​How to Ask for Favors While Job Searching

Because legal careers are often lockstep for the first few years, lawyers are not used to asking for favors. Yet, favors are essential to a job search – candidates need to do a lot of asking, e.g., for introductions, for informational interviews, for recommendations, for insight into a company, etc. 

Below are some strategies to get a positive response:

1. Do favors early on so by the time you are asking for something, it’s part of a friendly relationship.
2. Be clear on what you are asking for. Don’t ask for a meeting without providing a topic. Try to make that topic attractive, and think about what you can offer up.
3. Show respect. Suggest times/places convenient to the other person. Dress professionally. Always offer to pay. Let the other person do most of the talking. Reciprocate help.
4. Make it easy for the person to comply with your request. Show you are a good fit with what you are asking for. For example, if you want an intro to X, show how you can help X with your skills, and how your interests are aligned. After the meeting, send thanks and an update.
5. Always give the other person an out.