Seven Ideas to Jumpstart Your Job Search
Summer is hiring season. Whether you’re looking for your first job, a lateral move or a position in a new practice area, the summer is the best time to get a jumpstart.
As you know, simply checking websites and job posting sites isn’t enough to get the job of your dreams. Think about it – everyone answers those ads. The competition is fierce. So, why not start your search in less obvious places and get a leg-up on the competition. Here are our top seven ideas to get your legal job search off to a great start this summer.
1. Join a bar association in your city
Joining the local bar association and getting actively involved is a great way to mix and mingle with other attorneys. The more “face time” you have with other attorneys, the more opportunity to let them know that you’re searching for a new position.
2. Get social
LinkedIn is a great place to get digitally involved. Make sure your profile is up to date with relevant work experience and you have a professional picture. Start posting relevant information about the legal community you’d like to join. Interested in an entertainment law job in Century City? Start finding relevant and interesting information about entertainment law in the Los Angeles area. You’ll find that people interested in the same area of law will start engaging with your content and “following” you. LinkedIn is a great way to meet other people with similar interests!
3. Clean up the legal resume
No time like the present to review your resume and make sure that it’s in tip-top shape. Is all of your experience listed in a clear, concise manner? Is your contact information current? Be sure that anyone who glances at your resume for 30-45 seconds (the average time someone actually reviews a resume) will be able to accurately sum up your experience and achievements.
4. Contact your friends and family
You and your friends and family know many more people than you think you do. Write a friendly email stating what you’d like to have (I’m looking for a senior associate position in a defense firm in SF) and your qualifications. You’ll be amazed what happens when you get the word out to others.
5. Take the meeting
Contact a lawyer who has your dream job and ask for an informational interview. Even if it’s just on the phone, you will gather useful information for your job search and (more importantly) you will make another connection within your desired legal field/firm/city. (It goes without saying that you need to be extremely mindful of the interviewee’s time. Also, please follow up the meeting with a handwritten thank you note.)
6. Volunteer
You’d be amazed how connected you can get simply by volunteering your time. Join a program that makes you feel good, and make sure that you connect with other volunteers. Let them know that you’re looking for a position in X city at X firm in X practice area. Maybe the volunteer position actually has a connection to this dream job, or maybe the person knows someone who knows someone…. Either way, getting out in the community to help someone else and also get to know others is a key to getting the position you’ve always wanted.
7. Bring your book of business
If you have a book of business – good for you! You shouldn’t have a problem finding a fabulous position. If not, work on building a book of business. Even a case or two will help your chances immensely. Spend your summer trying to get one case. You’ll be amazed how quickly you will change from the hunter to the hunted.