On the afternoon of Thursday, January 13 (3:00-4:30 p.m.), come dressed in your professional best and prepared to network at the Career Fair hosted by the PDO office. As of today, there are representatives from 26 firms, public interest organizations, and government offices who will attend.
Who Should Attend? All those who can from all classes. There are many employers who will hire 1L’s and 2L’s at some point, but there are also employers, such as the smaller firms, whose hiring is a little less predictable or OCI-based. They may be looking in the future for associate attorneys!
Why Should I Attend? This is a way to quickly and painlessly meet dozens of legal employers. In this economy, you don’t want to miss any (easy) chance to rub shoulders with practicing attorneys. It’s also kind of fun. This is an informational fair, and there will not be formal interviewing. PDO has seen, however, students land interviews and jobs after making a good impression at the Career Fair. Each year, Anneliese hears from multiple employers who say that they might not have interviewed X, Y or Z had they not met them at the Career Fair. Also, it shows your interest in employers, can provide great fodder for those cover letters (which can be challenging) and you may actually learn something!
When: Thursday, January 13, 2011, 3:00-4:30 pm.
Where: College of Law Foyer and Hallway by PDO
Attire: Business. For men – Suits, or tie and buttoned-down shirt. For women – Suit or your most professional outfit. A very professional skirt and blouse, or dress, is acceptable. No sundresses, fishnets, jeans, t-shirts, please.
Business cards: Bring them! Offer them to employers as it seems appropriate to you. It is an easy way for the employer to remember you.
Résumés, on good quality paper (the copy center has bond paper). Not everyone will want them, but bring 10-15 copies. If you don’t use them at the Career Fair, you can send them out as part of application packets.
Research employers ahead of time. Find out primary practice areas, firm size, etc. This information is usually on the websites. Here is the link to more information on the confirmed attendees, including names and websites you can research. You can look at employer websites, google names, look at www.martindale.com. Keep in mind, you do not need to do exhaustive research, or know every detail about each employer.
Prepare questions to ask the employers.
Demeanor: Be pleasant and attentive to the speaker. Smile, shake hands firmly, nod, and make eye contact! Thank them for their time. Be courteous to your fellow students by not monopolizing an employer. Talk to employers who don’t seem busy-they will appreciate it. Make an effort to stop by every table—you never know which employer might interest you, or find you interesting! Send thank you’s to those you connect with-PDO will provide email addresses after the fair.
Map: Here is the link to the current layout for employers at the Fair. It is subject to change, and we will let you know if that happens.