The new year is a popular time for resolutions: get in shape, eat better, spend more time with family. It’s also a great time to make some resolutions regarding your career.
What were your career goals for 2015? Where did you meet them – or exceed your wildest expectations? Where did you fall short, and what can you change in the coming year to “catch up”?
Whether you are already working as a legal support professional in Toronto or you are currently seeking a legal support position, here are some strategies you can use to prepare for the year ahead:
Career Advancement
Begin your career advancement plan before your annual performance review. Make a list of your key accomplishments during the year and gather evidence demonstrating each of these, such as copies of briefs or other documents you’ve completed, thank-you notes from clients or co-workers, or certificates of completion for academic or professional credentials.
Bring this documentation with you to your annual performance review. During your review, ask for specific feedback that gives you concrete ways to improve your weakest areas of performance. If you have a specific career advancement goal in mind, ask for help with it: “I’d like to lead the trial prep team for at least one case this year. Where should I focus my effort to make that happen?”
Job Seeking
Whether you’re currently employed or are temporarily between positions, job seeking can occupy a great deal of your time and energy. Improve your job search strategy in the coming year by:
- Staying strong through the holidays. Many job seekers will take a break in the second half of December. Continuing your search through this time gives you the “first shot” at any promising job postings that appear.
- Focusing on your accomplishments. Make yourself stand out and keep your spirits up by focusing your cover letter, resume, and interview responses on your accomplishments and how they meet the employer’s needs. You’ll surprise both the hiring manager and yourself with how much you’ve achieved.
- Talk to your recruiter. Your staffing partner can help you find a position that fits your personality and goals as well as your skill set – and can help you keep the search confidential until you’re prepared to announce it publicly.
At Kent Legal, our experienced recruiters can help you build your legal support career. Contact us today to learn more.