How Can I Prepare for OCI and an Independent Job Search?
- Stay in touch with us - we are here all summer during regular business hours to respond to your questions, review your resume, talk strategy, or conduct a mock interview.
- Review OCI Employer Information - beginning July 15, Symplicity and the CSO website will have updated information about employers coming to campus, participating in the Philadelphia and Washington, D.C. interview trips and requesting/collecting resumes. View employer websites to learn more about them.
- Resume - it must be perfect! Show it to a CSO counselor so we can help you make it perfect!
- Transcript (law school AND undergraduate) - have an unofficial transcript ready to copy and at least one official. Visit the undergraduate Registrar's Office website to find out how to obtain your law school transcript. Create a grade sheet report and/or upload it to Symplicity.
- Writing Sample - get permission from your employer to use your best work (no more than 10 pages in length) from summer employment. Employers generally want legal analysis in a writing sample that is generated outside of your first year writing course. Alternatively, use the argument section from your 1L appellate brief. Include a cover sheet with the same contact information on your resume, the purpose for which the writing sample was written, and a sentence or two with pertinent facts. Pat Wysor, in the Legal Writing Center, is also available to work with you on your writing sample (email her at Wysor@pitt.edu).
- Cover letter review - most employers view these as the first writing sample they see. These have to be perfect too. Let us review yours!
- Mock interview (videotaped) - your resume may get you the interview, but it is your interview that will get you the job. Schedule a mock interview with one of the CSO counselors over the summer or participate in the August Mock Interview program.
- Voice Mail - make sure your message is professional.
- Name changes - report a change of name to the registrar and to the CSO in writing so that we always know who you are.
- Wardrobe - You do not want to be remembered for how you were dressed at the interview. For men, we recommend conservative (not double-breasted) suits in charcoal grey, navy, or dark khaki with white shirts and tie (not a bow-tie). Shoes should be freshly polished and tied - no loafers. Women should also dress conservatively, but have a broader range of colors from which to choose. Skirts should be close to the knee. Dresses with jackets are appropriate. Long hair should be pulled away from the face and simple jewelry is appropriate. Avoid fragrances. Shoes should be a basic comfortable pump - no platform heels.
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