Job Search, Timing

Timing is everything. Don’t miss the recruiting window now!

  • On March 15, 2015
Timing is everything in your job search. If you apply at the wrong time, the employer won’t pay attention, even if you are perfect. Conversely, you need to get in front of the hiring manager when he/she is paying attention, and now is the time to accelerate your search. Why? Because June through August is the summer […]
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Interview

It’s Not Just Lunch.

  • On March 8, 2015
How you interact with everyone, not just the interviewer, affects whether you get the job. I like how this article breaks down how interviewers evaluate candidates over a lunch interview. Beyond your substantive knowledge, interviewers are watching how you: Interact with the staff. Are you polite and respectful or hierarchical and short? Employers need someone who can work well across […]
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Recruiter

4 Ways to Get a Recruiter’s Attention

  • On March 1, 2015
I like how this entrepreneur lays out 4 ways to get a recruiter’s attention (and, yes, they work with me):  Build your brand. Be personable and known for your expertise. Attend relevant events and network effectively. Be visible online. Your LinkedIn profile needs to be current and represent you well. Put some care and thought into it, from […]
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Inhouse, Interview, Process

Phone Interview Tips

  • On February 22, 2015
For in-house jobs, the interview process often starts with a phone screen for the employer’s top 5-8 candidates. From that group, the top 2-3 are brought in live before any decisions are made. So if you are at the phone screen stage, you have a decent shot at the job! Take this call very seriously. A […]
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LinkedIn

A Great LinkedIn Profile

  • On February 8, 2015
So much of your job search is out of your control. You can’t force employers to read your resume, and your law school and salary have already been set. But you can control your LinkedIn profile, the platform of choice for employers and recruiters to find the right employee. How do you stand out there? Some good tips: Include a profile […]
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Career Management

​​Start Your New Job on the Right Track!

  • On February 2, 2015
Orient yourself on your new job: Find out where power flows. Start with the org chart. Know who the important execs are, and who gets priority. Understand the business model so you can give solutions, not conservative advice. Review the important products and initiatives. Read the playbook and standard forms. Know the hot buttons (and don’t […]
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Networking, Presentation

How to Get a Response to Your Email When Asking for a Favor

  • On January 25, 2015
Below are some great tips from Professor Adam Grant on making a successful email request: Start with the right subject line. You’ll get a better response if it’s interesting and/or useful. Some samples: “Advice for a fellow X”, “Applying your techniques to Y”, “Can you help me give away $Z?”. Connect the request to the recipient. Show you know […]
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Job Search

​How to Ask for Favors While Job Searching

  • On January 18, 2015
Because legal careers are often lockstep for the first few years, lawyers are not used to asking for favors. Yet, favors are essential to a job search – candidates need to do a lot of asking, e.g., for introductions, for informational interviews, for recommendations, for insight into a company, etc.  Below are some strategies to get […]
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Interview

When Can You Check In on Status After an Interview?

  • On January 11, 2015
​​Following up once after an interview if you haven’t heard in a week (yes, SEVEN days) is fine. If you are checking in more than that, you might be a pest. Some exceptions (i.e., when it’s OK to follow-up more frequently) include: Giving relevant new information about your work status, like you received another offer. […]
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Career Management, Career Tips

Making Your New Year’s Resolution Stick!

  • On January 4, 2015
Happy 2015! If you made a resolution, this recent WSJ article ​gives pointers on how to make it stick. My favorites are below, which I’ve applied to the career context:  Set concrete and realistic goals. To get a new job, you need to break it down, e.g., (1) get your resume and LinkedIn bio in order, (2) scan job […]
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