In this article we discuss how job hunting has changed after 2 years of lock downs, restrictions, working from home and video calls. Read on to discover our 7 steps to a successful legal industry job hunt in post-pandemic times.
Not so long ago, job seekers looked for roles advertised on job boards, dusted off their CV, whipped up a cover letter, applied and crossed their fingers. Whilst a small proportion of roles are still filled in that manner, times have changed because of the pandemic but also because of a candidate shortage in the legal industry.
Many roles are now filled by recruiters and hiring managers reaching out via their networks, databases, and LinkedIn. The recruiting process has become a lot more proactive over time – so a big part of your role as a job seeker is making sure your online profiles represent the best version of yourself so that you can be found via your skills and experience and reputation.
Along with changes to recruitment, working arrangements have also changed and we are now filling roles that are wholly or partly based from home. At a minimum most legal industry roles now have flexibility built into the job description. Companies are still working through what the future of work might look like. Some are exploring hybrid models; others have team collaborative days. Many have individually agreed working arrangements. Employees have proven during the pandemic that working from home adds to productivity and many are not missing the commute on crowded transport to the city.
Many people in the legal industry community took some time during the pandemic to take stock and reassess what they are looking for in a role. Some suggest this may lead to the “Great Resignation” here in Australia. Many lawyers and legal professionals have taken the opportunity of remote working to move to the country, and others have taken off for sunnier states. Work-life balance has felt a little more achievable when your office is in your house. Flexible working hours has become the standard for many.
In this time of unprecedented change, how do you hunt for and land a legal industry job? These are our 7 steps to proactive legal industry career success.
1. Tend to LinkedIn
Update your profile to ensure it captures your most recent skills, experience, and professional highlights. Your LinkedIn profile is effectively your personal brand online. Ensure that you have a current photo and that your LinkedIn headline includes the keywords relevant to the role you are after.
On LinkedIn consider activating the “open to work” functionality which you can signal to recruiters only (not your employer) that you are open to being approached. Answer approaches in a timely, polite, and considerate manner. Remember that you may be dealing with the person who finds you your next career opportunity! Be clear about what you are looking for and don’t waste time on roles that don’t suit.
LinkedIn is also useful for job search. Just type in the job title you are looking for and arrange the filters to suit your location and seniority level.
Ensure you have a current photo, that your contact information is correct and that your LinkedIn headline includes the keywords relating to the role you want. Ensure that your professional summary or about section tells the story of your career, the value you bring to an organisation and your unique selling points. Whilst you are refreshing your LinkedIn profile, take a moment to Google your name and review any other social media profiles that pop up. Do these present the best version of yourself?
Your LinkedIn profile plays a significant role in your online presence and your ability to be found by recruiters and hiring managers. Having said that, it is not enough to refresh it and sit back and wait for the offers to start rolling in. You will need to get proactive and savvy in your hunt for a new role. Read on to discover how.
2. Reinvigorate your Network
Who do you know? Statistics suggest that 70% of roles are never advertised. Do you have a short list in your mind of organisations that you are keen to work for? Take some time to think about your network and where they are currently employed. When you are job hunting, making sure that your network, friends, and family are aware of what you are looking for can be surprisingly helpful.
Take some time to revisit your network via phone calls, video meetings and even, if appropriate, in-real-life coffees. You can also network online via LinkedIn via direct messages to your connections.
We also recommend taking the time to connect with an industry specialist recruiter who will have insider knowledge about market rates, roles in demand and how to best present your personal skills and experience.
3. Investigate Referral Programs
Many employers have referral programs where your friends or family get an incentive to recommend you. Many referral programs can be discovered via company websites. Mention that you are looking for a new role to connections that work for desirable companies that have referral programs.
4. Widen your Geographical Boundaries
The working from home revolution has made it easier for employers to expand their search beyond their physical location. Some are allowing regional, or interstate moves for staff who maintain their local clients and accounts. This should translate into some flexibility of location for future hires. Think outside the box when it comes to the location of your next employer, however, consider there may be some cost of travel implications.
5. Tailor your CV and Cover Letter
Should you come across an available role via a job board, recruiter approach, LinkedIn job search or even word of mouth, ensure that you tailor your cover letter and CV to uniquely suit the criteria. Highlight the keywords from the job description and ensure they are reflected in your experience and achievements. Ensure that your CV accurately includes quantifiable achievements that demonstrate you get results.
6. Prepare for Online Interviews
Most interview processes will now start online, moving to face-to-face when they are down to the final handful. Practice video interviewing and make yourself familiar with the key technology used by the legal industry to do this.
7. Look after your Mental Health
Job hunting can feel a little like a full-time job, and unsuccessful applications can have an impact on your self-esteem. Make sure while you are looking for a role that you take some time for self-care whether that be keeping up with exercise, treating yourself with a massage or by doing something you enjoy.
Taking these 7 steps to get proactive in your job search can help you take the next exciting step in your career. As we have all learned during the pandemic, life is too short to spend time in a job you dislike. Start thinking about what is next for you today!
Reach out to our team of experienced and specialist legal industry recruitment consultants for a confidential discussion. We can help you understand current market rates, what you can expect from an organisation and the type of role you should be exploring.
We have a number of exclusively listed opportunities with legal industry employers of choice. We can help talented lawyers and legal support staff find a role at the firm on the top of their wish list. Contact us on [email protected] to get started!
Legal People are specialists in the legal industry. We recruit lawyers, support staff and HR professionals in Melbourne, Australia. If you enjoyed reading this article, you can follow our Company Page on LinkedIn for regular updates. To browse our currently available roles click here.
