What should I wear to pass out resumes?

Question

I graduated school for legal assisting a few weeks ago, and moved back to my hometown. I had planned to stay in the city where jobs are plentiful, but the crime drove me away. I haven't seen so much as an ad posted here looking for paralegals or anything related. I've decided now that I'd really like to stay put if possible, so I've thought about going to firms and introducing myself. I'm not that outgoing, but people keep telling me that's the way to do it in small towns. Should I wear a suit? I have two suits that are only for interviews - pretty stiff and formal, and from there, it's mostly khakis (I worked as an intern). I feel like I look better in a dress shirt and khakis than I do in a suit, and it's more comfy, but is it appropriate? I've never done this. Would a black skirt be better? I don't own dress pants that I like - I need to buy a good pair, but I need the job first. I plan to intro myself and say what I'm looking for - could lead to an interview, but not sure.

Answer 1

Nobody ever got turned away for looking nice and professional, showing respect for a future employer. However, you might be laughed at after you leave if you dress inappropriately. Go for it in your good clothes. When you get a job, you can dress as the job dictates. Remember - always dress for a higher position, not a lower position. Good luck!

Answer 2

When you drop off resumes, wear what you would wear if you were interviewing that day. You never know - and it never hurts to be absolutely professional. I would also say to stay away from a sleeveless top. I know that sounds overboard, but where I work (an organization of roughly five thousand employees) we can't wear sleeveless anything, capri pants, wierd colored nail polish, etc. Good luck in the job search.

Answer 3

Law firms tend to be VERY formal places! Don't risk being too informal when you meet them the first time, particularly when you want a job. Wear one of your interview suits if you actually make the rounds to drop off resumes.

I really question the idea of randomly walking into the firms to hand your resume to them. At least call first to see if it is convenient FOR THEM if you to stop by.

This is about them - not about you. If they are in the middle of a crisis or the HR person or managing partner is on vacation, you may be viewed as a nuisance and your resume could easily end up in the infamous "circular file."

So, I'd call first to see if it's conveninet for you to stop by. If they say it's not, ask them when a better time would be. If they say they're not hiring, ask them if you can drop off a resume for them to keep in their files for the next time they have an opening.

Find out everything you can about the firms BEFORE you call them. Check the Yellow Pages for firm names and then look them up in Martindale & Hubble. How big? Specialties? Check to see if they have a Website and what it says - you may find jobs posted there for the larger firms.

When you do visit the firm to drop off your resume, be sure to make note of whomever you speak with - their name, job title, and phone number - and follow up with a nice, short, hand-written note thanking them for their help and enclosing another "spare" copy of your resume. Then contact them again in a few weeks to see how things are developing and if there are any opportunities for you developing.

Before you completely give up on the idea of finding any jobs posted or advertised -

* Check out Indeed.com - http://www.indeed.com - it's an "aggregator" which pulls jobs off many job sites and employer Websites. It's an excellent site.

* Check out the Craig's List - http://www.craigslist.org - for your location to see what is listed. Craig's List is an online classified ad site. It is usually excellent, but different locations tolerate different levels of junk postings since the postings are usually free. For tips on using Craig's List, read this article. http://jobhunt.typepad.com/jobsearching/2006/07/using_craigs_li.html

* Check the employer and resource listings for your state in Job-Hunt.org - http://www.job-hunt.org - for even more options, including local newspapers that have their employment classifieds available online.

BTW, DON'T attach your resume as a Word document to an e-mail, unless the recipient tells you that is what they want.

Most people with a computer network to protect don't open Word documents from people they don't know. If you do want to e-mail your resume, Job-Hunt.org (the source, below) has good directions for how to do it and get through the spam filters.

Good luck!

Answer 4

I was going to say a pink tutu - but then I read the rest of it. Really - don't be too formal - you'd be inviting yourself. It is not a bad idea but just go smart casual and ask - if you have the guts - would someone be able to give you advice how to approach working in the sector - just ask for work experience. Good Luck!

Answer 5

It's not a good idea to just show up and start handing out resumes; it's really unprofessional, and not commonly done, and your resume will probably end up in the trash more often than not. Since you've got a very marketable skill, look into local headhunter services in your area; check with your school to see if they can refer you to a headhunter.

Answer 6

I think a suit would be best with either pants or a skirt. It will make you look the more professional than your other options.
Good luck!

Answer 7

Unless you do not have a computer or pc, try the easy route and send out resumes via online.

www.monster.com
www.careerbuilder.com
www.hotjobs.com
your local newspaper online
any local city job boards

send out via email in a word document. post your resume online on monster and careerbuilder.

If I were you, try that route first. Keep your suits for the interviews.

Answer 8

im in the same position as u about 2 mths ago.wear something that would impress ur interviewer, and especially the managing director or whoever. i think what would be appropriate is a nice black and white suit.i mean that's what the attire to court is right...?

Answer 9

Go with the suit. Always works.

Answer 10

a suit! if you want to be taken as a serious candidate -- a suit!