Paralegal Training in a Tough Economy

Paralegal training is very important, but you'll also need to work on your computer skills. You'll be surprised how valuable strong technology and database skills are in the legal world. If you market these skills during your job search and interviews, you'll have a greater chance of receiving a good job offer.

Paralegals who know the ins and outs of databases such as Access or FileMaker are highly valued. Mastering programs like these also enhance your transferable skills.

Specialized legal document management software is used in many legal offices (Summation and Concordance are popular ones), and although you may not have access to them in your paralegal training, you can quickly learn them if you have strong computer skills.

Also, develop your legal writing and research skills. Especially as an entry-level paralegal, you'll need good examples of your writing when you interview for jobs. Build a portfolio with samples from your paralegal studies that show your writing style and analytical skills. Lacking work experience, these will be important when you interview for your first paralegal job.

Applying for paralegal jobs can be frustrating. For every job listing, there are so many applicants that you'll need to find more creative job-search techniques.

Networking has proven to be one of the best ways to find a job. This may even be possible at the school where you get your paralegal training. Network as much—and as early—as you can: join a paralegal organization, work with career services at your paralegal school and volunteer, if necessary, to get paralegal work experience.

Here are some effective networking tips:

• Start right away!
• Be systematic and work effectively
• Create a target list of potential employers
• Combine your networking efforts with other job hunting techniques
• Do informational interviews with paralegals and lawyers to gather information
• Remember to listen as well as talk; surprisingly, people can be very generous with their knowledge
• Always thank the people you've talked to, and be sure to check in with them over time

You need to be persistent to find a job, especially in a challenging economy, and networking will definitely help you find one quicker.

Whether the economy's strong or weak, it's always a great time to start your paralegal training. Getting your paralegal degree can take two years or more, depending on your program.

If your education takes you through the economic slump, all the hard work you put into building your skills during your paralegal training program will make you even more marketable when you graduate. And all of your networking efforts will pay off when you find a great paralegal job while others are still searching in the want ads.