P.S. to last week's post on editing your Facebook page

Every day seems to bring a new caution regarding online social media. Now the Florida Board of Bar Examiners has announced plans to check Facebook, MySpace, etc., pages of applicants applying for bar admission on a case-by-case basis. To read more, see this report from The Florida Bar News.

Do you need to edit yourself?

"Clean up your online presence." Surely you've heard it before. In Career Services, we feel as if we have given more than enough warnings about the possibility of jeopardizing a job offer or the job itself if your Twitter comments or Facebook photos publicize a side of you which contradicts the impression you have tried to give employers. However, social media catastrophes continue to occur. For some stunning examples of "How Social Media Can Hurt Your Career" click here.

What's the most productive tactic for finding a job?

A recent survey of human resources executives produced their ranked list of the values of various job search methods. Not surprisingly, because it is the mantra of Career Services advisors everywhere, networking took the top spot. If you are intimidated by, afraid of, or just plain tired of hearing that word, think of the strategy simply as "making connections." Clearly, whatever you want to call it, getting yourself out into the real world, meeting people and placing yourself in situations where others can meet you, should be at the top of your list as well.

Read more about the survey and the tips you can take from it here.

Tailor your career planning to today's economy

Although we are beginning to hear predictions that the economy is on the road to its recovery, we know that the road is likely not a short one, so understanding the current climate as a part of your career planning seems essential. To that end, the ABA has added to its website a section full of "economic recovery resources." Although some of the resources are directed toward attorneys who have lost positions in the past year, much of the information and many of the links provide ideas and references applicable to law students. Being informed is the best way to start your proactive job searching process, so check it out.

Special welcome to Moritz 1L students

Career Services staff members Cybele Smith, left, and Pam Lombardi, right, chatted with 1Ls Katie Linehan and Patrick McGrath at the orientation cookout. As you conclude your orientation and begin your classes, Career Services Office extends a very warm welcome to 1Ls. Along with most law schools and larger firms, Moritz is a member of the National Association of Legal Career Professionals, "organized in 1971 to promote the exchange of information and cooperation between law schools and employers." One of NALP's principles restricts law schools from offering career services to first-semester first year law students prior to November 1. You will hear more about NALP and its resources during your 1L Academy.

We encourage you to concentrate on acclimating yourself to your classes for the first couple of months here and to understand that we in Career Services will not be working with you during that time. But be prepared. Once November 1 rolls around, we will be providing lots of information to get you started on planning your career path. We look forward to meeting you!

Invest in your future

You’ve bought your books, you’ve paid your rent, you’ve committed to hours of study. Now maximize the return on those investments. Take control. Make a plan. Use every opportunity.

1. Get the information you need. When you don’t know where to start, when are not certain what type of practice you want where you want to practice, or you have ideas but need to find the jobs, connecting with your career counselor can make your search much more productive.

2. One of strengths of Moritz is a strong and broadly located alum network. Your counselor can help you connect with alums who have successfully negotiated the path from Moritz student to legal practice and who are eager to help you do the same.

3. If you have a specific type of work you really want to do or a particular place in which you want to do it, don’t hesitate to go for your dream job. Your counselor can help you find connections locally and far beyond.

4. Attend events. Panel discussions about particular fields of practice, visiting speakers and job fairs will be offered to you throughout the year. Every one is an opportunity.

5. Perfect your written documents, which are often the first impression you give to potential employers. Beyond spotting such negatives as typos, Career Services counselors can help you (1) turn a good resume into a great one, (2) tailor your existing resume and cover letter to fit a particular practice field or job and (3) get your content concisely onto a single page.

6. When your networking, resume and cover letter have successfully landed an interview, learn you to turn that interview into a job offer. Practice really does make you better, and your counselor can arrange a mock interview so you can work out all the bugs and go into the real interview with confidence .

Travel reimbursements

Don't forget that all students are eligible for a $100 reimbursement for travel expenses related to a career search during each of the second and third years at Moritz. For details on how to obtain your reimbursement, check this Career Services Office web page.