When you graduated from the paralegal program how hard was it to find your first job?

Jessica,

While many paralegals take government or corporate jobs, and could potentially stay in them for their entire career, the resumes I have seen for paralegals working for private firms often reflects a change in jobs about every five years. The reasons for this are numerous. Additionally, they usually don't land in the ideal position until the second, and sometimes third job.

The first job for many paralegals may not be the job you are expecting. I encourage you to get on LinkedIn and join the Paralegal groups. Many entry level paralegals spend months searching for the first job, and take anything they can to get their foot in the door. This could be doing only client in-take. For example, bankruptcy and social security disability firms have people who assemble all the paperwork needed to get the case ready. You meet with clients and get their bank statements, divorce decrees, etc. and put it all in the order the attorney wants it in. Not super-exciting, but a very important role. Here in San Antonio, we actually have call centers who screen incoming calls, and refer the potential cases higher up. Again, not exciting, but it's a foot in the door. Or you could be a file clerk.

Each of the above jobs is very important, and it is extremely important that you approach them with a positive, and professional, attitude.

I also want to point out what we call "transferable" job skills. The ability to interview people, and discuss sensitive information with them in a professional manner is a skill you can pick up in other jobs, as is the ability to fill out forms, file documents, or work in a call center environment. When you go for that first job, you will be drawing on the experience you have obtained in other positions - not just your paralegal training. Make sure your resume is perfect. The quality of your resume is a reflection of the type of work you will do for the firm.

Please also do your homework on salaries in your area. payscale.com has some excellent information. Figures used by schools in marketing the program tend to be unrealistically high. You need to know what is considered "good," so you don't turn down something you later realize you should have taken.

On a final note, don't overlook the importance of the internship. It could possibly lead to a job, or a referral to another office that is hiring. Do your best! Always!!!