Careers
Tips for Laid-Off Lawyers Seeking Work: Focus, Network, Stay Positive
Posted Jun 3, 2009, 01:50 pm CST
By Martha Neil
Laid-off lawyers now looking for work are facing the biggest career challenge many will experience in their lifetimes. But with the right attitude and the right approach, jobs can still be found even in the current dismal economy, experts told attendees at a recent program arranged by the Georgia chaper of the Association of Corporate Counsel.
Keeping a positive attitude while maintaining a focused, self-reliant search for work is critical; in this economy, recruiters may not be able to offer much help, panelists said. Although it may be useful to speak with recruiters, and a resumé, of course, is important, these are only first steps, writes the Daily Report in an article reprinted in New York Lawyer (reg. req.).
Knowing who you are and what you want to do are critical, says Jim Villwock, the president and CEO of IEM Group Inc. While it may be tempting to focus on quantity rather than quality, simply attending career fairs or shooting off dozens of resumés isn't likely to accomplish much. Instead of such generalized efforts, he advises job-seekers to develop a "rifle shot" approach and use networking skills to land new work.
They should also approach finding a job as a job in and of itself, and schedule daily meetings with professional contacts and friends, says Dennis McKinnie. He is executive director of Counsel On Call's office in Atlanta and Charlotte, N.C.
For more job-hunting suggestions, read the full article.