It’s been said that job searching is a full-time job in and of itself. However, there are ways to make your job search a little easier. Here are some suggestions:
By far, the most obvious suggestion here is to make yourself available. LinkedIn is an invaluable tool when it comes to showing that you are open to new opportunities. Keep your LinkedIn up-to-date and ensure your contact details are displayed in your profile. So if someone hiring comes across your profile, they have a clear understanding of what you can offer and can easily contact you. Second, and this may sound obvious, but LinkedIn is not a sounding-off board for you to air your grievances. It’s a professional platform to encourage networking. There’s nothing wrong with showing some personality, but make sure this doesn’t hinder your chances of being considered as a real potential investment. Similar can be said for your online presence – don’t put anything online that would cause concern or worry to an employer. Employers and recruiters look at all your personal social media accounts! To read more on making your LinkedIn profile stand out, click here.
Let Recruiters Support Your Job Search
Second, if a recruiter or a potential employer contacts you on LinkedIn, reply! Admittedly, people are bombarded with messages from recruiters on LinkedIn. However, if one of them stands out to you (perhaps you look at their profile and see that you have things in common, for example), or they have an role that you like the look of, there’s no harm in asking to arrange a call to discuss options. Some recruiters, including myself, work directly for candidates. I anonymously talk to law firms on behalf of many solicitors and legal secretaries to see if there are potential opportunities for the right person. Being proactive is always good, and recruiters do that on your behalf! For free!
However, one caveat is that I would recommend getting the recruiter’s assurance that your CV and your name won’t be mentioned to any law firms. This is something all recruiters should be adhering to with the GDPR rulings, but some of them can be a little cheeky in how they do so. I will not send a CV without written consent, for example, so my candidates know that they are in control of the process.
Perfect Your CV
Make sure your CV is up-to-date before you start your job search. So, you can quickly send it out to firms or apply for jobs you suit your requirements. However, it’s important that tailor your CV to each job application as not all job roles will be the same. Check out all our tips for writing your CV and ensuring it stands out to prospective employers here.
So, you have started your search and you have been asked to interview at a law firm, what next?
Schedule your interviews outside of your working hours as much as you can. Be honest and upfront about your availability. We find that companies who are hiring are often flexible with interview times. People can only have so many excuses to be out of work. Ask for times after work or at lunch. If you’re working from home, ask if the interview can be online. The last thing you want to do is leave a sour impression with your current employer as you look for new opportunities. Click here to view our top tips for interviews.
Following on from the above point, bear in mind that a job interview is just an interview. Don’t assume that because you thought it went well, that it went well. You still need to do your current job to the best of your ability. Remember, your current employer will be the person your new employer will most want a reference from.
Finally, don’t be hasty. An interview may have been promising, and even better, you are given a provisional offer, but don’t hand your notice in! Don’t do a thing, or tell any of your colleagues until you have the offer in writing. Be discreet, tactful, and ensure that everything in the offer contract is exactly as you want for it to be. If something isn’t in writing and you were told that it would be, query it with the company or the recruiter. Once you are happy with what you have been offered in writing, then you can proceed with handing in your notice, and indeed, working the notice period.
Let us help you find your next role
Here at the Eventus Recruitment Group, we offer realistic, honest and straight forward advice to enhance your career. We can help you to find your next opportunity at no cost to you as a candidate. We recruit for all roles within the legal, HR, Finance and Accountancy sectors. To view our latest jobs, please click here.
We also support you in applying for jobs through finding suitable roles that fit your requirements and skills, CV writing and preparing you for interviews. Get in touch for a confidential discussion.
If you would like help hiring for a vacancy, please click here to contact us.