UDSL Job Search Manual - University of Dayton

Career Planning Guide
To be effective, your career planning and
development must be systematic. There are
three basic steps involved in the process.
◗ Self-analysis
◗ Identification and exploration of career
options
◗ Proper packaging of your skills and
qualifications
Step-by-step Guide to
Securing the Right Job
1. Self analysis: Figure out who you are and
what is important to you
Identify your Areas of Interest
Given today’s tough legal market, many
students think they will have to take any job
they can get. Don’t fall into this trap. Access
your personal aspirations, values, and needs. In
what sort of setting would you like to live and
work? Do you want to make a difference in the
world or in individual lives? Are money and
prestige important? What about “quality of life”
issues? Do you want control over your schedule?
Are you willing to work 60-80 hours a week?
Do you want to travel? Are you happy sitting
behind a desk all day? Do you like to work
alone or as part of a team? Do you need creative
freedom or is guidance necessary? The answers
to these and other important questions can be
discovered through self-assessment. We also
offer workshops designed to help you with your
own personal self-assessment.
Identify your Abilities
Next you need to define your abilities:
intellectual, emotional, physical, and
interpersonal. These are the attributes,
expanded by your education and experience,
which you have to offer potential employers.
2. Identify and Explore Your Career Options
Identify your Options
Once you have a career path in mind, you need
to find out what jobs are available. Certainly
there are positions in small, medium, and large
firms. There are also positions in the judicial
system, in state and federal agencies, in large
corporations, and in public interest organizations.
There are also “alternative” legal careers
in academia, corporate America, and consulting
firms. The options are endless and it is up to
you to discover them. The CSO offers a number
of programs and resources to assist you in the
identification process.
Research your Options
After you have identified different areas of
interest, you must begin your research phase.
Read as much as you can to learn about various
positions. What kind of educational background,
work experience, and skills do they require?
How well would the position satisfy your needs
and aspirations? Talk to people at different levels
in a variety of jobs. Get their perspectives on
the advantages and disadvantages, requirements,
day-to-day activities, etc. We offer numerous
resources, networking opportunities, and workshops
that teach you step-by-step how to build
and utilize a legal network.
Properly Package your Skills and Qualifications
Once you know what career path you are
pursuing, you need to properly sell potential
employers on your eagerness and ability to fill
the position. You must be able to write effective
cover letters and resumes, conduct informational
interviews, and perform well in job interviews.
We provide workshops, resources, and individual
counseling sessions to assist you in these
endeavors.