By: Sabrina C. Spitznagle, Principal & Founder at Loop Legal Search
Chicago Legal Recruiters – Your Recruiting Connection
With everything going on in the world right now, the last thing on many people’s minds is changing jobs. If you are not forced to find another job, you likely are hunkering down and staying put both in your house and in your current job. If you happen to have been in the middle of a job search, you probably are wondering if you should put your search on hold, as many interviews are being cancelled or rescheduled and job postings are being taken down. Clearly, finding a new job and actually getting hired right now will not be easy. And feeling extremely anxious and worried about the whole process is par for the course. But that does not mean you should give up or completely put the brakes on your job search. In fact, in addition to cleaning out your closets, you should take advantage of this time to truly take stock of where you are in your career and where you want to be. While most job searches during this crisis will take longer and be more challenging than normal, these tips will help you develop effective job search strategies, navigate the process, and ensure that you are ready when your perfect job becomes available.
1. Do Some Soul Searching.
One positive thing about this pandemic is that we all have a little bit more time. Use that time to really think about what you like and don’t like about your current job. In addition to just thinking about it, actually write down the pros and cons of your current position. Based on that list, consider what your ideal job and company would look like. Once you know what you want, you can start looking for it – whether it is a larger or smaller firm; a different practice group; more or less responsibility; an in-house position; or something totally different. Take the time to research other companies and law firms by talking to friends; reaching out to a trusted recruiter; and doing your online due diligence.
2. Update Your LinkedIn Profile, Resume, and Business Plan.
Make sure that your LinkedIn profile is up to date and contains enough information about your expertise and credentials that people can find you. Make sure to also have a professional and relatively recent (ideally pre-pandemic though – when you were able to actually get your hair done!) photo attached to your LinkedIn profile. Likewise, take the time to update and perfect your resume and business plan.
3. Network Virtually.
In addition to updating your LinkedIn profile, start to actually use it. Reconnect with people who already are in your network, invite people who work at your target companies or firms or who are potential clients to connect, and share and like appropriate and interesting content. While you can’t meet anyone for coffee or lunch right now, you can schedule phone calls, message people on LinkedIn, and email your contacts. It makes sense to check in with old contacts to let them know you are thinking of them during these unsettling times and hope that they are doing okay. Keep your messages clear, short, and personal, and try to add something of value – perhaps a link to a useful article or a reminder of an upcoming webinar.
4. Perfect Your Video Interviewing Skills.
While there are some signs of optimism, unfortunately, it looks like it will be quite some time before things are back to normal. Thus, for the foreseeable future, we will be social distancing and many people will be working from home, and in-person interviews will not be possible. Instead, interviews will be conducted via Zoom, Google Meet, Skype, and other such platforms. If you want to get the job, make sure you know how to use and are comfortable with this video conferencing software. Always download and test whatever platform the company with which you are interviewing is using BEFORE your interview. Practice with a friend or family member at least several days in advance of your interview so you are well-prepared and don’t have any glitches (such as your camera or sound not working). Make sure to dress professionally, look at your computer’s camera (not the screen), talk in a clear, normal voice (don’t yell or scream), use an appropriate, professional background that is free of clutter or other distracting items, increase your internet bandwidth, and have good lighting. Given the current environment, prepare also to explain your ability to function independently and work well remotely, while still being connected and part of a team.
5. Be Prepared, Patient, and Persistent.
Be prepared for the hiring process to be slow and for job openings to be put on hold or closed. Be patient though, as that does not mean that the process is not still moving, and that these roles won’t open up again in a few months, when things hopefully normalize. So, be persistent in checking websites and checking in with your recruiter so you know when the jobs open up again and are ready to apply when they do.