Job Search Preparation
The first steps of your job search include the following six essential elements!
Appointment
Schedule a thirty-minute session with a counselor who can help you find answers to your questions, review resources, and discuss your career goals. Email Career Services or call (619) 260-4529 to set up an appointment.
Résumé and Cover Letter
The Career Services Résumé Guide (available in Symplicity) will help you get started. Review the Guide and email your résumé to Career Services for editing. The Career Services Cover Letter Guide (available in Symplicity) provides sample cover letter components.
Sign in to Symplicity to view the guides. If you don't have an account yet, please contact lawcareers@sandiego.edu.
Transcript
Request an official (sealed) and unofficial copy of your USD School of Law transcript from the Records Office and make several copies. You should also have copies of your undergraduate/graduate transcripts.
Writing sample
During your first and second years of law school, your Lawyering Skills assignments will suffice. Request the Career Services Writing Samples Guide.
References
References are individuals who should know you in a professional context and be able to speak highly of you and your work. Be sure to request permission before listing a reference. Request the Career Services References Guide.
Career services online job search sites
Student Job Listings list school-year part-time and summer full- and part-time law clerk positions with law firms, government agencies, public interest organizations and other legal employers. It is updated daily and is always accessible. Sign in to Symplicity to access the job listings. If you don't have an account yet, please contact lawcareers@sandiego.edu.
