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Public Interest to Fed Gov
Posted: Tue Oct 27, 2015 9:27 pm
by Anonymous User
I'm a 2015 grad in the Vale. Now that I've passed the bar and been sworn in, I am thinking of applying to some fed gov jobs. Problem is, I don't really have any directly relevant experience. All of my experience has been in criminal law up until now. I'm trying to think of ways to parlay the skills I got doing that work into an agency job. Thoughts on how to go about doing this? Is it even possible to get fed gov without directly relevant experience? Looking at entry level, Grade 11 positions. Thanks!
Re: Public Interest to Fed Gov
Posted: Tue Oct 27, 2015 9:42 pm
by zot1
If you can, get a volunteer job right now in civil work. If more specialized in one area, that would be better.
Make sure to tone down your resume. Instead of saying, "assisted with a double-homicide trial," just say you assisted with trial.
If you did anything non-criminal in law school like clinics or pro bono, use that.
If you took a series of classes that can help (like enviro), mention that in cover letter.
Also in cover letter, make sure to emphasize the practical experience you got not substantive. You'd be surprised how much your litigation experience is valued by agencies that want you to start working right away.
Also, DOJ has criminal jobs.
And if it helps, I got my job (fed agency doing civil work) with a criminal-heavy resume.
Re: Public Interest to Fed Gov
Posted: Tue Oct 27, 2015 9:50 pm
by Anonymous User
zot1 wrote:If you can, get a volunteer job right now in civil work. If more specialized in one area, that would be better.
Make sure to tone down your resume. Instead of saying, "assisted with a double-homicide trial," just say you assisted with trial.
If you did anything non-criminal in law school like clinics or pro bono, use that.
If you took a series of classes that can help (like enviro), mention that in cover letter.
Also in cover letter, make sure to emphasize the practical experience you got not substantive. You'd be surprised how much your litigation experience is valued by agencies that want you to start working right away.
Also, DOJ has criminal jobs.
And if it helps, I got my job (fed agency doing civil work) with a criminal-heavy resume.
Thanks - this was great advice! I appreciate it.