Should I Apply For Jobs During Bar Prep?

Should I Apply For Jobs During Bar Prep?

Although studying for the bar is a task in and of itself, many people wonder whether they should also be starting their job search. In this post, we cover whether you should apply for jobs during bar prep!

Should I Apply For Jobs During Bar Prep?

Should I apply for jobs while studying for the bar exam?

Studying for the bar exam is rigorous, intense, and can be incredibly stressful. Study schedules should be designed to fit your life circumstances, given that your daily habits will make a difference in determining whether you pass the bar exam. If you plan to apply for jobs while studying for the bar exam, then your study schedule must be designed to leave room for the application process. However, if you are unable to incorporate the job application process into your study schedule (i.e., unavoidable time constraints, life circumstances), then you should strongly consider applying for jobs after the bar exam is over. In this blog post, we identify typical job application factors that a candidate should incorporate into their study schedule when applying for jobs while studying for the bar exam.

Bar prep requires a study schedule.

First-time bar takers usually study approximately 40 hours a week, for 10-12 weeks, prior to taking the bar exam. When studying 40 hours a week is not realistic (i.e., because of work schedules or family obligations), candidates begin their studies even earlier. Study schedules should be realistic, organized, and promote time management. Effective study schedules include daily and weekly tasks which ensure that candidates cover all testable subject areas.

At a minimum, your study schedule should incorporate regular breaks to rest, relax, and recharge.

Remember, your main objective is to pass the bar exam.  Taking study breaks promotes greater levels of concentration during intense study periods. For instance, you should consider taking 10-to15 minute breaks in between blocks of study time for enhanced focus and productivity. Breaks can help clear your mind and reduce bar prep anxiety, thus giving your brain the chance it needs to understand the law.

You should also consider incorporating half-day and full-day breaks into your study schedule. These types of longer study breaks could be the positive reinforcement you need to help you stay motivated. When taking longer breaks, be sure to complete all of your weekly study goals prior to taking the half or full day off.

Should I apply for jobs while studying for the bar exam?

It depends! We get it. In addition to the pressure of studying for the bar exam, you may also be burdened by not having a job lined up. We know that bar exam candidates did not go to law school, work hard, and graduate, just to end up unemployed.

Still, you should know that it is ok to focus on passing the bar exam and begin applying to jobs after the exam is over. In some circumstances, the time and effort that it takes to search, apply, and interview for jobs could be better spent studying for the bar. Plus, many employers know and understand that the summer months are when recent graduates are studying for the bar exam. Once you take and pass the bar, you will likely find many opportunities to land first-year associate and entry-level attorney positions.

If you apply for jobs while studying, your study schedule should definitely incorporate the job application process.

If you decide to apply for jobs while studying for the bar exam, intentionally incorporate your job search process into your bar prep study schedule. It cannot be said enough that your first priority is studying to pass the bar and that your second priority is the job search.

Spend about an hour on the job application process, two to four times per week.

The job application process typically involves updating your resume, drafting cover letters, assembling writing samples, gathering referrals, conducting job searches, and interviewing.

• Resumes: Update your resume. Also, consider sending it to your law school’s career services department for review. Career services may also be able to help you redirect job search time towards bar prep by helping you find a job.
• Cover Letters: The most effective cover letters should be written to match each job description. Still, at least write a general cover letter that corresponds to the practice areas that interest you.
• Writing Samples: Be prepared to provide potential employers with one to three writing samples.
• Referrals: Upon request, be ready to furnish one to three business references, and one to three personal references.
• Job Search: There are numerous ways to conduct a job search.
  • Recruiters: Recruiters can help you save time! Recruiters will search for jobs for you, send out your job application materials, and set up your interviews. Be sure to incorporate into your study schedule blocks of time for phone, virtual, and in-person interviews.
  • LinkedIn: We recommend that you create or update your LinkedIn profile. Employers often advertise jobs on LinkedIn. You may be able to save time and easily apply to jobs directly through LinkedIn. Employers and recruiters use LinkedIn to identify and recruit talent.
  • Job Search Engines: Visit general and legal job search engines to find employment opportunities. Maximize the search engine tools by getting automatic alerts for available positions that interest you.
  • Temporary Employment Agencies: Temporary employment agencies may be able to place you in short-term positions.  Sometimes, these short-term positions lead to permanent offers.
  • Contacts: Create a list of contacts and connections in an Excel spreadsheet. On a routine basis, email or call some of your contacts for job leads.
• Interviewing: Again, incorporate into your study schedules blocks of time for phone, virtual, and in-person interviews.

A study break that feels worthwhile.

In addition to dedicating an hour to the job application process two to four times per week, working on select job application tasks at the end of each study day could provide you with a break that feels worthwhile. Consider spending about 10-15 minutes after your studies are over to send or reply to job-related emails or browse job search engines. Most importantly, be sure to do other activities that help you decompress after your daily studies.  These might include cooking a delicious meal, watching a rerun of your favorite movie or tv show, or exercising.

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