Inhouse

Transitioning from External Counsel to In-House

  • On November 16, 2014
A new GC and former Latham lawyer gives good pointers on how to go from big firm to in-house: Before you get started, learn what is management’s goal and what is your role (e.g., what are you expected to do yourself, where are you supposed to weigh in, and what are you leveraging outside counsel […]
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Job Search

Top 5 Things to Avoid in a Job Search

  • On November 2, 2014
​A good article on what not to do: Apply online. Except for people with the golden resume (top 20 law school, AmLaw training,  transactional skills, prior in-house, and in the 4-9 year range), don’t expect a response for online submissions. Apply for jobs that do not  match your skills. Employers are looking for immediate help, […]
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Interview

How to Answer “Tell me about yourself”

  • On October 26, 2014
The most common question in an interview is “tell me about yourself” (or the close relative “walk me through your resume.”). Don’t answer this question literally! Think about why you are being asked. Interviewers want to know what you bring to the table and if you can do the job. Some guidelines to answer this question […]
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Timing

Get Going Now to Avoid the Holiday Slowdown!

  • On October 20, 2014
Even in this overheated economy there are predictable times of the year that recruiting slows: Thanksgiving, Christmas (and then summer vacation). Since you only have 4-5 weeks to go before Thanksgiving, your resume must be in the hands of the hiring managers now. It will still take a couple weeks for employers to determine their top contenders, […]
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Networking

Networking and Follow-Up!

  • On October 8, 2014
Networking is essential. Just as important is the follow-up. This Forbes article lists what to do after you meet someone great: send an email (ideally mentioning something you talked about); connect on LinkedIn; remember what you actually talked about; and give first/expect nothing in return.
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Career Management

How’s the Market Doing? Strong!

  • On October 5, 2014
Hiring is back to 2008 levels nationwide! Unemployment is below 6% for the first time since summer 2008 (so says the October 3 government report). Fed officials are uncertain about judging the health of the market. The takeway? Take advantage now!
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Resume

5 Biggest Resume Mistakes

  • On September 28, 2014
Google’s HR head Laszlo Bock sees thousands of resumes and lists the top 5 problems: Typos. 58% of resumes have typos. Proof the resume, read it in different order if you keep tweaking and are too familiar with the content, and ask someone else to proof it as well. Length. Don’t go long. The resume should […]
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Networking, Presentation

Handling Mixers with Confidence!

  • On September 21, 2014
You’re ready to chat folks up. Where to begin? Prepare. Think about whom you want to meet and what industries you are interested in. Read the paper or trade journals, and know what’s going on for people you will likely talk to. Be ready to show insight and interest. Stay away from controversial topics like politics […]
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Networking

The Importance of Small Talk.

  • On September 14, 2014
You may think small talk is pointless, but making conversation is actually important. Why? It’s the gateway to a stronger connection. You need to start somewhere from being a stranger to a trusted advisor. It helps people feel comfortable around you. Being likeable gets you hired, builds rapport, and creates trust, all crucial for a lawyer trying to […]
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Presentation

How to Say No Nicely.

  • On September 7, 2014
A good friend just said this to me the other day: “If you want something done, ask a busy person!” It rings true that the busiest person in the room is also the most effective, but what can that person do to get un-buried? I am thrilled to see an influential professor use this quote and […]
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