Expert: Andy - 2/7/2007

Question
I am in the throes of trying to find a job in the legal market before I graduate
from my advanced law degree in Asia.  I received my initial law degree from
the U.S. (I am American) and am off in a 2 year advanced law degree in Asia.
I'm only here until March 8th so I'm trying to be as productive as I can (while
studying for the bar exam in a new state).  I've always heard the "squeaky
wheel gets the oil" works with law firms, but how squeaky is too squeaky?

I've always heard to end a cover letter stating that you will follow up with a
phone call in about two weeks or so. I've called a few places and left
messages with the hiring director but no one has returned my phone call. I
also haven't received the dreaded, but all too familiar, rejection letters
through the mail or email.  So, my question is: Do I call again? Do I follow up
with an email regarding the phone call? If I call again, do I leave another
message?  I told one firm a week ago that I will be in their city next week and
I received an email stating that I would hear back from them, but I haven't.  I
called and left a message but didn't receive a phone call back. This sounds
like bad news (but possibly they have a backlog of resumes since it's the tail
end of the hiring season), but is there anything else I can do on my end?  I
also received an email from a hiring director asking me to clarify when I
would be available to work (to which I responded) but then didn't hear
anything back (it's been two weeks now).  Should I follow up with a phone call
or an email? (the initial communicaton was via email...)

Additionally, of the firms that I've received rejection letters, there were some
that I would really like to work for. My academics fit their criteria, but because
most firms hire from their on-campus interviewing program and don't
normally  hire advanced law degree students for their summer internships,
I'm outside their traditional hiring methods.  
Would it be appropriate to call the hiring partner of the firm and ask for an
informational interview even after getting a rejection?

I went to a  midwest law school (albeit a top school) but one without many
alums in the cities I am looking to work in, so I'm out those contacts.  Do you
have any ideas on  how to make contacts another way?  Joining the bar
association groups haven't led to anything either.

Thanks!

Answer
My apology for the delay in responding to your question. I am in the process of moving & my time has been taken up addressing that issue.

There’s a fine line between being persistent & a pain in the neck. However, you need to be available to interview with a firm on their timetable not necessarily yours. Many firms would not consider a candidate that is living in another country but rather wait for the candidate to be established in the US. I’m sure that is why the hiring Director needed clarification as to your availability. Having said that, I would continue to call until you receive an answer.

It’s unprofessional for a firm not to respond to your phone calls & this also gives you some insight to the organization. If this is the manner in which they treat employees while they are actively seeking talented professionals, how will they treat you if hired?

I would certainly contact the hiring partner of those firms who you believe there rejection was based on your being outside their normal hiring mode of operandi. If nothing else, you will certify that your perception is correct & if it is incorrect, it will give you the 2nd opportunity to sell yourself.

Networking is a major component in landing a job. Don’t just consider alumni as potential sources or contacts but rather use your life cycle network of professors, teachers, friends, extended family members, members of the clergy & others that have crossed your path.

Most importantly, do not become discouraged or disillusioned because this will just drag you down and will be quite evident to any trained hiring manager. I would also not mention a “follow-up call” in your cover memo; I would just do it. I’d call stating that you   forwarded your resume to the firm & that you are very interested in meeting with someone to discuss your skills toolbox & work history. Let them know you are very interested in their firm (of course learn as much as you can about the firm in advance) because flattery does indeed work.

If you become a pest, you’ll be told so. I wouldn’t let that concern stop you from reaching your ultimate goal. I wish you the best of luck during your job search & rest assured there’s an excellent job out there waiting for you. I hope you find this advice helpful. When time permits, please answer the allexperts.com questionnaire.

Regards,
Andy