Best Sources for In-House Jobs!

Where should lawyers look for in-house jobs? These are the top places: 

1. Job search sites. Start here to get a sense of the market and the skills employers are looking for. The top sites are LinkedIn and Indeed.com, and there’s plenty of others (Google, Goinhouse.com, etc.).
2. Companies. When you begin your job search, identify the top employers who have a need for your unique skill set. Then follow these companies, and check their websites often for openings. At the same time, cultivate relationships at these companies. That way, insiders can alert you of new positions and walk your resume in. And if there isn’t an opening at the moment, stay top of mind with your contacts by emailing notes of congratulations on positive news events.
3. Former clients. Especially for senior candidates, check in with former clients because they know what you are like to work with. They may be at a new company now that needs your skills and can talk you up about how you have solved similar problems before for them. Clients should include cross-functional teams you supported like folks in finance, sales, HR, etc.
4. Former colleagues. Law firm partners are incentivized to place people they know with their clients to keep that relationship going. Get back in touch with your old firm so they can keep an eye out for you.
5. Business community. Companies often start searches to fill senior positions through recommendations by the execs, senior management, board members, or investors.
6. Professional associations & alumni groups. They often post new positions and hold networking events, so members are primed to help each other. Check out ACC, your alumni group, ethnic bar, specialty bar (trial lawyers, compliance professionals, IP groups, women in technology, etc.). Organize events and be supportive so people know what you are like to work with and can help you out when you need it.
7. Social community/family. As with dating, you don’t know how you’ll meet your next employer, so keep an open mind about whom to tell you’re looking, and cast a wide net. The lead can come from someone who knows you well or not at all. Sometimes all you need is someone to put your resume at the top of the pile, regardless of how well he or she can vouch for your skills (though that would be great!).
8. Recruiters. Companies come to us telling us exactly what they are looking for. We can guide you through the whole process, so treat us with respect. Note we do not work on all openings, just the companies who have signed contracts for us.

And if you want to learn more about cultivating relationships, here are some resources: https://www.susantiensearch.com/category/networking/.