Landing Your Job

Because HLS offers guaranteed summer funding for public service work, rest assured that you will land a job. You should focus much of your energies on figuring out what the right fit will be for you and how this summer figures into a bigger game plan for using your three years here to "test drive" different kinds of positions and build marketable skills. Working closely with advisors early on, and taking a thoughtful, individualized approach to job searching, will ensure the best match for the summer and beyond.

In summer 2008, over 390 HLS students worked full-time in public interest work. About 10 to 12 percent of each graduating class takes a public service job upon graduation or after a clerkship. Although the postgrad public service market is very competitive, virtually everyone who takes the appropriate steps eventually finds fulfilling work.

These steps will help you navigate the process of applying for positions and building experience:

• Evaluating the Employer is an important step of the job search process, so that you know before you commit to anything that you would enjoy the work, that it would be useful for your career, and that you would feel comfortable in the work environment. These resources will both help you find positions and gather more information about the organizations.
  • Job Search Database (contains student evaluations of summer employers and clinical/pro bono placements)
  • PSLawNet
  • Office of Career Services Job Search Database
  • Public Service in the Private Sector
  • Public Interest Job Fairs
  • OPIA Attorney Advisors
  • Schedule an Advising Appointment
  • Networking Tips
  • Alumni Advising Network

• Resume and Cover Letter Writing are essential to making a good first impression with an employer. OPIA is available to work with you to perfect these documents. You can have your resume reviewed by dropping it in the Resume Drop Off box in our office at Pound Hall, Room 329, or by calling us at (617) 495-3108 (for 1Ls, after November 1st). Before we edit your resume, though, we ask that you first format your resume according to the advice and examples in the Job Search Guide (also available at the links below). We will try to review your resume and return it with our edits within a week, and if you would like, we will reserve time to go over suggestions with you.
  • Resume Tips
  • Sample Resumes
  • Cover Letter Tips
  • Sample Cover Letters
  • Action Verbs

• Interviewing is in many, if not most, cases the determining factor in securing public service job offers. Be sure to prepare for your interview by researching the position and employer, and speaking with OPIA's attorney advisors about what you should know going into an interview, perhaps even scheduling a practice interview.
  • Interviewing Tips
  • Schedule an Advising Appointment
  • On-Campus Interviewing

• Choosing Between Job Offers and Negotiating is often the most agonizing, though desirable, part of a job search. The process can be delicate, so it is important to consider options carefully, and ultimately, inform those employers whose offers you do not take in a manner that is clear, but does not limit future opportunities.

• Making the Most of Your Summer Job is also an important part of this process, as you will use your experiences and connections to seek further opportunities. Read our tips for establishing yourself and forming strong relationships with your supervisors for some hints on getting the most out of your summer experience.

Job Search Workshop Series

Beginning in early November, OPIA and OCS offer a series of workshops on Public Sector Job Search Strategies, Resume and Cover Letter Writing, and Interviewing Skills. While OPIA generally focuses on public service employers and OCS generally focuses on the private sector, the workshops will convey nuts and bolts skills needed to pursue employment in both areas.

• Resume and Cover Letter Writing Workshops -- now posted online!
• Public Sector Job Search Strategy Workshops
  • Monday, November 2, 2009; 12:00 - 1:00
  • Tuesday, November 3, 2009; 5:00 - 6:00
  • Monday, November 9, 2008; 5:15 - 6:15
• Mock Interviews
  • Monday, November 23, 2009; 4:00 - 8:00
• Public Sector Interview Workshop - Thursday, November 12, 2009; 12:00 - 1:00 
• Advice from 3Ls About the 1L Summer - Wednesday, November 18, 2009; 12:00 - 1:00

Telephone/Fax Service

Our public interest telephone and fax access, located in a private room, is a special service for HLS students seeking public interest jobs. It can be used to contact public interest employers anywhere in the United States free of charge. In order to use the phone or fax, stop by Pound Hall or call (617) 495-3108 to make an appointment.