Page 38 - Social Media Musings

Social Media Musings – Part III My Reflections on the Practice and Life
If you want a job in this tumultuous job market, and you don’t have the best grades or went to a top school, who you know makes the difference between getting an interview and not. Reach out to all your contacts and see if they have any leads
on jobs. Get involved in your local bar association, even if only virtually, to get to know people who can offer you an interview. In these times, as in most every time, it’s who you know that makes all the difference.
In law school, I received my share of rejections from law firms I applied to for
my first job. At the time, it felt soul crushing. Now, I realize I needed those rejections to find the right firm for me. If you don’t get an interview, or if you do, but don’t get an offer, keep applying and keep trying. Your job is out there.
In this legal market, it’s tempting to take
any job you’re offered. There are firms that will treat you poorly. There are firms that
are unethical. There are firms that engage in inappropriate behavior. Do your due diligence and learn as much as you can about a firm before accepting an offer, and if it’s a choice between accepting an offer with a firm which principals have repeatedly been disciplined by the bar, and continue being unemployed, seriously consider the latter.
For lawyers looking for a job, create a contact list of attorneys you know and reach
out to them about job opportunities. The maxim “it’s whom you know” applies to job hunting.
Firms hire attorneys they believe will stay forever, not leave after a few years. If you’re a candidate, understand that any comments suggesting you’re not looking for a firm to be your forever firm will hurt your chances of getting hired.
Unfortunately, there are unethical firms. When choosing a firm to go work for, do as much due diligence as possible to confirm the firm and its lawyers are ethical. Your reputation is the most important thing you have as a lawyer.
You never know which person may offer
you a job, refer you a case, offer you a publishing or speaking opportunity, or lend a hand. Grow your network and deepen your relationships.
If you’re searching for a job, you may be rejected a lot, but you just need one yes.
If you’re applying for a job at a law firm
or law department, know the firm’s or company’s mission, vision and values and discuss how you share them, emulate them and can advance them if they hire you.
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