Entry-Level Job Search E-Advising

Our goal is to help you find a great public interest job and avoid the common mistakes that can derail your job search. Take a look at our list of common job search mistakes and don’t let them happen to you!

Government Honors Programs are the most common pathway for 3Ls and certain recent graduates to enter government service. In preparation for your 3L year, you should start to get familiar with these opportunities now.

Searching for post-graduate job opportunities can feel daunting if you don’t know where to begin. Learn about the four primary ways to search for entry-level job opportunities.

Once you hone in on the jobs for which you are interested in applying, it is important to start preparing your job search materials in advance. The typical application will include a resume, cover letter, and writing sample. Some employers will also ask for a transcript and references or recommendations. Follow our advice to help you submit materials that get you the interview.

Speaking with attorneys practicing in your areas of interest (i.e., networking) is a critical component of a successful post-graduate job search. If you have been slow to make career connections in your city and/or field of interest, now is the time to kick things into gear, even if you're working remotely this summer.

While the public sector is extremely varied, most employers are looking for a core set of skills. Additional qualities that may be valued by employers in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic are increased flexibility and comfort with remote work. Continue to work on these skills throughout your 3L year and meet with an OPIA advisor to discuss them.

We strongly encourage you to apply for any fellowship that may help you reach the work you are excited about. Because many fellowships require you to pursue a project with a host organization, however, and because some fellowships have very early deadlines, it is important to begin preparing NOW for your fellowship search.

As a 2L, we know it may seem early to start thinking about your post-graduate job search. However, now is the best time to get started with identifying positions that are a good match for your preferences, experience, and skill set.

Although the vast majority of public interest employers will not begin to consider applications for post-graduate employment until the fall, we wanted to alert you to a few earlier deadlines of which we are currently aware.

A successful job search starts with identifying positions that are a good match for your preferences, experience, and skill set. A balance of focus and flexibility is key.