Write an article; find a job

Please note that this post is from 2009. Evaluate with care and in light of later events.

Debra Bruce suggests that lawyers looking for work think about writing an article to aid in finding a job:

Start now to generate opportunities to distinguish yourself from the competition and widen your circle of connections. Remember, relationships make the difference, especially in a tight market. You probably have more time available for research and writing now. Establish your expertise (or develop some), and give your resume some additional sparkle by writing an article on a legal topic you are interested in. via lawjobs.com Career Center – Aid Your Job Search: Get Published .

Importantly, she suggests that non-law review articles may be the best bet here:

You don’t need to write a law review article. Contact industry magazines, legal newspapers, business journals and online publications. They need new articles every month or even more frequently, and most don’t require blue book citation. Many employers are more likely to read articles in such publications than in law reviews.

This is good advice, and very similar to the idea behind blogging as a means for finding a job. By become an expert on a subject, and demonstrating both that expertise and your writing ability, you increase the chances of connecting with a potential employer. In addition, interviewing other experts in order to write your article gives you a reason to speak with potential employers or collegues without asking for a job – which can be key for good networking. Again, networking is the key – which is not always something I do very well!

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