I'm a 1L and trying to get some applications ready to go out tomorrow. I'm applying to some smallish firms (assume 50-200) and am wondering about protocol on how to use people I know.
If I know someone at the firm a little bit (alumni that I've met, etc.) is it appropriate to send them the materials as well with the hope that they will put a good word in. Any advice on how to phrase this beyond "soooo... I'm applying to your firm"?
Harvesting Network Connections Forum
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ph14
- Posts: 3227
- Joined: Mon Sep 12, 2011 11:15 pm
Re: Harvesting Network Connections
Just be concise and direct, and don't expect too much. Something like:jacksonmead wrote:I'm a 1L and trying to get some applications ready to go out tomorrow. I'm applying to some smallish firms (assume 50-200) and am wondering about protocol on how to use people I know.
If I know someone at the firm a little bit (alumni that I've met, etc.) is it appropriate to send them the materials as well with the hope that they will put a good word in. Any advice on how to phrase this beyond "soooo... I'm applying to your firm"?
"Hi [So-and-so],
I really enjoyed meeting you at [XYZ networking event] and discussing [the Commerce Clause]. I just wanted to let you know that I submitted my application for summer employment with your [firm]. [Perhaps, reason you are interested in the firm here if you have a good one (i.e., they are IP and you want to do IP]. Have a happy holidays and thanks for your time.
Sincerely,
[jacksonmead]"
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rad lulz
- Posts: 9807
- Joined: Sun Feb 19, 2012 10:53 pm
Re: Harvesting Network Connections
Use a combine
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BeenDidThat
- Posts: 695
- Joined: Thu Feb 03, 2011 12:18 am
Re: Harvesting Network Connections
Here's how to start: stop thinking about "using" or "harvesting" connections.
Next, and assuming you're not a sociopath, treat them like you would treat other human beings. Talk to them. They will probably ask you about what you're doing. Then you can tell them you're a 1L. Since they are lawyers, they understand that being a 1L entails "I NEED A JERB!!!" If they can help you, and they want to, they will.
Normal people want to help other people. Maybe you've just been swayed by all the finance douchebags' terminology into thinking that you need to scheme to get other people to help you. You don't. You just need to be a nice, normal person.
Next, and assuming you're not a sociopath, treat them like you would treat other human beings. Talk to them. They will probably ask you about what you're doing. Then you can tell them you're a 1L. Since they are lawyers, they understand that being a 1L entails "I NEED A JERB!!!" If they can help you, and they want to, they will.
Normal people want to help other people. Maybe you've just been swayed by all the finance douchebags' terminology into thinking that you need to scheme to get other people to help you. You don't. You just need to be a nice, normal person.
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Agent
- Posts: 343
- Joined: Thu Nov 24, 2011 2:03 pm
Re: Harvesting Network Connections
+1. Surprising how many people don't get this.
BeenDidThat wrote:Here's how to start: stop thinking about "using" or "harvesting" connections.
Next, and assuming you're not a sociopath, treat them like you would treat other human beings. Talk to them. They will probably ask you about what you're doing. Then you can tell them you're a 1L. Since they are lawyers, they understand that being a 1L entails "I NEED A JERB!!!" If they can help you, and they want to, they will.
Normal people want to help other people. Maybe you've just been swayed by all the finance douchebags' terminology into thinking that you need to scheme to get other people to help you. You don't. You just need to be a nice, normal person.
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typ3
- Posts: 1362
- Joined: Sun Feb 28, 2010 12:04 am
Re: Harvesting Network Connections
This. This is how networking works.BeenDidThat wrote:Here's how to start: stop thinking about "using" or "harvesting" connections.
Next, and assuming you're not a sociopath, treat them like you would treat other human beings. Talk to them. They will probably ask you about what you're doing. Then you can tell them you're a 1L. Since they are lawyers, they understand that being a 1L entails "I NEED A JERB!!!" If they can help you, and they want to, they will.
Normal people want to help other people. Maybe you've just been swayed by all the finance douchebags' terminology into thinking that you need to scheme to get other people to help you. You don't. You just need to be a nice, normal person.
