6 Reasons why January is a great time to land a new role!
In this article you will learn why January is a great time to be looking (and finding) a new role in the Legal Industry. We offer our tips to help you get started and explain how you can get ahead of the competition.
Christmas has come and gone for another year. Hopefully you’ve had some time to recharge your batteries for the year ahead!
For many people in our industry the silly season can be exhausting. You limp through to the finish line. You wonder often at what point clients and colleagues will stop saying “this needs to be done before Christmas”.
Having some time away from the office, with family or friends, gives you an opportunity to discuss your job and vent about work. Having some time to clear your head often leads to pondering your career prospects. You might think about how your year went, where you are at and what is in store for you next.
You may be unsatisfied at work due to pay, lack of challenges or stagnant career path. It may even just be the length of your commute that is bugging you. It might be your current boss that drives you a little bit crazy. Why not make this the year to get happy at work?
For many people, the arrival of the New Year leads to making New Year’s resolutions. For some that includes “finding a new job”. For a large proportion of those unhappy in their roles, that is as far as they get!
We recommend taking this resolution one step further and building yourself a hit list of places you want to work. Create a master list of your dream jobs, dream bosses and dream employers.
January is a great time to be putting yourself out there to the market. This is why:
1. There is Less Competition for In-Demand Roles
Many people in the legal industry take time off during January. They may be summering at Portsea or Lorne or skiing in Japan. Often those that are unhappy with their current firm or role will have “get a new job” on their to-do list. Often, they have ear-marked February as the time to get started.
We suggest updating your resume over the Christmas break so that you can hit the ground running. At Legal People we have a number of exclusively listed roles for lawyers at highly regarded law firms and corporates. We know that the hiring manager is keen to have them filled sooner rather than later!
2.
Your Connections are Likely to be More Relaxed
January is a great time to be networking. There is a hidden job market in most industries, and the legal profession is no exception. Take some time to have a coffee with former colleagues and industry connections. See if you can get an introduction to someone that works for your dream firm.
3.
It’s Summer
The cricket is on, the sun is shining and Melbourne is in a better mood. The pace of the city slows down after New Year’s and hiring managers seem less rushed. Making yourself available for interviews in January can put you ahead of the competition. It can give you an edge, just by being around!
4.
It is a New Budget
For many firms end of year bonuses have been paid, and we are moving into a new budget year. The HR budget is ready for business and the team are anxious to backfill roles that got pushed out to the New Year.
5.
Delegated Authority
There are many firms who have roles that need to be filled in January. This can mean that senior management have had to plan for this. They may have delegated final sign off for recruitment. Or, they will make themselves available to do this remotely.
Many people assume that there is no-one around to make final hiring decisions. In our age of technology that is often no longer the case.
6.
There is Time for a Career Chat
January is a great time to be reaching out to a respected, industry specialist recruiter. Have a discussion about the type of role you are looking for and where you see yourself heading.
At Legal People, we have insider knowledge of Melbourne’s legal industry. We often know of roles coming up that have not yet hit the market. Our consultants enjoy spending time getting to know our candidates career goals and dream jobs. This ensures you are front of mind when new roles come up at your ideal employer!
There are so many reasons why January is a great time to land a new role. Don’t put it off until school goes back in February and all the job hunters dust off their resumes. Get yourself out in front of the competition and get proactive in your job hunt today! You might even find yourself hired before they get started!
Are you looking for a new and challenging role in the legal industry in Victoria? Legal People is your gateway to legal career opportunities. We 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.
The Legal People office is open for 2019 from 7 th of January.
