With the new year comes the opportunity to make a fresh start. Whether you’re making formal resolutions this year or simply looking to make 2016 a great year for you, start by taking a fresh look at your job search. Here are ten ways to overhaul your legal support job search in just ten days:
Day One: Dream Big
Start your job-search overhaul off right by dreaming big. Make a list: What does your dream job involve? What do you do every day? What types of people do you work with? What tasks do you get to avoid or minimize?
Day Two: Set SMART Goals
Good goals are SMART: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-Bound. Set SMART goals for your job search so you’ll know when you’ve met them.
Day Three: Clear Out the Clutter
Log in to your social media profiles and make sure that they show you in your best professional light. Delete or set to “private” any item that you’re unsure about. If you have a personal website or blog, make sure your information is up to date and all the “contact” links work.
Day Four: Polish Your Online Presence
Augment your social media profiles, website, or blog by uploading or linking to examples of your best recent work – including any volunteer events you’ve participated in recently.
Day Five: Remember What You’ve Accomplished
Average job applicants list duties and skills in their applications. Outstanding applicants focus on their accomplishments. Recall and write down your top three to five best accomplishments in the legal support field. Use these as the foundation for your applications.
Day Six: Look Around
Explore online listings, websites, and other sources to learn all you can about every law firm and legal department offering the practice areas in which you specialize – whether or not they are currently hiring. If you find a “dream employer,” make a note!
Day Seven: Do Your Research
Choose the job postings from the employers that sound like the best fit for you, and dig deep. Learn everything you can about the organization, its staff, its mission, and its recent work.
Day Eight: Customize Your Approach
Combine your list of recent accomplishments with the demands of the job posting to highlight how your accomplishments demonstrate your ability to meet those requirements. Include information from your research to show how you’ll bring value and support to the team.
Day Nine: Sharpen Your Interview Skills
Sit down with a friend and practice interviewing. Like your application, your interview should focus on how your accomplishments prepare you for the job and how you can help the firm or department succeed in its mission and work.
Day Ten: Reach Out
Connect with at least one member of your professional network by making a phone call or email offering to meet for coffee in the next week. Then, pick up the phone and call a recruiter who specializes in placing legal support staff.
At Kent Legal, our experienced recruiters can help you overhaul your search to help you land a great legal support position in the greater Toronto area. Contact us today to learn more.
