Because of public health concerns related to COVID-19, the 2021 On-Campus Interview (OCI) program will be held virtually, hence the new name: Virtual Spring Recruitment Program. This article uses the OCI and VSRP program names interchangeably.
Is there an advantage to applying before the stated OCI deadline?
Employers participating in OCI will receive all submitted applications the day after the posted deadline, so it does not give you an advantage to apply early (except doing so will decrease the likelihood that you encounter unforeseen obstacles in applying). For other job postings, it generally is better to apply well before the stated deadline. Employers often review resumes and begin interviewing before the application deadline. Thus, a posted position may be filled before the stated deadline and the posting may be deactivated.
I have another commitment on the date of an interview program or on a particular employer’s OCI date. Can my interviews be scheduled around my other commitment?
No. Employers interview on a single day. If you are not available on that date, do not apply for an interview with that employer. Further, it is important that you be available to interview throughout the interview day, as the employer’s scheduling preferences determine interview times. Some employers request to interview only in the morning or afternoon, for example.
Why don’t I see as many job postings or OCI employers as another student when I log into Symplicity?
Symplicity only displays to students those employers who have requested applications from their class. Check your Profile under the “Academic” tab to make sure your class year is correct.
Do I have to write cover letters when submitting OCI applications?
If the employer requests a cover letter, you must provide one. Cover letters should be employer specific and tailored to the position you are seeking. Make sure each cover letter is properly addressed to the designated employer contact. Simply changing the employer name in a letter prior to submitting it to a new employer can lead to careless errors that may disqualify your application. Your career advisor can help by reviewing drafts.
Do I have to upload a transcript, list of references, and a writing sample?
Supplemental documents are required when the employer specifically requests them. Always bring an extra resume, writing sample, transcript and reference list to each interview. To request a copy of your transcript in hard copy or PDF, submit a transcript request form to the Registrar’s Office.
What should I use as my writing sample?
Employers generally want a legal writing sample that is between five and ten pages in length, double-spaced, and that represents work performed substantially by you during law school. It is important to provide the best sample of your writing. You may select a piece you wrote for Law Skills, a journal article, a paper submitted for a writing competition, or a memorandum you prepared for an employer. If you use a piece that was prepared for an employer, be sure to redact any identifying information and get your employer’s permission to use it. Pieces that have been co-drafted or re-written by others are not acceptable. Law Skills papers or other writing samples that were reviewed and critiqued by others are fine, as long as you are the one who did any re-drafting. Remember to include a cover page with your name and contact information (in the same format as your resume header). The cover page should indicate the purpose for which the piece was originally written, and whether or not it is a complete piece or an excerpt.
My grades do not meet some employers’ stated GPA preferences. May I still apply?
While employers’ preferred credentials are instructive, you may apply to every employer with whom you have a genuine interest in working. The CDO does not screen application materials for compliance with employers’ preferred criteria. Under some circumstances, employers may be willing to consider applicants who do not squarely meet their stated credentials. This may happen when you have a connection to the employer or geographic region, related prior work experience, a specialized academic background, or when you would make a significant diversity contribution to the employer. Generally, view GPA preferences as a guideline. If your GPA is close, it may well be considered, especially if your application is strong in other respects.
Is there a maximum or minimum number of employers to which I should apply?
Apply to every employer with whom you have a genuine interest in working.
How are students selected for interviews in each OCI session?
Candidates are selected for interviews via employer pre-screening. The CDO does not screen out any applications submitted on time. This means that materials for each applicant are provided to the respective employer at the close of the application period. The employer then selects the candidates they would like to interview and notifies the CDO.
What is a resume collection (RC)?
Employers who prefer to schedule interviews outside of the VSRP may request that materials from interested applicants be provided to them as one resume booklet. These employers will review the materials, decide which students they want to interview, and coordinate the interviews independently. In such cases, the CDO is not involved in the process of scheduling interviews.
I missed the OCI application period. May I contact the employer and submit my materials individually?
No. You should not have direct contact with employers between the opening of the application period and the interview program date. Employers participate in organized recruitment programs for the efficiency of dealing with a single contact and receiving all application materials at the same time. They do not want to receive communications from individual students.
I am transferring from Richmond Law. May I still participate in Richmond Law recruitment programs?
Participation in Richmond Law recruitment programs is open only to students who will be returning to Richmond Law for the fall semester.
Will Richmond Law pay or reimburse me for travel costs for my participation in an out-of-town interview program?
No; travel to out-of-town interview programs is at your own expense.
