How Do I Jumpstart My Job Search?

Following the end of summer, the legal market traditionally heats up. What should you be doing to jumpstart your job search?

1. Get on LinkedIn. Post a professional picture (you can get a nice head shot taken for less than $100). Your LinkedIn profile should contain a crisp description of what you do and use keywords for the job you want. Leave out or minimize anything unrelated to that job.
2. Network with friends, clients, old classmates, professors, and co-workers. Get in touch with people now (not just when you want something from them), and offer up something useful (e.g., an article, an invitation to an MCLE, etc.).
3. Check websites for jobs, e.g., www.indeed.com, www.linkedin.com, and my jobs page. Find out the trends, see how your ideal job is described, and tailor your profile and resume accordingly.
4. Talk with the career services office of your alma mater to see job postings or get reciprocal privileges with schools in your area.
5. Get to know a good recruiter. Impress her and gain first access to top jobs, tips on what the prospective employer is looking for, and current market data like comp.