4 Things Nobody Tells You About Applying for a Legal Support Position

When you’re seeking a new legal support job, you may find there is plenty of available opportunity, but there is also a lot of competition for the best positions. Here, were discuss tips and advice you may not have heard that will help you stand out to hiring managers, book interviews and get job offers.

Details Are Important

In the legal profession, the smallest typo in a document can be devastating. Lawyers and legal office managers are well aware of this fact, which means every aspect of your presentation will be closely scrutinized. How can you make sure you shine? Double check your resume and cover letter to ensure they are free of typos, poor grammar, spelling mistakes or other errors.

Ideally, have a friend look them over, as well. Examine the job posting carefully and follow any instructions to the letter to increase your chances of landing the interview. If you are invited for an interview, be sure your grooming is tidy and conservative, and your outfit clean and pressed. Prepare for common questions and learn as much as possible about the firm to show you are interested and know how to conduct research.

Be Prepared for Tough Questions

You may hear some surprising questions. Spend some time pondering how you would best (and honestly!) answer questions like these:

  • What do you know about our firm?
  • How would you prioritize tasks if you were working for more than one attorney?
  • How do you manage on-the-job stress?
  • Are you a good researcher?
  • How do you deal with sensitive or confidential information?
  • Can you give me an example of a situation where you demonstrated an eye for detail?
  • What type of work environment would allow you do to your best work?
  • Why should I hire you?

Some of these may feel like trick questions, but they are actually designed to see if you are the right fit. If the job is not right for you, it’s best to find out before you accept a position.

Hiring Tends to Be Slow

Lawyers are often cautious people. They know the repercussions of bad decisions and want to ensure every ‘i’ is dotted and every t is crossed. You may have to wait a surprisingly long time to get an offer or even find out if you’ve made it to the next step. They may hire by committee, and your candidacy is being pondered by several decision makers at the firm. The good news is that turnover is very low in the field, so once you’re in, you’re in.

Work With a Legal Recruiter

A recruiter who specializes in legal placements will know who’s hiring, which are the best places to work, and how you can impress the interviewer. They will have an understanding of competitive rates of pay in your area and can help you choose a position that will suit your interests and experience with an employer who is just the right fit.

Most importantly, a legal recruiter can help you make smart decisions regarding what is best for you today and how you can plan for your future career. If you’re ready for the next step in your legal support career, contact the expert recruiters at Kent Legal today.