Register for Southeastern Minority Job Fair by September 2nd
The Southeastern Minority Job Fair (SEMJF) is a National Diversity Interview Program for Students from Southeastern Law Schools
Virtual Interview Program: Thursday & Friday, October 29 – 30
Interview Registration deadline: September 2
Interview Bidding: September 14 – 28
Networking Opportunities: Tuesday & Wednesday, October 27 – 28
Networking Registration deadline: October 12
Networking Sign-up: October 15 – 21
What is SEMJF?
· Networking Opportunities: 1Ls, 2Ls, 3Ls and recent grads can participate in virtual “table talk” with employers
· Interview Opportunities: 2Ls, 3Ls can interview for jobs that will start in summer or fall of 2021; on occasion, employers will seek 2020 grads for immediate openings
· Has been held in Atlanta annually for more than 30 years, but because of the pandemic, this year’s interviews will be done virtually. Biggest and oldest event of its kind in the country. Historically attracts 90-100 employers.
· Employers are private firms, government agencies, and public interest organizations from all over the country, not just in Atlanta. Last year 83% of employers were looking to fill positions outside of Georgia in 31 different states and Washington, DC.
Why Participate?
· Participating employers are actively seeking diverse candidates.
· SEMJF takes place before OCI and other interview programs, giving you a jump on your competition.
· Networking interactions allow you to learn more about an employer and make connections that may lead to mentoring relationships and/or a job offer later.
· You can bid for interviews with up to 20 employers; if selected, you can accept up to 10 interviews.
· If selected, you will have virtual face-to-face interviews with employers who affirmatively asked to see you.
· SEMJF is an invaluable interviewing bootcamp. After managing as many as ten screening interviews in two days, you will be an expert on knowing how to sell yourself as a candidate.
How to Participate
· Register by creating an account in SEMJF’s Symplicity system using your school email address (see instructions on the SEMJF website). Student registration is open now.
· Once you register, your Career Office will need to approve your registration before you can view the list of employers (available beginning September 4), bid for interviews (September 14-28) or sign up for a slot at a networking session (October 15-21).
· To bid for an Interview Opportunity, you need to upload a resume, transcript, a Diversity Statement (see below), and, if an employer requests it, a cover letter.
· To sign up for a slot at a Networking Opportunity, you need to upload only a Diversity Statement (see below).
Maximizing Success
· Calendar all the relevant dates.
· Avoid submitting interview bids near the deadline when the system may be stressed – this is a multi-school event, and deadlines cannot be extended.
· Submit the maximum of 20 interview bids in order to enhance your chances of being selected.
Students who are selected for interviews MUST participate in all of them, up to a limit of ten.
· Students selected for more than ten interviews must select ten and decline the remainder. Declining an interview is not permitted in any other circumstance. You will know your selections October 14 and will have until the end of the day on October 18 to decline interview invitations in excess of ten.
Timeline
· Registration for Interview Opportunities Open now through September 2
· Registration for Networking Opportunities Open now through October 12
· List of participating employers viewable Friday, September 4
· Bidding for interviews begins Monday, September 14
· Bidding for interviews closes Monday, September 28 at 11:58 p.m. EDT
· Interview/Alternate status viewable Wednesday, October 14
· Signup for Networking Opportunities begins Thursday, October 15 at 10 a.m. EDT
· Deadline to decline interview invitations* Sunday, October 18 at 11:58 p.m. EDT
*only those selected for more than 10 interviews
· Final interview schedules available online Wednesday, October 21
· Signup for Networking Opportunities closes Wednesday, October 21 at 11:58 p.m. EDT
· Networking Opportunities Tuesday, October 27, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. EDT
· Networking Opportunities Wednesday, October 28, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. EDT
· Interviews Thursday, October 29, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. EDT
· Interviews Friday, October 30, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. EDT
Advice on Preparing the Required 250-Word Diversity Statement
· The Diversity Statement is your opportunity to explain how you will enhance an employer’s workplace.
· 250 words is less than a page, so you’ll need to be succinct.
· Several kinds of groups are underrepresented in the legal field. How are you different from the broader American culture, and legal culture in particular? What sets you apart?
· What have you done to foster diversity in your school? In your community? In a workplace? Mention any leadership experience.
· Your law school application’s personal or diversity statement may provide a starting place, but keep in mind that employers are looking for ways in which you will help them achieve their objectives, not necessarily yours. How can you help an employer relate to and/or broaden their client base?
· See the sample Diversity Statement mock-up showing what 250 words on a page looks like.
TO REGISTER, go to https://semjf.org/student-symplicity-access
You will not be able to use your SEMJF Symplicity account until you notify your Career Services Office that you have registered and they can approve your account.
