Careers in International Law


learn quickly), and shows that you are a solution- oriented person.


Being Prepared


The next recommendation is to “be prepared.” There are two key events for which you need to be prepared: (1) responding to job postings, and (2) networking opportunities.


Responding to Job Postings and Resume Requests 50


You may have heard of the “24 hour rule.” This is a rule you can find in many job hunting books that says you have (about) 24 hours to respond to a job posting (the reasoning behind the rule being that after 24 hours, too many people have responded and your resume will likely not be considered). Let me share a story that proves that. I was at a networking event several weeks ago, and as several people and I were standing and talking, we were joined by another attorney. Her blackberry was on vibrating mode, and we could hear the buzzing sound about every 30 seconds. She finally had to explain that just be- fore she left for the event, she posted a job offer. She was running late, so she did not set up a special email address to which all the responses would go. Instead, she provided her own email address. She said that in the several hours since she had posted the job offer, she had received about 47 responses. And they kept coming in.


The point of the story is not to discourage you from applying for jobs but to stress how ex- tremely important is to have all of your informa- tion ready: your resume, your cover letter, your writing sample, your transcript, etc. – so that when an opportunity presents itself, you can seize it and be among the applicants whose re- sponses will be read.


Networking


The second event for which you should always be ready is networking opportunity. Have what is called your “elevator pitch” ready—a short phrase you use to respond to questions like,


“What do you do?” or “What would you like to do after you graduate?” You should have a one or two sentence answer ready. If you do, you will likely appear focused and prepared, and the person with whom you speak might be able to give you some helpful tips on how to get where you want to be (or might even ask you to for- ward her your resume). Also, prepare questions for people who work in the fields that interest you, and when you go to hear a speaker, have your questions ready, too. In other words, if you get into the habit of going to events, you will increase your chances of making the connec- tion that may lead to your ideal job. By being prepared to ask questions, having your resume ready, following up, etc., your chances of mak- ing that connection increase even more.


“One secret of success in life is to be ready for an opportunity when it comes,” said Benjamin Disraeli. Do not miss opportunities to send your resume or to interact with potential employers because you have not updated your resume or because you do not know what questions to ask. Be prepared.


Conclusion


In conclusion, (1) take several international law courses; (2) always be prepared for an oppor- tunity (have several examples of your skills/ strengths ready, have your resume ready, your cover letter ready, your writing sample ready, and – this is important – have your suit ready); (3) be proactive (ask an extra question, go to an extra event, participate in an extra activity). Make it a habit. As they say, good habits make all the difference.


Norman Schwarzkopf said, “The truth of the matter is that you always know the right thing to do. The hard part is doing it.” So do what you can do in this tough job market: be prepared and proactive. And, good luck!


. ILSA Quarterly » volume 20 » issue 1 » October 2011


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