Posts Tagged career resources

Job o’ the Day: Program Director at the Urban Alliance Foundation in Chicago!

June 1, 2012 at 1:15 pm · Filed under Public Interest Jobs ·Tagged , , , , ,

Urban Alliance, founded in Washington, DC in 1996, is seeking its first Chicago Program Director to implement a proven program model during an exciting expansion into Chicago, IL.

The mission of Urban Alliance is to empower under-resourced youth to aspire, work and succeed through paid-internships, formal training, and mentoring. Urban Alliance provides high school students with long-term, paid internships in professional settings where each student’s supervisor also serves as his/her mentor. Additionally, we provide job readiness, life-skills, and financial literacy workshops, as well as assistance with college and vocational planning. Over the last decade, Urban Alliance has served over 10,000 youth, maintained a 99% high school graduation rate, and facilitated 88% of program alumni enrolling in college.

As the focus of the non-profit and foundation community has shifted to evidence-based practices, Urban Alliance has been consistently recognized for measuring and delivering outcomes that make a difference in the lives of youth, and the results have led to increased funding and rapid growth. Urban Alliance opened its first Program Office outside of Washington, DC in 2008 in Baltimore, Maryland. Building on that successful expansion, Urban Alliance is currently opening a Chicago Office and will serve Chicago Public School students in the fall of 2012.

Urban Alliance is looking for a youth development professional to implement its proven program model and establish Urban Alliance as the standard for excellence in youth employment in Chicago. The position will report to the Chicago Executive Director as well as to the Chief Program Officer. The Program Director is charged with ensuring that program fidelity is maintained while the Urban Alliance core values are followed in the new office. Urban Alliance is seeking a youth expert, who is as comfortable speaking with youth as speaking with business and community leaders in all sectors. The individual must be committed to Urban Alliance’s mission and values and willing to put youth first while working to realize the larger organization’s goals.

Find out how to apply at PSLawNet!

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Job o’ the Day: Community Law and Policy Intern at the Center for Collaborative Change in Newark, NJ!

May 30, 2012 at 1:15 pm · Filed under Public Interest Jobs ·Tagged , , , , , , ,

The Center for Collaborative Change is seeking an energetic, dedicated graduate student or recent graduate with inter-disciplinary skills and a passion for collaboration to join our team as a Summer 2012 Community Law and Policy Intern.  Current projects that interns could be involved with include a community wide needs assessment for Newark, community input portions of the Newark Master Plan, and a non-profit community organization incubation summit.

The Center for Collaborative Change is a community-based nonprofit that brokers collaborative solutions to make Newark thrive. Our mission is to engage community and civic leadership in policy and program development in order to accelerate Newark’s revitalization while ensuring that the process includes and responds to the priorities of its community members. The Center is committed to restoring trust between Newark’s decision-makers and residents, realigning them to be on the same team, and using the knowledge and resources of that alliance to establish a critical mass of reforms that will bring Newark to a tipping point where a positive cycle of health, abundance and opportunity can achieve momentum. For more information about the Center, please visit our website: http://www.newarkchange.org.

See the full listing at PSLawNet!

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Job o’ the Day: Staff Attorney at the Coalition to Abolish Slavery & Trafficking (CAST) in LA!

May 4, 2012 at 1:15 pm · Filed under Public Interest Jobs ·Tagged , , , , ,

The Coalition to Abolish Slavery & Trafficking is looking for a Staff Attorney. Under the supervision of the Policy and Legal Services Director, the Staff Attorney will be responsible for providing comprehensive legal services to survivors of human trafficking including assisting clients seek immigration, criminal and civil relief with an emphasis on immigration assistance.

The Staff Attorney will also be responsible for coordinating the legal program’s emergency response to breaking cases and developing and providing training on the issue of human trafficking to partner organizations, law firms, and law enforcement. This is a full- time, exempt position.

The mission of the Coalition to Abolish Slavery and Trafficking (CAST) is to assist persons trafficked for the purpose of forced labor and slavery-like practices and to work toward ending all instances of such human rights violations. Our activities are interconnected by a client-centered approach that seeks to empower survivors of trafficking to fully realize their individual potential while advancing the human rights of all trafficked survivors. CAST is providing the momentum for these survivors to plant the “seeds of renewal” that will give them the freedom to grow in the direction of their potential and dreams.

Learn how to apply at PSLawNet!

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Landing the Job: iPhone, iPad & Android Apps that Can Help!

January 23, 2012 at 11:41 am · Filed under Career Resources ·Tagged , , , , ,

by Kristen Pavón

I read an article last week that suggested 3 iPhone/iPad apps to help with the job search, with the interview process, and then succeeding in your job. I was a bit disappointed with the options. So, I did my own research and found a few other useful apps to help out — any edge you can get, right?

1. JobMo (Android version here)

This app is similar to Indeed’s Job Search app that aggregates job listings. However, this app allows you to mark jobs as favorites, note which jobs you’ve already applied for and find and see jobs nearest to you on an interactive map. It’s free, but for 99 cents, you can get the ad-free version.

2. Interview Buzz Lite (Android version here)

This is one of the apps featured in the article I read last week. There are tons of tips for interviewing, but it’s main function is interview practice. You can choose to practice interview questions within a specific category (for example, communication skills or job performance). The app also provides answers for you! It’s free, but for 99 cents you can upgrade to the pro version.

3. Monster.com Interviews (No Android version yet)

Like Interview Buzz, Monster.com Interviews has a bank of commonly asked interview questions. However, this app gives the user tips on how to prepare for interviews, warm-ups for interview day, last-minute tips, and allows users to set reminders for following up after interviews. Also, the app includes stress relievers and a map to route your trip (a total necessity in my opinion!). The app is super user-friendly and FREE. Go ahead, download it now. I’ll wait.

4. Law Guide (Android Version here)

This app, by thelaw.com, has a pretty comprehensive law dictionary and practice area guide. You can bookmark important sections for later or find other resources through the app. The best part? It’s free!

5. LunchMeet (No Android version but there are a couple other suggestions below)

Based on the book, Never Eat Alone, this app matches you with other professionals in your area who are available to meet for lunch. It’s a great networking tool. I haven’t meet anyone for lunch yet, but I’m signed up! It uses your LinkedIn information, so signing up is simple. It’s free. Start networking!

While LunchMeet has not come out with an Android version (it’s high on their to-do list, apparently), you can try Unsocial or Meetup on Android.

Any other apps that you’d add to my list?

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Are You Ready for a Sponsor?

January 17, 2012 at 2:15 pm · Filed under Career Resources ·Tagged , , , , , ,

by Kristen Pavón

So, we’ve all heard about mentorship and the benefits of having someone to talk to about your career path and help guide you about professional decisions. Well, it’s time to either a) get a sponsor or b) become a sponsor. Sponsorship kicks mentorship up about 10 notches. I had never heard of sponsorship before, but it seems like a necessary relationship to have in this job market.

My colleague, Millie Bond, wrote an article on this very topic after we attended a sponsorship session at NALP’s Professional Development Institute last month.

Here’s a teaser…

Having someone in your corner, whom you can count on to listen to your concerns and provide useful feedback, is valuable and necessary.  Most of us refer to these corner men and women as mentors.  They’re great but when searching for career advancement a corner person isn’t enough.  What you need is a promoter.  This person is able to talk about you and your work to leaders and decision makers within your organization.  These professional promoters are sponsors.

Stellings and Warren describe sponsors as people who “have power and clout, are key decision makers, provide visibility and expand networks, and are active advocates who fight for opportunities.”  In other words, your sponsor is willing and able to sing your praises and has ability to influence other decision makers and leaders within your organization.

Find out how to find or become a sponsor at NALPcomments!

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Free Webinar Series: The Summer Public Interest Job Search

January 5, 2012 at 4:05 pm · Filed under Career Resources ·Tagged , , , , , ,

Save these dates — January 25th and February 1st!

NALP and Equal Justice Works are bringing you a free two-part webinar series on the most important phases of the job application process — cover letters, resumes, interviewing and networking!

Attorneys with years of application review experience will highlight do’s and don’ts; explain how and why public interest application materials may substantively differ from law firm materials; and explore the dynamics of personal interactions in interviews and networking situations.

Presenters:

    • Steve Grumm, Director of Public Service Initiatives, NALP
    • Stuart Smith, Director of Legal Recruitment, New York City Law Department
    • Nicole Vikan, Assistant Director for Public Interest & Government Careers, Georgetown University Law Center

 

Presenters:

    • Nita Mazumder, Program Manager for Law School Relations, Equal Justice Works
    • Nicole Simmons, Career Counselor, The University of Texas School of Law
    • David Zisser, Associate Counsel, The Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights Under Law

Don’t keep it a secret, tell your friends!

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Resume Rework: Avoid “Empty” Words

December 1, 2011 at 10:49 am · Filed under Career Resources ·Tagged , , , , ,

by Kristen Pavón

Last month, CareerBuilder.com released Jobology: 153 Ways to Improve your Job Search. The colorful, easy-to-read 20-page guide is full of quick tips on all stages of the job search — resumes, cover letters, tools for job searching, networking, interviewing, following up and what to do once you get a job offer.

Here are a few of the “nice-sounding (but empty) words” they say to avoid in your resume:

  • meticulous
  • motivated
  • detail-oriented
  • flexible
  • independent
  • innovative
  • successful
  • team player
  • people person
  • ambitious
  • creative

I’m guilty of using one or more of these words in my resumes and cover letters — I guess they are pretty overused…

Career Builder suggests using keywords from the job description and nouns rather than action verbs (Ex. “communications specialist” or “computer proficiency” over “managed” or “developed”).

Are you guilty of using these words in your applications? What are some alternatives to the words on this list?

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Resume Rework: Tips to Impress in 15 Seconds or Less

November 16, 2011 at 9:55 am · Filed under Career Resources, Uncategorized ·Tagged , , , , , ,

by Kristen Pavón

The consensus by recruiters is that they spend 15 seconds or less glancing over resumes to make the first cut for an opening. Sucks, huh? Well, I’ve gathered some useful resume tips for you from several articles on Work Goes Strong that will hopefully help you catch recruiters’ eyes!

1. Say no to the Glamour Shot.

There’s really no good reason to put a picture of yourself on your resume, unless you’re an actor auditioning for a theatrical gig. Save your head shot for your social/business networking profiles — where it’s completely appropriate.

2. Keep formatting sleek and simple.

Use the same font throughout your resume, use consistent formatting and use white space to your advantage. The goal is not to overwhelm.

3. Make sure your email address is professional.

Yeahhhhh, better to leave QTBabyGirl007@yahoo.com strictly for close family and friends.

4. Keep it to 2 pages at most.

This is something I have yet to do. My resume is still a one-pager. However, recruiters say a two-page resume is fine if that’s what it takes for you to present your work history, talents and accomplishments in an easy-to-read and-scan way.

5. Keep your references out of it.

Your references’ contact information should be in a separate document and should only be given on request.

6. No fibbing.

Seriously, don’t lie on your resume.

7. Lose the jargon.

As a Work Goes Strong writer put it, just speak English. “Dense resumes filled with buzzwords, acronyms and corporate-speak are boring.”

8. It’s okay to include relevant personal information.

“A lot of people shy away from any kind of personal information, but that’s often the section on a resume that can give the reader an idea of who you are as a person.”

9. Think of your resume as a sales document and less like a chronological work history document.

I think this tip is particularly helpful because I’ve never thought of placing my work history in a more advantageous order! “Your resume is a brochure about you, and it needs to look good, read smoothly, and tell the reader why you are a great candidate for their specific position.”

10. Sell, sell, sell!

Being humble on your resume will not help you land an interview or a job. “You absolutely must be able to blow your own horn! As Muhammad Ali aid, ‘It ain’t braggin’ if you really did it’ and if you don’t tell them in shining terms about how great you are, who exactly do you think is going to do it?”

There are other great tips here, here and here.

Do you have any other tips for reworking your resume?

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Job o’ the Day: Senior Litigation Attorney at the Legal Advocacy Center of Central Florida!

November 9, 2011 at 12:35 pm · Filed under Career Resources, Public Interest Jobs ·Tagged , , , , , , , , , , ,

This public interest law firm is looking for a senior attorney with 5+ years of experience practicing civil complex litigation and class actions.

The Legal Advocacy Center of Central Florida, Inc. (LACCF) is a non-profit non- Legal Services Corporation restricted law firm dedicated to enforcing the legal rights of eligible low-income clients and disabled persons in Florida Legal Services Region III by providing advice and counsel, legal representation on “impact matters” and class action lawsuits, community education and outreach, and legislative advocacy.

Sound interesting to you? Check out the listing at PSLawNet!

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Landing an Interview: Ending Your Cover Letter on a Strong Note

November 8, 2011 at 2:30 pm · Filed under Career Resources, Public Interest Jobs ·Tagged , , , , , , ,

by Kristen Pavón

Cover letter endings are tricky. In my PR courses, professors advised me not to leave the ball in the employer’s court at the end of my cover letter. So, I usually ended my cover letters with something like this:

I will contact you within a week to follow up on my application. However, you may contact me at blah, blah, blah. Thank you in advance for your time and consideration.

After starting law school and getting some feedback on my resumes/cover letters, I stopped being so “aggressive” and to the chagrin of my PR profs, ended my letters by gingerly placing the ball in the employers’ courts with the shamefully passive “thank you for your consideration and I look forward to hearing from you soon.”

Now, I’m rethinking this whole thing again.

I came across a post on The Nonprofit Times’ Jobs Blog about this very issue.

One of the most common mistakes people make when writing an ending is using passive language.  Here are a few examples:

  • “I look forward to hearing back from you in the near future.”
  • “If you wish to discuss my qualifications further, get back to me.”
  • “I think you will find that my qualifications really fit well with your position, and I hope to hear back from you.”

For me, the problem with these endings is that they show no initiative, no assertiveness, and no glimmer of perseverance!

On the other hand, I’ve heard that more assertive endings can give the employer the idea that an applicant is conceited.

The NPT Jobs blog suggests ending your cover letters on a confident and respectful note, like this:

  • “I will contact you within the week to follow up on my application.  Meanwhile, please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or requests.  Thank you for your time and your consideration.”
  • “I have enclosed my resume, which will contain additional details about my qualifications.  If you have any additional questions, please contact me.  I look forward to discussing the job with you in the coming weeks.”
  • “Thank you for taking the time to review my credentials.  I would be more than happy to answer any questions you might have at your convenience.”
  • “I appreciate you considering me for this position.  I will contact you soon so we can discuss my qualifications further, and see if we can find a time to schedule an interview.”

I tend to agree — by keeping the ball in your court (can you tell I miss basketball? When will this lockout end?!), you’ve set yourself up with an opportunity to talk with an employer and make another good impression.

What do you think? How do you end your cover letters?

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