Career Advisor
While most of us understand the importance of networking, sometimes it is hard to get started. Consider making an employer target list. Making lists is an easy way to (1) narrow your employer scope, (2) stay organized, (3) create structure and (4) feel accomplished. Here are a few tips to get you out of the house and in front of employers as early as this week.
Step One. Make a list of places you can see yourself working. To maximize efficiency, make sure you have narrowed your geographic, sector (public vs. private) and practice area scope. If you haven’t, start by picking one city and a few practice areas. Your lists are flexible and can adjust accordingly.
- Manageable and Realistic. Keep your initial list manageable and realistic. The goal is not to list so many organizations that you become overwhelmed and paralyzed. A list of ten employers is a great place to start.
- Research. Conduct market research to identify employers. This can be as simple as an organization website search. Consider starting with attorneys you already know and then branching out from there.
Step Three. Identify someone at each organization that you want to contact. This can be a GGU or undergraduate alumni, or someone who has an interesting legal career. The point is to pick someone you think you can connect with.
Step Four. Start going down your list and contacting people. The goal is to email or call and set up informational meetings. These meetings can be over the phone or in person at, for example, a coffee shop.
Step Five. Understand that your lists will evolve and change depending on who you talk to and new contacts made. But remember to keep accurate records of your outreach either on this list or in a separate journal. Being organized is critical to making this list and the overall process work for you.
