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You’re already feeling the
pressure. Six months since graduation,
five since you took the bar – even less since you passed. Your student loan grace periods are ending. And on top of it all, it’s the holidays and
you still don’t have a job as an attorney!
Try to keep your Grinch at bay, and try these tips to get you through
this holiday season.
1.
Take
Advantage of Temporary Employment:
Part-time work is abundant during the holidays. Yes, the whole point of getting an advanced
degree was so you wouldn’t have to fold one more sweater, but hear me out. It is imperative that you can pay your
upcoming bar membership fees and CLEs so you can keep an active license. Going inactive will not get you a job as an
attorney. These things add up and
stowing away as much income from a holiday job can really help. The bonus – it’s temporary! You aren’t committed. You will have time to look for your career
job, and it’s less likely that there will be hurt feelings if you quit the temp
job on short notice.
2.
Gifts: This is a two-sided tip. Don’t spend money that you don’t have. Talk to your friends and family and explain
that you may only be able to give something small or nothing at all this
year. You can always offer a helping
hand (best if kept non-legal) with something around the house or babysitting
for a friend as a gift instead. On the
other side, if your friends and family are cool with not getting something from
you and are feeling generous any way, ask for them to chip in towards bar
association memberships, an online CLE course, a student loan payment, or a
ream of paper so you can print more résumés.
Do you really need a blender or an iPod?
No, you need a job.
3.
Holiday
Events: If you’re a member of a bar
association, there may be a holiday gathering you can attend for free or at
little cost. Maybe you have a friend who
is working at a firm. If their firm is
having a holiday party, see if you can go as a date. Use the opportunity to mingle and expand your
network. Avoid going in guns blazing for
that job; it will turn people off. Just
relax and try to get to know people, expecting nothing in return. Make a good impression – dress appropriately
and don’t overdo it on the cocktails.
4.
Prevent
Gaps: It’s very important to keep the
gaps out of your résumé and to keep your skills sharp. Volunteer on a bar association committee or
offer to do a presentation. See if a
firm needs help with a pro bono case.
Get your Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) certification and sign up
with the court to offer your services.
5.
Keep
Searching: People tend to get wrapped up
in the holiday spirit, slowing down and humming Christmas tunes, and that
spirit is starting earlier each year.
Take advantage of that lag when others aren’t putting forth effort. Plus, why waste any moment not looking? Sometimes all it takes is lucky timing.
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