Networking Solo Pep Talk

From the etiquette professionals at the Culture and Manners Institute:

Nothing pains me more than to hear someone say, "I did not go to that event, because I did not have anyone to go with me."  Sometimes you have to go it alone.

Informational Interviews: Part II

What else should you consider when you arrange an Informational Interview?  Let's make sure we cover some etiquette basics.  For a fantastic primer, come check out Donna and David Gerson's Modern Rules of Business Etiquette, which covers everything from dinner interviews, supervising a secretary, working with senior partners, and so many other scenarios.  Check out Geeta Shah's timely book review as well.  If you'd also like to quiz yourself (and perhaps your friends), check out this pop quiz on etiquette blog posting from last semester.

Book Review: The Modern Rules of Etiquette

Book Review: The Modern Rules of Business Etiquette by Donna Gerson and David Gerson

If you are anything like me and my friends, you have had questions about what is appropriate to do at work, what you can ask of your bosses, if what you did or said at an interview was okay, if what you did and said at an office gathering was appropriate. From my understanding, this is completely normal. We are law students trying to figure out the real world of business etiquette, and while asking your friends and other law students for advice is a great way to dissipate your worry, it is nice to have a resource to go to that can answer these questions. An easy way to figure out the Dos and Don’ts is by breezing through this short, easy read on The Modern Rules of Business Etiquette by Donna Gerson and David Gerson.

CBA YLS Events

Young Lawyers Section Career Month Events:

February is your chance to explore career opportunities in a variety of areas of law and practice settings. All events and meetings take place at the CBA Building (321 S. Plymouth Ct.). Registration is required for some events. More events are included after the jump!

YLS Lunch with a Judge - February 3
You’re invited to have lunch with the Hon. William D. Maddux Presiding Judge, Law Division, Circuit Court of Cook County, on Thursday, February 3, 2011, at 12:15 p.m., at the CBA. The Judge will discuss courtroom decorum and how young lawyers can practice successfully in Court. Event includes free pizza lunch. You must be a CBA member or law student member to attend and you must register in advance of the lunch. Limit 100 persons. Register now. 

RESCHEDULED: 2Ls & 3Ls, Don't Miss this Career Workshop

Strategies for 2Ls and 3Ls to Master the Market and Find the Best Job Opportunities

When? Thursday, March 3rd, 4:30pm to 5:45pm
Where? Lewis 904

This program will cover:

• Improving your law school record
• Developing a powerful method for networking
• Identifying lawyers whose interests and backgrounds match your own
• Considering multiple options

7 Deadly Sins of Self-Promotion on Twitter

This post on the 7 Sins of Self-Promotion on Twitter actually provides a great foundation on thinking about how you use any social media or present your personal brand (online and offline).  I particularly found the further link to the twictionary helpful, and reminds me of how many times I've learned about LinkedIn from other users, to supplement the updates and tips from the LinkedIn blog.  Where do you keep up with these trends? And how are you using them to integrate into your job search and the development of your professional image?

Networking at Special Events

Guess who tends to know the most people in the room at special events? The planners and the hosts! Realizing they may not have time to chat if they're orchestrating speeches, menu execution, and other details, do try to meet these folks, introduce yourself, thank them, and follow-up a few days after the event. These are powerful connections to make, especially if as they may be able to point out who in the room you need to meet based on what you said in your 15-20 second elevator pitch. Do a bit of research on the planners and hosts before you arrive -- it may help you recognize them and not need an introduction. Again, remember, these folks have a lot of duties to which to attend, so don't monopolize or stalk them.

LinkedIn is Not a Shortcut

This blog post from last week (as tweeted here and retweeted by us here),  served as a good reminder that LinkedIn is a tool in your job search, and should not be used to create shortcuts in developing relationships. Follow-up, thank you notes, giving and receiving, providing value, and continuing the conversation are all parts of developing relationships -- when time and thought is given to developing relationships, that will show over time, and provide you a richer, deeper, more rewarding network of contacts.

Holiday Networking

With the upcoming holidays, there are two things you can do to incorporate into your networking: events and coffee conversations.

There are lots of special events at this time of year -- fundraisers, holiday parties, and employer outreach events.  Keep an eye on the Symplicity calendar, various bar association, and Illinois Legal Aid Online calendars to make sure you don't miss out on these opportunities?

Can't afford the swankier soirees? Reach out to volunteer to run the registration table or help in some other way. Don't forget to offer to forego the dinner and drinks in those offers, so you really aren't costing the organization anything.  You should also reach out to attorneys directly to set up a coffee conversation -- the opportunity to learn more about that person's practice area and how they build their career.  Set up a few of these over winter break as part of your career exploration and networking plan.

RSVPs -- A Professional Habit

As you progress through law school, people expect you to keep your word. This simple habit is most often manifested in two areas: doing and showing up for what you said you would. The flip side of the latter is taking the time to RSVP for events. Events must be canceled due to lack of RSVPs, so developing the habit of making the time to attend events because they are of personal or professional interest to you or your colleagues is important -- whether to bolster your own interest in the topics or support others in your networking group. So don't forget to RSVP for not only Law Career Service programs, but those of the Centers & Institutes, bar associations, and the organizations you support.

Interview Resources Roundup

As you prepare for various interviewing opportunities, including FERP, check out these past posts for interview tips and suggestions:

• Interview Resources
• Pop Quiz on Etiquette
• Recomenders & References
• Basic Interview Questions

And so many more -- select the key word Interviews below any of the above posts. Also, the Symplicity Document Library includes an Interview Guide and research guides by LexisNexis and Westlaw.

Pop Quiz on Etiquette

Can you answer these 8 Questions on Business and Dining Etiquette? Lisa Orrell challenges you to cosider not the simple answer, or even the quick answer, but also the various facets of etiquette. Is there something you've inadvertently been leaving out? Take a few minutes to brush up!

Recommenders & References

We are often asked about letters of recommendation and reference lists. For the vast majority of jobs, you only need references, whereby the folks you list may be called, which usually happens after a successful interview. But you need to have the discussion with your references about how often they want updates on your job search. Sometimes, recommenders only want to know once you've secured interviews, others would like a weekly update as to where you've applied, where you plan to apply, etc. Take the time to better understand the connections your recommenders have so you know when to make an exception to their preferred method, especially when it is time sensitive and you know they may have additional insight into an employer or practice area. And don't forget to periodically thank your recommenders for staying on your side throughout your career and continue to develop your relationships with these folks. You do have something to offer to the relationship, even if it is sometimes just paying it forward.

Congratulations! Take Time to Breathe!

Congratulations! You've completed law school/another year/semester! Take some time to breathe and enjoy your accomplishments as well as celebrate with your cherished ones. Don't forget you didn't get here alone, and the your future successes will also rely on others so use some of this reflection time to hand write a note (or at least a short email) of gratitude to those who have supported you - professors, recommenders, supervising attorneys, classmates, friends, and family. A note of thanks will put you back in the front of that person again as you look forward to your new paths as well as hopefully find ways to either offer something in return for their support or at least consider ways to pay it forward. Again, congratulations!

Retro Manners

Mary Crane writes about Retro Manners -- specifically, how to avoid those little gaffes that are costing applicants interviews and offers. In a tight economy, the smallest things matter and this article will provide you insight on the things you know but sometimes forget when you get nervous or harried.

Email Introductions

Emailing a stranger, or even someone you met briefly, can feel very awkward. This post provides tips on how to make sure you are establishing a connection, sparking interest, making clear AND reasonable requests, all while being succinct. Try it out today!

Strategy, Psychology, & Networking

Tim Tyrell-Smith has lots of insights about the job search. His philosophy boils down to three components: strategy, psychology, and networking. He has just published a free e-Book 30 Ideas: The Ideas of Successful Job Search, which is full of ideas on how to bring to together the advice you've already heard or forgotten to put into practice. He addresses many common fears and the various ways that job searches evolve, addresses the time crunch on networking, and so much more. His blog reinforces the concepts in the book, as well as provides continued insight and stories to illustrate his philosophy. Check it all out today!

Being a model adopted employee

Many law students hold down one or more part-time gigs in law school. This article provides three tips on being the "model adopted employee" -- the part-timer. The third tip is applicable to your "other job" of being a student. It makes it much easier to provide you a reference later if your supervisor can see how this job helps you reach your future goals.

Personal Branding & Google

We know that there are warring schools of thought on the use of social media. One person will tell you not to use it at all. The next says it is a great way to have your personality shine through. In LCS, we are part of the middle path: use it wisely and warily, but make sure it is constantly updated, consistent in message, and honest. Hide or remove things that would embarrass the most conservative, shy person you can imagine. Don't let your friends be able to tag you in pictures.

And now, make sure your Google profile is updated! It seems that the vast majority (though by no means all) of you use gmail as your primary email so make sure your Google profile is updated, and in sync with your LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, etc. profiles. This is one more place for you to strengthen your personal brand.

Successful Summer Tips

Miss our programs on how to have a successful summer? In the meantime, whet your appetite with articles from FindLaw and the ABA. Remember, every day is a continual interviewing process and you can not afford to neglect your networking throughout the summer! The LCS is here all summer so make an appointment to meet with your adviser today!