Tips for Finding Entry Level Paralegal Jobs
Finding entry level paralegal jobs may be difficult if you have just graduated and are not sure what to do next. Thankfully, the legal industry has many outlets, online and offline, where legal professionals can network and learn about job openings.
There are different ways and methods, both traditional and creative, that you can use to find entry level paralegal jobs. The most important aspect of finding a job is to remain positive and to not be afraid to network. The following job hunting and networking ideas aren't just for landing your first job, they can be used to find a better job or to find a way to get back into the legal industry after a long absence.
Local Paralegal Associations
Many large metropolitan areas have local paralegal associations that you can join. If you are a student then you will be able to join for a highly discounted rate. Many associations are great places to begin networking and meeting people within the paralegal industry. They offer luncheons, seminars, newsletters, and other means to keep you involved and in touch.
When becoming involved with a paralegal association keep your eyes and ears open to entry level paralegal jobs that become available. If you are coming up short, then consider being proactive and ask others within the association if they are aware of any paralegal job openings; this will help to get the word out there that you are interested in finding an entry-level position.
Keeping in touch with classmates
If you are completing your paralegal training and preparing for the job hunt, remember to keep the contact information of your fellow classmates. This is different than just joining the alumni association of your college or university. Keeping in touch with your classmates gives you the chance to learn how others are finding their first jobs and perhaps finding ways to help one another out.
Legal Staffing Firms
There are legal staffing firms that specialize in placing attorneys, legal administrators, legal secretaries, paralegals, and other legal professionals. If you have been job hunting without success for some time, it might be wise to look toward a professional recruiter for help. Legal staffing firms find work for temporary positions, temp-to-hire positions, and permanent placement. Not only can a legal staffing firm help you land an entry level paralegal job, they may also be able to help you polish your resume while you are still looking for a job through other means.
Contacting Local Law Firms
While searching online and using the help of legal staffing firms are positive steps toward finding entry level paralegal jobs, you should also consider being even more proactive and dropping your resume off at local law firms. If the firm is not hiring, at least you made the effort to give them your information and displayed your sense of initiation, which will likely be remembered if a firm does have an entry level opening down the road. You will make yourself stand out from the crowd by delivering your resume and cover letter in person, rather than sending it blindly through email or faxing.
This may be a good method of getting in front of the hiring manager if you know the firm is currently looking for paralegals; however, if the firm has specifically stated not to turn in your resume in person, then you should respect their guidelines and submit your information through their preferred method of contact.
Legal Conferences, Trade Shows, and Conventions
Legal conferences, trade shows, and conventions may be a pricey way to conduct an entry-level job search, so you may reserve this option for when you are looking for a better job or are transitioning to become a freelance paralegal. If you have the time and the means, however, then attending these types of events will allow you to meet legal professionals from a variety of different legal sectors.
Websites of Ideal Law Firms
Many law firms now have company websites. A law firm's website can provide you, the job seeker, with a lot of important information. Check the websites of the law firms you are interested in working with to see if they have a career section and what types of openings they may have available. Also, check to see if you can find the information of their human resources manager or the hiring individual. Armed with this information, you may choose to apply for a prospective position, call to speak to the human resources manager to express your interest in future openings, if there are not any openings now, or to retain the law firm's information for future reference.
Alumni Association
Many colleges and universities offer alumni associations for their graduates. Alumni associations are an excellent resource if you attended a large university. It gives graduates, from all majors and departments, the ability to keep in touch with fellow graduates and their alma mater through networking events, directories, and discounts to campus performances and games.
Alumni associations also offer the contact information of fellow graduates that can be used for career opportunities. If you are part of an alumni association, check to see if fellow graduates are involved in law and in what capacity. It might be worth it to contact them to gain insight into their field and specific law industry. While this method may not be a slam dunk in finding a job from a fellow alumni, it will certainly give you a wider circle of contacts, and you never know where that may lead.
Contacting Solo Law Practitioners
Solo law practitioners may be overlooked sources of entry level paralegal jobs because they are thought to be much smaller than other law firms which give the impression that they do not need additional staff. If you are seeking a job in a specific area of law that may have a lot of solo practitioners, then you should certainly consider contacting their office for information about any openings.
If you are willing to take on part-time hours, then definitely let the office manager know that you are flexible. The more experience you gain, even on a part-time basis, the more it will boost your credibility when seeking out a full-time position. Even at a part-time position, the firm may value your work and decide to hire you on as a full-time paralegal.
Personal and Professional Contacts
You should certainly let your friends and family know when you have completed your training program. Aside from accepting their congratulations for a job well done, you should spread the word that you are looking for entry-level paralegal jobs. You never know if your friends and family know an attorney at a law firm who is looking for extra help.
In addition to letting your personal contacts know about your job search, expand your search to involve your professional contacts. Let your banker, accountant, realtor, and any other professional that you associate with know that you are looking for a paralegal job. If they respect your character and professionalism then they should have no qualms about referring you to others they may know in law.
Volunteering at Non-Profit Organizations
You may think that volunteering at a non-profit organization may be a waste of your time, but it will provide you hands-on experience and allow you the chance to put your education to practice. Instead of spending all of your time job hunting, you might want to spend a few hours volunteering each week to keep your skills sharp and to beef up your resume with more experience. Volunteering at a non-profit or local legal clinic can also give you great references and contacts.
Social Networking Sites
Social networking can be a double edged sword, but with careful planning, you may be able to use social networking as a method for finding entry level paralegal jobs. It is important to separate your personal and professional profiles when deciding to participate in the various social networking sites available. When job searching, you should strongly consider making your personal profiles private - regardless if you think your profile is safe to display.
There are many professional social networking sites that have helped people to get in contact with old employers, find freelance jobs, and even land their first position. LinkedIn is one of the most popular professional networking sites on the web today. This social networking site offers you the chance to create a professional profile outlining your resume and even linking to your professional references and other professional contacts. Becoming involved in social networking sites is a personal choice. If you are not comfortable creating a profile about you and your skills, then by all means, do not. There are plenty of other ways to network, off-line, that can land you your first paralegal job.
Industry Seminars and Workshops
Seminars and workshops are a great way to network with fellow legal professionals. If you are a member of any legal associations then a glance at their association calendar can give you an idea of upcoming seminars and workshops. If you do not currently belong to any associations you may still be able to attend their workshops and seminars though you may need to pay a non-membership fee.
When you do attend these events, make sure that you bring a business card, even if you are not working, to pass out to others and do not forget to get the business cards of other professionals you meet. Unless it is specifically a networking event, it may be a little awkward handing another professional your resume, but you can always have some on hand just in case.
Online Job Boards
Online job boards, such as Monster, CareerBuilder, and Craigslist, are also ways to find entry-level paralegal jobs. These websites are updated continuously, so if you are working on your job search full-time, make sure that you set aside some time each day to review new job position listings and to apply for the ones that closely match where you would like to work.
Since job boards are probably the easiest way to find out about new job openings, be prepared to face fierce competition against other job seekers, but a professional resume and customized cover letter should help you stand out when vying for positions you are most qualified for.
Additional links to paralegal job search resources:
FindLaw Job Search - For Legal Professionals
Idealist - Search for jobs in the non-profit sector
ParalegalJobs.com - Free for Job Seekers