If you’re searching for a job, the headlines couldn’t be more dire:

“U.S. Joblessness Hits a 25-year High”

“Nation’s Unemployment Rate Bolts to 8.5%”

“New Jobless Claims Jump to 669K”

In this grim market, candidates are scrambling for the “secret” to job search success. Well, here’s the real secret: landing a legal position requires that you create and scrupulously execute a plan that focuses on tried-and true job search basics, from savvy networking to drafting a compelling resume to effective interviewing.

If you’re conducting a job search, it pays to remember the fundamentals:

1. Your written materials must be impeccable. With a glut of candidates in the legal job market, employers can afford to ruthlessly evaluate applicants. If your cover letter and resume are not impeccable, employers will quickly toss them into the reject pile. Avoid the employment “dead zone” by creating written materials that are employer-focused. When writing your documents, bear in mind that employers read your correspondence with one question in mind: What’s in it for me? Answer this question by highlighting the accomplishments and skills that uniquely qualify you for the position.

Demonstrate your value by touting your most impressive and relevant qualifications. Take the time to draft powerful statements that provide specific examples of how you achieved success in past positions, whether legal or non-legal, part-time or full-time, paid or volunteer. Write tailored, targeted documents for each position for which you apply. When responding to a job posting, integrate information from the posting into your correspondence. No matter how discouraged you may feel in your job search, never let it show in your written or verbal communications with employers. No one wants to hire someone who is desperate. Legal employers are drawn to candidates who are positive, confident and self-possessed.

In case you need reminding, your documents must be visually appealing and error-free. Even a single typo will tank your chances of landing an interview. If you’re not getting interviews and your cover letter or resume contains an error, don’t blame the economy.

2. Identify opportunities from a variety of sources. Do not rely solely on Symplicity for job opportunities. Savvy and resourceful job seekers mine a range of sources for job possibilities. There are numerous online resources that advertise legal and non-legal positions. These include the Government Honors & Internship Handbook, PSLawNet, Lawyers Weekly Jobs, and USA Jobs. For information about these sites and many others, see the CSO’s Internet Resource Guide.

3. Cover your bases. Job postings cannot possibly provide you with access to every available opportunity. In fact, it’s estimated that some 85% of all legal jobs are not advertised. When jobs are posted, a legal employer may receive hundreds of resumes for a single position. This is why a self-initiated targeted mailing is an essential component of your search.

A targeted mailing is not a mass mailing. Employers loathe being included in mass mailings. In a targeted mailing, you create a carefully compiled list of employers for whom you’d like to work, defined as a group by geographic location, type and size of business, and areas of practice. You may research legal employers using sites such as Westlaw, Martindale Hubbell (www.martindale.com), and the NALP Directory of Legal Employers (www.nalpdirectory.com). Once you have identified employers, mail a tailored cover letter along with your resume. If you haven’t heard back from an employer within two weeks, make a follow-up telephone call to the contact person.

4. Network, network, network. There’s no substitute for savvy and relentless networking. Contact with people – either directly or through a mutual contact – is the most effective way to get a job.

Many job seekers, especially students, lament their lack of contacts. No contacts, you say? Nonsense. Whether you recognize it or not, you already have a network of people who can be immensely helpful in your job search. And remember, it’s not just who you know – it’s also who they know. Examples include friends, classmates, relatives, undergraduate and law school professors, colleagues and former co-workers. Contact these folks by telephone, email or old-fashioned “snail” mail. When you make contact, do not ask for a job. Rather, ask for information and advice. People are generally flattered and forthcoming when asked for their guidance and expertise. You should also ask your contacts for referrals to others who may have or know of job openings. You’ll be amazed at the great advice and job leads that materialize from simple human interaction.

Continuously grow your network by becoming active in alumni and bar associations, student organizations, and civil, social, charitable, and political organizations.

Think creatively about networking. If you read an article featuring an attorney who practices in your area of interest, send the person a letter introducing yourself, indicating that you read the article with interest, and then request an informational interview. If a moot court judge offers you constructive criticism, send a thank you note and ask for an informational interview. They won’t feel put upon – they’ll feel flattered. Don’t forget about Career Services – we can put you in touch with people who practice in your area of interest. Contact them. Ask for an informational interview. That’s a great way to get face time with practitioners, and really impress someone who does what you want to do. When you’re out and about, wear your “Wayne Law” gear. Many students have had attorneys, particularly alumni of the Law School, walk up to them and introduce themselves.

5. Cast a wide net. If you have a particular career goal, pursue it. At the same time, do not limit your options. Consider a full range of opportunities that will help you grow professionally. If you want to work at a law firm, apply to large, midsize and small firms. You should also consider applying to courts, government agencies and public interest organizations. Temporary, contract or even volunteer positions can open doors and provide great experience and networking contacts. Also, consider broadening the geographic scope of your search as much as possible.

6. Prepare for interviews. Never wing an interview. Employers will know, and you won’t get an offer. To prepare, you should (a) develop four to six talking points that highlight your relevant skills, experiences and accomplishments, (b) prepare answers to questions you’ll likely get – including tough questions (“Why aren’t your grades better?”), (c) research the employer and the interviewers and weave your knowledge into the interview, (d) develop questions to ask, and (e) practice, practice, practice.

7. Interview effectively. Every interviewer wants to know two things: Are you smart enough to do the job? Do I want to work with you? Impress interviewers by being prepared, articulate, confident and enthusiastic. Express your willingness to learn and work hard. When describing your skills, share anecdotes that demonstrate your point. It’s one thing to say you have a great work ethic. It’s far more compelling to state that while taking a full course load, you also participated in moot court and worked part-time as a law clerk. In drawing on your experiences, don’t undervalue the importance of skills gained in non-legal and volunteer positions.

During the interview, employers look for traits that are not necessarily apparent from your resume: motivation, initiative, creativity, confidence and sound judgment. Always ask questions. This shows that you’re curious and engaged about the employer’s work. And remember, personality counts. Employers ultimately hire people they like and want to work with.

8. Follow-up. At the end of the interview, ask what the next step will be and when you should expect to hear from the employer. Within 48 hours of the interview, sent a thank you note. Your note should be sent via U.S. mail (rather than email), and it must be error-free. If there has been no response in the time period provided by the employer, make a polite telephone inquiry.

9. Pay attention to professional details. In all of your communications with employers, be professional, courteous and honest. Respond promptly to employer requests for additional information, documents and decisions. When emailing employers, steer clear of casual and informal dialogue. An email to an employer should be as professional in format, style and content as a typewritten letter. Before you send the email, print out a copy and proof for spelling, punctuation and grammar. Do not send anything via email to a prospective employer that you would not print out on your personal letterhead and send via regular mail.