The short answer is “as many as it takes.” Job searching is a full time job so to speak. However, do not blindly send out applications. Be strategic about it, and make sure that you garner your relationships.

Grow your network! Make sure that you are staying competitive by seeking out all avenues of job opportunity! Most people tend to hire either people they know, or people who they meet through other people. Check out our guide on the Hustle!

First, research who you are meeting with. Ask your career counselor if they have been to the school to interview before. What helped others succeed before you. What mistakes did they make that you should avoid. For further tips on nailing your interview. Check out our guide.

The best answer is maybe. Recruiters for newly graduated individuals cost money. If you are someone who is making a lateral transition, and has a large book of business, then that is different (because you suddenly have become valuable to that recruiter, and they can make a fee off of you).

If you have the opportunity, yes, absolutely! It is one of the most rewarding experiences you will ever have. The view from the bench allows you to see how two different sides interact. In addition, if you obtain a federal clerkship after law school, many firms will pay you a bonus, as it increases your marketability to their clients.

Your resume should not be just a standard resume. It should be crafted to fit the job post. Many companies nowadays use parsing software for resumes, in order to weed out unwanted candidates. Check out our guide on tips for crafting the perfect resume here.

Absolutely, think about it. You are going to have multiple jobs, companies that you are going to be applying to. In addition, you are also going to be most likely applying to jobs in a variety of practice areas. Some will be for big law, others might be for clerking for judges. Your audience varies, and so is what they are looking for from you!

The cover letter is just one part of your overall application package. Nowadays, most firms and companies use software to parse out the resumes first, and then go to the cover letter after the initial set of resumes are culled. Customization in that cover letter is key. You want to tell them a little bit about yourself, but also that you’ve done the research. Yale Law School has a great guide on this as well.

Yes, it doesn’t have to be long or drawn out, but it should be done to show your appreciation of the interviewers time, as well as your knowledge of the conversation (show you were paying attention!)

Do it within 24-hours.

You should really only be doing a lateral transfer when you have something to significantly gain (such as higher pay, or you are on the wrong side of a political climate, or there is a better, more prestigious firm out there for you. BCG Search.com, a recruiting company can be a great resource, and has written extensively on the subject.

Your marketability as a lawyer depends on your ability to bring in jobs, bring in clients, and bring in a book of business. Increasing your marketability can be done in a variety of ways, including:

• Winning cases/closing deals to show a consistent track record
• Writing articles to raise awareness around your skillset
• Networking (just because you got the job, doesn’t mean you’re done!)
• Getting referrals from existing clients.

For more on the subject, see Ryan Johnson’s guide to increasing your marketability as a junior associate.

Most likely you will be fine working on a document review job. The pay is definitely lower, but most firms nowadays recognize that most people may need to take a document review job before making it into law. Just note that you should continue to look, while working at a document review position (don’t become complacent).

Similar to the above, you should always be looking for work, if you are either in a temporary position, or conducting document review (unless this is the chosen career path for you).