Your career deserves at least as much planning as a vacation or a social event, but it’s easy to drift along without a plan, either remaining too long in a stagnant position or hopping from job to job with no clear end in mind.
Just as companies create business plans to keep them on track, so too should your career have a plan. By laying out your strategy and goals, you’ll be able to invest your time and effort more efficiently to achieve your best work.
How can you develop a career strategy that works for you? Consider the following tips:
- Identify your options. The first step to choosing a path is knowing where the road leads. If your education and experience are in legal support, you probably already know what opportunities are available in general terms – but do you know who the major players in your local profession are, who is hiring, and what professional development opportunities are coming up in your area? Identify the opportunities available and then start narrowing down your choices based on your skills, experience, and wishes.
- Perform a SWOT analysis. A “SWOT” analysis is an easy way to identify where you stand regarding available opportunities. Performed by many businesses as part of their strategic planning, “SWOT” stands for “strengths,” “weaknesses,” “opportunities,” and “threats.” Performing this analysis on your own career path helps you identify where you’re doing well and where you can improve.
- Work with a recruiting firm. A staffing firm that specializes in placing legal support talent can help you find job openings that suit your strengths and that help you achieve the career opportunities that interest you. Your recruiter also helps you connect to an extensive network of fellow professionals and employers. By partnering with a specialized recruiting firm, you will also be able to have career opportunities brought to you and gain access to otherwise “hidden” jobs that aren’t publically advertised. When picking a firm to partner with, select a firm that knows not only your professional field, but also your local job market.
- Leverage your network. How can you find a great recruiter? Reach out to your network! Friends or colleagues may be able to recommend a recruiter who has helped them find jobs and develop actionable career strategies. Keep your social network profiles such as LinkedIn updated so that recruiters and employers can find you and accurately assess your skills. Connect with recruiters online so that you’ll see when they post new opportunities.
At Kent Legal, our experienced Toronto-based recruiters place legal support staff throughout the greater Toronto area. To learn more our free career resources or to apply for a legal support position in Ontario, contact us today.