Written by: Stefania Rotundu
So you are in 3L and perhaps you have not yet secured an articling position – what is next? For the students who invested time and energy into recruitments, it is understandable to feel lost when the outcome was not what you hoped for. Do not to despair! As you continue your search, here are five tips from our articling student, Stefania Rotundu, who recently went through the same demanding articling recruitment process and landed a fruitful articling experience.
- Persist
This might sound like redundant advice. However, if you’ve heard it repeatedly, it’s probably because it is the single-most important thing you can do. Some people may have found a position sooner, but that doesn’t mean that you won’t find one. If you haven’t been successful this round, that doesn’t mean you never will. Research by psychologists has shown that that the secret to success is grit – a combination of passion and perseverance.
- Maintain a Positive Attitude
It can be tough to stay positive and maintain confidence when you’ve received a few rejections, but having a positive mindset can make a big difference. The recruit is just one opportunity. Stay upbeat about your next chance, whether it’s through periodic job postings or through opportunities you create for yourself. An interviewer will likely have a more favourable impression of a candidate who is optimistic and enthusiastic.
- Network
You might have heard this advice countless times in law school, but it is worth repeating. Network with people not for what they can give you, but for what they can teach you. Building a professional network can open doors to opportunities that you may not find through traditional recruitment and job searching. Networking will also expose you to different practice areas and help you explore interests you might not have considered. You may discover an interest for a field you never considered pursuing.
- Advertise That You’re Actively Seeking
While it can be tempting to keep your job search secret after a difficult recruit, being open about your search can help you find more opportunities. Let people in your network know that you are actively seeking opportunities. It may increase your chances of hearing about opportunities you didn’t even know existed.
- Plan Ahead and Keep an Open Mind
If you find yourself struggling to find your footing after your recent setback, the next best step is to create a plan for yourself and identify what you can start doing today. Equally important is staying open-minded about potential opportunities that may not fit your initial expectations.
We hope some of these tips assist you as you continue your search. Remember to persist and be positive.
