Last week, we talked about how to spread the word that you're looking for a job among your Level 1 Contacts and how to maintain your network. This week, we're talking about how to expand your Level 3 Contacts (people you don't know, but are somehow connected to already) and turn them into Level 1 Contacts.
One of the best ways to expand your Level 3 Contacts is to join professional organizations and committees. Organizations, committees, clubs, WSBA small sections, WSBA committees, local and minority bar associations, and other groups provide a wonderful opportunity for you to meet other professionals in your field who might have job openings, know of job openings or referrals, or provide support for your job search process.
- When you join an organization, look for contacts in their member directory. Attorneys who hold executive offices within an organization are a great place to start -- they are expecting people like you to contact them!
- Attend meetings and presentations. After a presentation, you could approach the speaker and introduce yourself and ask if you could meet them sometime to ask a few questions about their line of work or the topic of their presentation. You can also network with other attendees by making small talk about what they found helpful in the presentation, where they work, etc. Be sure to get business cards from the people you meet.
- Attend organizational social hours, happy hours and other "informal" events
- After meeting someone new, be sure to follow-up with a thank you email or quick phone call within a week!
Another great place to expand your Level 3 Contacts is at career fairs and receptions, like the Public Interest Law Fair or Diversity Fellowship Receptions. The CPLD and CPS regularly invite alumni and employer representatives to talk to students about careers. These events provide an easy, safe way for students to develop relationships with contacts who are specifically interested in helping students explore careers or find jobs. Even if you don't think that you would be interested in the organizations at these events, attending the event is worthwhile because the attorneys who are there will have friends who work in other practice areas and for other firms or organizations.
