Developing Your Individual Job Search Plan Part 3 From Research to Action Narrator: Tracy Simmons, J.D. Career Advisor

Moving from Research to Action Informational Interviewing Proactively Reaching Out to Potential Employers Get a foot in the door Be an active and involved student

Informational Interviewing The purpose of an informational interview is to gain information that will help in your job search. It is not to interview for a job. Who to interview? Think about professionals who have done what you hope to do, who work in the type of setting you want to work in, or who have something in common with you. Don’t limit yourself to doing informational interviews with only attorneys.  Many professionals work with attorneys in their organizations and can share insights and connections. 

Requesting an Informational Interview SAMPLE Dear Ms. Arnold: Linda Jones, the Director of Career Services at The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law, suggested that I contact you given my interest in exploring a career in health law. I would appreciate the opportunity to spend 30 minutes with you for an informational interview to help guide my curricular and career decisions. Enclosed is a resume to give you a sense of my background. Thank you for your consideration. You have done what I hope to do: graduate from the Moritz College of Law and develop a successful and rewarding health law practice. Any guidance you may provide would be most appreciated. Sincerely, Bee Buckeye Juris Doctor Candidate, Class of 2014 The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law buckeye.xxx@osu.edu (614) 555-5555 Attachment Requesting an Informational Interview Information to include: -Shared connection or why you chose to contact this person -What you are requesting (30 minutes or less) -Why you would like to meet -Your class -Your resume

Informational Interviews Preparation should include: (1) research about the interviewee, the organization, and the area of practice, and (2) developing a list of questions you will ask. After your interview, write a thank you note, and then keep in touch. For a list of sample questions and more information on informational interviews, visit the Moritz Career Services webpage. Informational Interviews Preparing and Following Up

Proactively Reaching Out About Opportunities Call to employers of interest to inquire about possible opportunities Jobs are often not posted, but there may be a need, whether full time, part-time, or project based.  Send targeted mailings to potential employers Who to contact? Recruiting coordinator or hiring manager Personal contact/connection to whom you have been referred Head of practice area of interest Moritz Alumnus Or, call and ask (if the information is not available elsewhere) Do not address letters “To Whom It May Concern”

Proactively Reaching Out: Two Samples Referral-based: I had the pleasure of meeting one of your firm’s associates, Joe Smith, at a recent meeting of the Bar Association's Health Law Committee. Based on Joe’s encouragement and description of the firm’s thriving health law practice, I would like to inquire about a position at X Y & Z firm. Research-based: As a Columbus native who spent three years working in the health care industry, I am impressed by X Y & Z’s legal contributions in the community, particularly in your firm’s practice areas of health law and insurance law. I believe that my experience and strong academic credentials make me an excellent candidate for a law clerk position with X Y & Z. For sample cover letters and introductory emails, see the Career Services Handbook. Proactively Reaching Out: Two Samples Targeted mailings should be done in combination with networking.

Getting a Foot in the Door Suggest part-time or project-based work (similar to STAR opportunities) if a firm does not have a full-time opportunity right now. Think about volunteer opportunities with government and nonprofit employers to gain experience. Help with bar activities, conferences, and other community events where you can meet attorneys.

Being an Active and Involved Student Build connections in the community Gain knowledge and experience in areas of interest Look for opportunities to gain research and writing experience

Developing Your Individual Job Search Plan Thank You Moritz College of Law Career Services Main Phone Number: (614) 247-7805 Hours: 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. (M-F)