comments, photos in bathing suits, or excessive drinking photos for instance) but continue virtual networking. People are lonely and bored, call them!
4. Contact local alums at your law school and past professors. Let them know what kind of jobs you’re looking for and see if they have any advice.
5. Reach out to nonprofits and local bar associations. Volunteer to help people in your community who have been affected by COVID-19.
6. Use your librarian. There are so many online databases and directories to help you with your job search. Your law school librarian would love to hear from you!
7. Remain flexible. Employers may not be able to plan ahead right now, so be patient. Start dates will shift but plan to move fast if an opportunity presents itself.
8. Most importantly, practice self-care. A job search is already stressful without adding all of the collateral consequences of the pandemic. Practice meditation, work out, or binge on a favorite show. Take advantage of your law school’s virtual wellness resources.
