Recruiting FAQs
1. What is bidding And How Do I Bid?
“Bidding” means submitting your application materials to employers that are recruiting through WashULaw’s on campus interviewing programs and for which you are interested in working. Beginning with the bid opening date, you will be able to submit your applications through Symplicity.
View more information on bidding HERE.
2. Is there an advantage to early bidding?
There is no advantage to bidding early, except knowing that your materials have been uploaded. All materials are sent to employers at the same time, after bidding is closed.
3. How do I make changes to my bid?
You can make changes to your bid documents at any time prior to the bidding deadline. Select “OCI” on the left menu bar, and then select the session containing the bid you wish to update. Click “Review” next to the employer with the bid you are updating. Select your updated bid documents from the drop down boxes on the right side of the page, then click “Update”.
4.Why do I need to rank employers?
You must rank every employer you bid for within each Session. You should rank your first choice employer “1,” your second choice “2,” etc. Rankings can only be viewed by the Career Center, and will only be used by the Career Center in the event last minute interview openings occur. Employers will not know the order in which you ranked them.
5. How and where do I upload my documents for bidding?
All documents required by the employer must be uploaded to Symplicity before you will be allowed to place your bids. Upload resumes, cover letters, unofficial transcripts, writing samples, references, and other materials by selecting “Documents” on the left menu bar, followed by “My Documents”. Next, select the “Add New” button.
The maximum file size for any document is 200kb. It is recommended that you upload resumes and cover letters with distinctive names (i.e., Midwest resume, East Coast resume, litigation resume, Winston Cover Letter, etc.). Note: Be sure to select the correct document when you attach it to a bid.
Your documents are saved in both their original format and the PDF converted form. Please review the PDF format to ensure that it looks as it should. Because the PDF will be the version sent out to employers, make changes to the original and re-save if necessary. Once you have uploaded your documents under the “Documents” tab, go to the “OCI” tab to actually place your bids for the employers.
6. Do I need a separate cover letter for each employer?
Yes! You must draft a separate cover letter for each employer who specifically requests that you submit one. You should label each cover letter with the employers name. Not every employer requires a cover letter. If an employer does not require a cover letter, but you would like to submit one, combine your resume and cover letter into one .pdf and upload that file as your resume for that employer. The Career Center is more than happy to help you with preparing your cover letters and resume. Please email lawcareers@wustl.edu to make an appointment with a member of the Career Center.
7. How do I obtain an unofficial transcript?
As a general rule, when employers request a transcript, students must always use an official transcript ordered through the University Registrar. 2Ls and 3Ls applying prior to the release of grades should submit an official transcript with a Grade Sheet Addendum in the approved from found here. 1Ls applying prior to the release of grades should submit a Grade Sheet in the approved form found here. The approved forms contain example schedules. You will need to modify the approved forms to reflect your actual courses, schedule and your anticipated course schedule. All students must apply with an official transcript as soon as you have received your final grades. Any grade sheet that deviates from the approved forms must be approved by the Office of Student Life.
8. An employer has a note that says “No Multiple Interviews.” What does that mean?
If an employer selects “No multiple interviews”, this means that if you are applying/bidding to an employer in multiple programs and direct applying, you can only interview once. The recruiter will determine what program you will interview in.
9. What do I do if I have multiple summer offers?
First of all, congratulations!
Juggling multiple offers for some can be very stressful. On one hand, you are super excited, you can’t believe it. And then you realize that you are going to have to decline all but one, then maybe a little guilt sets in. You are not alone, and the Career Center is here to help!
We will help you consider the following:
Your short term and long term goals
Work Product at the end of the Summer
The geographic location
Networking Opportunities
References
Is it the right “Fit”
We can also help you with the timing of the offers and whether it’s appropriate to ask for extensions. At the end of the day the decision is unique to you and your goals. We look forward to hearing from you!
As always, if you have any question please reach out to the Career Center at Lawcareers@wustl.edu.