UW School of Law > Careers > Center for Professional and Leadership Development > Finding a Job

Finding a Job

  • Start networking now. Friends and people you know through professional associations are the best resource for finding a job. Talk to your career coach about making alumni connections.
  • Get practical experience for your resume. There are several ways to build practical experience into your academic plan that are fun and helpful to your resume.
  • Find a practice area that interests you and suits your personality and working style.
  • Identify firms, businesses and government agencies focused on your interests. There is a wealth of information online and in the CPLD library about employers in all markets.
  • Participate in the Fall Recruiting Program. Private firms and government employers recruit for 2L summer associates and some post-graduation positions every fall. Begin planning your participation in the summer. More information specific to your class year is on your class page.
  • Check online job postings in Symplicity. Postings are updated frequently, so check back often. You can also create a job search agent within Symplicity to automatically receive new job postings that fit your criteria.
  • Prepare a cover letter, resume and writing sample to apply for a job.
  • Do a mock interview with either your assigned mentor or your career coach to prepare for your interview.
  • Choose the right jurisdiction for taking the bar exam or talk to your coach if you are considering delaying or not taking the bar exam.
  • Keep in touch with your CPLD coach about the process and when you succeed in your search, let us know!  

Last updated 11/13/2012