Friday, September 4, 2009
This Ain't Rock and Roll, This is...Genocide
I am, I always have been, and always will be in love with David Bowie.
Cover Letters!
Dear Sir or Madam,
For electronic communications, "Re: Law Clerk Position" is better. Best is "Dear (specific person).
Please accept my application for a position in your firm. I am a recent graduate of the University of Virginia School of Law interested in pursuing a career in (your practice area).The standard introduction and rather boring. I need something that will set me apart from other candidates. Something that will get the hiring partner to sit up straighter and read closer. The mood I'm going for is "polite but assertive." Too far would be "ridiculous and cheesy, like a used car salesman."
Possibilities:
Because you are looking for a motivated self-starter with a strong writing ability to work at your office, I believe that I could make an immediate and lasting contribution to your firmToo many ideas are in this sentence. It's too unwieldy. I like the strong opening though. "Since you are lookng for someone good to hire, I am applying (because I am who you are looking for)." Still too unwieldy. Maybe this sentence structure doesn't work. One more try:
Since you are looking for a motivated self-starter to work at your office, I believe that I could make an immediate and lasting contribution to your firm.Actually sounds...pretty good.
Follow it up with who you are and why they should care:
I am a recent graduate of the University of Virgina School of Law interested in interested in pursuing a career in tax law.Slightly less snappy than the previous sentence. It's not bad. "I am a recent graduate of X" is what most employers would want to know. Having my goals up front is good as well. "Pursuing a career in tax law" is pretty mushy. Is there something more specific that I want to do?
Next I need to explain how I am a good candidate for this position, backed by specific examples of accomplishments.
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
magic deck ideas
Viridian Shaman + Umbral Mantle must be one of the easiest two card combos. Both cost 3 and together (plus 2 mana) you get infinite mana and power/toughness. It's only beat by Painter's Servant + Grindstone, which creates its own win condition.
The only problem is that the fastest you can get the combo to work is turn five. There are probably already significant threats to deal with by turn five. Your opponent has probably already drawn a removal spell or a counterspell by turn five (and countered one of your combo pieces). And if you don't win on the turn you combo (you haven't drawn a win condition), it becomes increasingly difficult to protect your combo.
Here's how a typical game might look:
T1 ?
T2 ?
T3 viridian shaman (2g)
T4 umbral mantle (3) + 2 mana. win condition.
So I need to have both combo pieces AND a win condition AND five mana by turn 4/5 to win reliably. This means: 4 * llanowar elf, 4 or 3 * fertile ground.
To fix the mana base, need 4* seaside citadel.
Alternatively cut the wargates altogether.
Instead:
4* viridian joiner
4* umbral mantle
4* drift of phantasms
2* whispersilk cloak
4* counterspell/broken ambitions
4* oona's gatewarden OR traproot kami
4* llanowar
4* fertile ground
4* mulldrifter
1* garruk
1* glen elendra archmage
Lands: 4* breeding pool (oh I wish)
4*flooded grove (I wish as well) or 4*yavimaya coast
x* forests
x* islands
simic signet?
(Instead of 4* simic growth chamber and 4* seaside citadel)
other deck ideas:
1. sigil deck. need recurring enchantments (especially things like prison term, faith's fetters, curse of chains)
2. gilt-leaf archdruid. There must be a way to abuse this card and it basically involves mirrorweave or shield of velis veil
3. where ancients tread + nightmare + stampeding widebeests.
The only problem is that the fastest you can get the combo to work is turn five. There are probably already significant threats to deal with by turn five. Your opponent has probably already drawn a removal spell or a counterspell by turn five (and countered one of your combo pieces). And if you don't win on the turn you combo (you haven't drawn a win condition), it becomes increasingly difficult to protect your combo.
Here's how a typical game might look:
T1 ?
T2 ?
T3 viridian shaman (2g)
T4 umbral mantle (3) + 2 mana. win condition.
So I need to have both combo pieces AND a win condition AND five mana by turn 4/5 to win reliably. This means: 4 * llanowar elf, 4 or 3 * fertile ground.
To fix the mana base, need 4* seaside citadel.
Alternatively cut the wargates altogether.
Instead:
4* viridian joiner
4* umbral mantle
4* drift of phantasms
2* whispersilk cloak
4* counterspell/broken ambitions
4* oona's gatewarden OR traproot kami
4* llanowar
4* fertile ground
4* mulldrifter
1* garruk
1* glen elendra archmage
Lands: 4* breeding pool (oh I wish)
4*flooded grove (I wish as well) or 4*yavimaya coast
x* forests
x* islands
simic signet?
(Instead of 4* simic growth chamber and 4* seaside citadel)
other deck ideas:
1. sigil deck. need recurring enchantments (especially things like prison term, faith's fetters, curse of chains)
2. gilt-leaf archdruid. There must be a way to abuse this card and it basically involves mirrorweave or shield of velis veil
3. where ancients tread + nightmare + stampeding widebeests.
procrastination
In the past month that I haven't been applying to jobs, I have instead:
1. played Diablo II (I'm in the middle of an untwinked nightmare run)
2. listened to 5 or 6 podcasts (most of which update multiple times a week) religiously
3. constructed 6 new magic decks, after dismantling the previous 6.
4. read (and commented on) several libertarian blogs concerning the health care reform debate
5. read several depressing blog posts/news stories on the state of the job market and how to get a job in such terrible economic times
6. slept 10 hours a day.
I've been slowly picking through Godel, Escher, Bach, trying to make sure I understand everything before going on. I would like to finish the book soon, so I can read through The Wealth of Nations.
After that: 6 Not So Easy Pieces and then maaaaybe some Rawls. I would need to blog about it though, to keep things clear. Rawls is a HUGE BITCH. Perhaps I should start with Plato first?
One thing that might help is to eliminate any distraction besides writing. Writing a blog is not so different than writing a cover letter. Both are about myself, both have the same concise, but eloquent prose, both are intensely personal without sounding embarrassing or desperate, and both (should) exude honesty, self-confidence, and intelligence.
1. played Diablo II (I'm in the middle of an untwinked nightmare run)
2. listened to 5 or 6 podcasts (most of which update multiple times a week) religiously
3. constructed 6 new magic decks, after dismantling the previous 6.
4. read (and commented on) several libertarian blogs concerning the health care reform debate
5. read several depressing blog posts/news stories on the state of the job market and how to get a job in such terrible economic times
6. slept 10 hours a day.
I've been slowly picking through Godel, Escher, Bach, trying to make sure I understand everything before going on. I would like to finish the book soon, so I can read through The Wealth of Nations.
After that: 6 Not So Easy Pieces and then maaaaybe some Rawls. I would need to blog about it though, to keep things clear. Rawls is a HUGE BITCH. Perhaps I should start with Plato first?
One thing that might help is to eliminate any distraction besides writing. Writing a blog is not so different than writing a cover letter. Both are about myself, both have the same concise, but eloquent prose, both are intensely personal without sounding embarrassing or desperate, and both (should) exude honesty, self-confidence, and intelligence.
Monday, August 31, 2009
Job Seeker's Journal, Day One
On UT and UH Law symplicity sites, there are a number of postings for law clerk positions that start next fall. These positions pose a problem:
First: I should apply for them, even if I won't get them. I'm only worried about a) the cover letter and b) the letters of recommendation. Clerking is a great job and it only ties me up for one year.
Second: I have a job for next year, which is good as long as I can find temp work in the meantime. And the great thing is that it doesn't matter what kind of temp work as long as it pays money.
Third: I know I shouldn't worry about this, but what about moving in with Tom?
Fourth: I have this instinctual need to keep my options open but this is probably a bad idea. The instinct probably comes from a) extreme risk-aversion or b) not wanting to have to do anything or a combination of the two. These are bad qualities that are unsustainable in the long run (not doing anything and never taking risks ultimately leads to death) and should not be considered.
Verdict: Apply.
Another problem: should I apply for positions in Austin? The answer is yes. The fears that hold me back are:
1. not being able to afford an apartment (money should not be a big issue)
2. mom and dad not liking the fact that i'm not in Houston (they won't care that much as long as I have a job)
3. not being able to start immediately (hey, maybe I could negotiate a start date with employers or work out some other arrangement)
Verdict: Apply to these as well.
First: I should apply for them, even if I won't get them. I'm only worried about a) the cover letter and b) the letters of recommendation. Clerking is a great job and it only ties me up for one year.
Second: I have a job for next year, which is good as long as I can find temp work in the meantime. And the great thing is that it doesn't matter what kind of temp work as long as it pays money.
Third: I know I shouldn't worry about this, but what about moving in with Tom?
Fourth: I have this instinctual need to keep my options open but this is probably a bad idea. The instinct probably comes from a) extreme risk-aversion or b) not wanting to have to do anything or a combination of the two. These are bad qualities that are unsustainable in the long run (not doing anything and never taking risks ultimately leads to death) and should not be considered.
Verdict: Apply.
Another problem: should I apply for positions in Austin? The answer is yes. The fears that hold me back are:
1. not being able to afford an apartment (money should not be a big issue)
2. mom and dad not liking the fact that i'm not in Houston (they won't care that much as long as I have a job)
3. not being able to start immediately (hey, maybe I could negotiate a start date with employers or work out some other arrangement)
Verdict: Apply to these as well.
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
breaking it down
Strategies for finding a job:
1. send resumes out to job openings
2. mass mailing: need to break this down
3. networking: need to break this down
4. targeted search: need to break this down (related: applying for internships)
(this also applies to federal judicial clerkships)
5. job fairs: need to break this down
focus on 1.
1. send resumes out to job openings
2. mass mailing: need to break this down
3. networking: need to break this down
4. targeted search: need to break this down (related: applying for internships)
(this also applies to federal judicial clerkships)
5. job fairs: need to break this down
focus on 1.
Sunday, August 23, 2009
YATTA!
I sent the email to Prof. Allaire! YAY! One down!
As for updates on self improvement, I really think I need to create a schedule for M-F.
Wednesdays can be errand days for any errands I have to do during the week. For every thing else, Saturdays are fine.
Suppose I sleep 8 hrs a night. The other 16 hours multiplied by 7 days equals 112 hrs.
9 to 5 M through F is 40 hours and 16 hours on Sat and Sun are 32 hours for the weekend.
That leaves 40 hours as all other time during the week, before 9 and after 5.
I think I should basically split my time M through F, 9-5 on two things: looking for a job and planning a career.
Looking for a job means a paying position, temporary or permanent in this order:
1. Legal jobs, jobs that target JDs.
(Can I get legal experience or exercise skills that will help me as a lawyer specifically?)
2. Paralegal jobs, jobs that involve management skills
(Can I get general, non-technical skills or experiences that will help me in for different types of careers?)
3. Tutoring jobs in law or mathematics
4. Temp work - temp agency
Starting in Late Sept to October:
5. Clerical work, receptionists, working at a University
6. Retail work in the spring/cypress area
As for updates on self improvement, I really think I need to create a schedule for M-F.
Wednesdays can be errand days for any errands I have to do during the week. For every thing else, Saturdays are fine.
Suppose I sleep 8 hrs a night. The other 16 hours multiplied by 7 days equals 112 hrs.
9 to 5 M through F is 40 hours and 16 hours on Sat and Sun are 32 hours for the weekend.
That leaves 40 hours as all other time during the week, before 9 and after 5.
I think I should basically split my time M through F, 9-5 on two things: looking for a job and planning a career.
Looking for a job means a paying position, temporary or permanent in this order:
1. Legal jobs, jobs that target JDs.
(Can I get legal experience or exercise skills that will help me as a lawyer specifically?)
2. Paralegal jobs, jobs that involve management skills
(Can I get general, non-technical skills or experiences that will help me in for different types of careers?)
3. Tutoring jobs in law or mathematics
4. Temp work - temp agency
Starting in Late Sept to October:
5. Clerical work, receptionists, working at a University
6. Retail work in the spring/cypress area
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Back to Square One
I skipped two days (three if you count Monday) if you didn't notice. This is pretty typical of me--I just got very very afraid of applying for jobs and decided to find other things to do instead. Mostly playing Diablo II.
I'm still not ready to apply but each passing day means fewer opportunities. So I have to force myself to do it. Or something.
I think what I need to remember most is that it's okay to take things one step at a time.
Take for instance, emailing Professor A back. I could do that right now.
But what should I say?
Here are the things I need to do, in no particular order:
1. Thank him. What am I thankful for? His concern about me, his offer to help.
2. Ask about the person who is about to start her 3rd year at Mary Baldwin. She's a PEG? If she needs anything, she can talk to me. I don't know what I have to offer though.
3. Ask him if he can get me in touch with someone. Who? He says people who are doing or teaching law. What do I want to get out of meeting with someone?
4. Tell him how I'm doing. I don't want to complain. What should I send as my message instead? How close to the truth should it be?
I'm still not ready to apply but each passing day means fewer opportunities. So I have to force myself to do it. Or something.
I think what I need to remember most is that it's okay to take things one step at a time.
Take for instance, emailing Professor A back. I could do that right now.
But what should I say?
Here are the things I need to do, in no particular order:
1. Thank him. What am I thankful for? His concern about me, his offer to help.
2. Ask about the person who is about to start her 3rd year at Mary Baldwin. She's a PEG? If she needs anything, she can talk to me. I don't know what I have to offer though.
3. Ask him if he can get me in touch with someone. Who? He says people who are doing or teaching law. What do I want to get out of meeting with someone?
4. Tell him how I'm doing. I don't want to complain. What should I send as my message instead? How close to the truth should it be?
Monday, August 17, 2009
Unfinished Business for Tuesday
Here are the things I need to do:
- Log onto the Texas Workforce Commission site and, under "Job Match" fill out the additional skills section.
- Figure out the answer to this question, from Robert Half Legal: What is your work objective?
- Request an official transcript after Wednesday, when the transcript service comes back online
- Finish the title examiner job application on the first american website. I need to write a cover letter.
(UVA Alumni career services here: http://law5.law.virginia.edu/alumni/career.htm)
I didn't accomplish any of the three things I planned for today. Therefore, they are the goals for tomorrow.
1. Apply to at least 3 positions (send resume and cover letter)
2. Create a spreadsheet for listing places applied to + status of application
3. Respond to Professor A's email. Say that you have taken the bar and are looking for a job, preferably in Houston. Say that you would like a referral to lawyers working in houston for an informational interview, and thank him.
(Defrost the stew meat)
1.
a. Write a cover letter for the title examiner position and send an application
b. Send a cover letter and resume for the Legal Editorial Assistant position
c. Send a cover letter and resume for the real property law clerk position.
d. You may want to call about these positions first to see if they are open, and get details about them. Plan out what to say during the call first. CALL, DO NOT EMAIL.
2.
a. Remember to add the jobs already applied to online. There's one at robert half legal, 2 from gibson arnold, 2 from warren recruiting
b. Add a list of jobs to apply for. Make a scale of 1-4 (want to work) and 1-4 (meets qualifications)
c. make dates and deadlines for followup VERY VISIBLE. Followups should be one week after applying to see if they received the application, then no more than two weeks after that to see if they're thinking of me.
d. Have all the contact information ready.
3.
a. I need to figure out how to describe 1. my current situation and 2. what kind of jobs I'm looking for. Or basically who I want to meet with.
b. ask for an informal interview. In order to get more information about the job market, what being a lawyer is like.
more on harris county jobs here: http://www.co.harris.tx.us/hrrm/Employment.aspx
more search listings here: http://harriscountyjobs.org/s/find-legal-jobs-in-harris-county-texas
instructions on the texas application for employment http://www.twc.state.tx.us/jobs/gvjb/stateapp_er.html
- Log onto the Texas Workforce Commission site and, under "Job Match" fill out the additional skills section.
- Figure out the answer to this question, from Robert Half Legal: What is your work objective?
- Request an official transcript after Wednesday, when the transcript service comes back online
- Finish the title examiner job application on the first american website. I need to write a cover letter.
(UVA Alumni career services here: http://law5.law.virginia.edu/alumni/career.htm)
I didn't accomplish any of the three things I planned for today. Therefore, they are the goals for tomorrow.
1. Apply to at least 3 positions (send resume and cover letter)
2. Create a spreadsheet for listing places applied to + status of application
3. Respond to Professor A's email. Say that you have taken the bar and are looking for a job, preferably in Houston. Say that you would like a referral to lawyers working in houston for an informational interview, and thank him.
(Defrost the stew meat)
1.
a. Write a cover letter for the title examiner position and send an application
b. Send a cover letter and resume for the Legal Editorial Assistant position
c. Send a cover letter and resume for the real property law clerk position.
d. You may want to call about these positions first to see if they are open, and get details about them. Plan out what to say during the call first. CALL, DO NOT EMAIL.
2.
a. Remember to add the jobs already applied to online. There's one at robert half legal, 2 from gibson arnold, 2 from warren recruiting
b. Add a list of jobs to apply for. Make a scale of 1-4 (want to work) and 1-4 (meets qualifications)
c. make dates and deadlines for followup VERY VISIBLE. Followups should be one week after applying to see if they received the application, then no more than two weeks after that to see if they're thinking of me.
d. Have all the contact information ready.
3.
a. I need to figure out how to describe 1. my current situation and 2. what kind of jobs I'm looking for. Or basically who I want to meet with.
b. ask for an informal interview. In order to get more information about the job market, what being a lawyer is like.
more on harris county jobs here: http://www.co.harris.tx.us/hrrm/Employment.aspx
more search listings here: http://harriscountyjobs.org/s/find-legal-jobs-in-harris-county-texas
instructions on the texas application for employment http://www.twc.state.tx.us/jobs/gvjb/stateapp_er.html
Monday Review
Noon:
- Submitted my resume to four legal recruiting sites, but their job postings seem sparse. I have actually applied to four positions from these sites. There's no employer information, so I'm not sure how to follow up on the applications.
- Updated my resume on USAJOBS and their postings are definitely sparse. Especially for legal jobs and jobs in Texas
- Printed out a number of job postings from UH's job bank that look very promising. Need to apply to at least three of these by the end of today.
- Bought a three-month subscription to the UT job bank. (Remember to share the job information with friends!)
Resolutions:
- To check the UH and UT job bank sites every day (UVA too, I suppose)
- To update my resume on the PMF site and search PMF postings every week
- To register with general job searching sites, such as Monster.com and Indeed.com
- (Pick up some more sea salt (ionized))
Update: 9:30
Haven't done anything since I last posted. Surfed the internet until 4 and then I really started to get anxious, so I went to sleep.
(Dinner was crispy salmon and asparagus spears. I think the salmon would cook faster at room temperature and I probably needed to add more salt. Also you couldn't really taste the thyme.)
Still have time left in the day though.
- Submitted my resume to four legal recruiting sites, but their job postings seem sparse. I have actually applied to four positions from these sites. There's no employer information, so I'm not sure how to follow up on the applications.
- Updated my resume on USAJOBS and their postings are definitely sparse. Especially for legal jobs and jobs in Texas
- Printed out a number of job postings from UH's job bank that look very promising. Need to apply to at least three of these by the end of today.
- Bought a three-month subscription to the UT job bank. (Remember to share the job information with friends!)
Resolutions:
- To check the UH and UT job bank sites every day (UVA too, I suppose)
- To update my resume on the PMF site and search PMF postings every week
- To register with general job searching sites, such as Monster.com and Indeed.com
- (Pick up some more sea salt (ionized))
Update: 9:30
Haven't done anything since I last posted. Surfed the internet until 4 and then I really started to get anxious, so I went to sleep.
(Dinner was crispy salmon and asparagus spears. I think the salmon would cook faster at room temperature and I probably needed to add more salt. Also you couldn't really taste the thyme.)
Still have time left in the day though.
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