Public Interest Job Search Fundamentals

• Self-Assessment - What do you want to do, where do you want to do it, and why?  Students begin law school with varying degrees of certainty about their career paths.  Whether a student has little idea about what type of public interest work they will pursue, or feels committed to a specific type of job, s/he can only benefit by exploring the array of career opportunities that will be available.  Before looking outward toward those opportunities, a student may start by looking inward to find some general direction.  The Harvard Law School Office of Public Interest Advising produces a very helpful self-assessment guide.
• Exploring Public Interest Opportunities - It is also useful to become familiar with the public interest employment landscape.  Use the many career-building resources here on PSLawNet and our jobs database to investigate thousands of employer profiles and job opportunities.
• Drafting Public Interest Resumes and Cover Letters – these are the two main tools used to introduce yourself to a potential employer and highlight your background, qualifications, and the reasons that you feel passionately about a job opportunity.  View Harvard Law School's in-depth resume tips and samples as well as cover letter tips and samples.  See sample resumes and sample cover letters donated by Georgetown University Law Center.
• Interviewing - Being able to interview with poise and confidence is a must-have skill.  The on-paper qualifications and experiences that you offer in your resume and cover letter will get your foot in the door, but the interview will determine whether you land a job.  Employers want to leave an interview feeling that, on top of your academic/experiential qualifications, you 1) are passionate and committed to their mission, and 2) will be an asset in their office through your trustworthiness and sense of teamwork.  Learn more through Harvard Law School's detailed tips for public interest interviewing.

• Networking - the ability to build professional relationships will serve you well not just when looking for jobs, but at all points in your career.  It is an essential skill.  Not only does it open doors to career opportunities, a strong professional network allows you to more effectively do your job in any employment setting.  If networking seems cheap and phony to you, think again.  Networking is not Schmoozing.  Networking will produce contacts who can help you help your clients, and who will become your mentors, peers, and friends.  When you meet new professional contacts: 1) be sincere and be genuine, 2) demonstrate an interest in the work they do and their organization's mission (instead of spending the whole time "selling" yourself), and 3) if you would like to follow up with them in the future, ask for a business card or contact information.