Twitter Chat Recap | Lawyer Job Searching

A1.1: #Lawyers like to sit in a chair and predict outcomes. But a #job search is a process, not a prediction. #LegalCareerChat

A1.2: Start by taking the @ABACareerCenter career quiz and browse job postings on sites like #Indeed.com. What catches your attention? #LegalCareerChat

A1.3: Try to include 2 or 3 avenues of search.  Putting all your eggs in one basket can put too much pressure on you. #LegalCareerChat

A1.4: Look at various practice areas, types of employers, or geographies as you decide how to focus your search.  #LegalCareerChat

A1.5: In addition to indeed.com, check out specialty sites like idealist.org, goinhouse.com, USAjobs.gov. #LegalCareerChat

A1.6: Look at your school's Career Services e-postings, legal newspaper ads, and any from a local Bar Association. #LegalCareerChat

A1.7: Of course use the @ABACareerCenter job board @jobs.americanbar.org. #LegalCareerChat

A1.8: And talk to law profs, fellow alums, and legal career counselors. Search LinkedIn for lawyer profiles. #LegalCareerChat

A1.9: Here are links to additional @ABACareerCenter resources:           #LegalCareerChat

A.1.9a: Video: Career Development Series: Job Search Do’s and Don’ts:  https://bit.ly/2SITdy5
#LegalCareerChat @lizstone

A1.9b: Career Development Series…Continued: Job Search Do’s and Don’ts: https://bit.ly/2DvMFJr
 #LegalCareerChat

A1.10: When you have your target(s) defined, it's time to start the search. #LegalCareerChat

A2.1: A search can include alternatives. Look in dual directions if torn, rather than trying to pick one avenue. #LegalCareerChat

A2.2: Might you want to teach civics in a high school?  Be an ombuds in a company?  Head up lawyer hiring and training in a firm? #LegalCareerChat

A2.3: Read articles about lawyers who branched out and check out #The New What Can You Do With a Law Degree.  #LegalCareerChat

A2.4: Legal career counselors help with alternatives to law. Some even use a name like @Lawternatives or @LeaveLawBehind.  #LegalCareerChat

A2.5: You can get info on JD Advantage jobs on @nalp.org or specialized services like @chroniclevitae.com, searching law. #LegalCareerChat

A2.6: Google alternative careers for lawyers.  Or nontraditional lawyer jobs. Change terms and find a treasure of info. #LegalCareerChat

A2.7: Go to LinkedIn to look for specific paths, like legal journalist or search something general, like former lawyer. #LegalCareerChat

A2.8: Contact those of interest to hear about their jobs and to ask for names of other JDs with untraditional careers. #LegalCareerChat

A2.9: Here are links to additional @ABACareerCenter resources:   #LegalCareerChat

A2.9a: Video: Career Development Series: Choosing and Pursuing Alternative Careers: https://bit.ly/2Sq1yaB #LegalCareerChat @CaseyBerman @cwelchconsult @LawyerCounselor

A2.9b: Video: Career Development Series: Alternative Careers: One Degree, Plenty of Latitude https://bit.ly/2SqmWwl #LegalCareerChat @JD_COT @LawyerCounselor

A3.1: Move beyond just a list of jobs. Use subheadings to divide professional roles from those in law school or before. #LegalCareerChat

A3.2: Instead of vagary, try branding: Litigation Experience, Health Law Experience, or Legal and Business Experience. #LegalCareerChat

A3.3: Or, identify your sector(s) with headings like In-House Experience or Public Sector Roles. #LegalCareerChat

A3.4: Put school jobs under a subhead like Law School Internships or include them under Education & Related Experience. #LegalCareerChat

A3.5: If you've had similar jobs, describe the experience once and name the employers under a subhead, e.g., Law Firms. #LegalCareerChat

A3.6: Include not only tasks but a subsection on Representative Results or Key Outcomes. A few bullet points are enough. #LegalCareerChat

A3.7: For a non-law resume, avoid legal details. Focus on transferable skills like problem solving, client service, writing. #LegalCareerChat

A3.8: Good cover letters matter. Omit legalese. Foreshadow, don't repeat, the resume (i.e., I have the skills you seek). #LegalCareerChat

A3.9: Use 1 page; anything longer may not be read.  Omit boilerplate like Thank you for your time and consideration. #LegalCareerChat

A3.10: Here are links to additional @ABACareerCenter resources:           #LegalCareerChat

A3.10a: Do’s and Don’ts for Resumes and Cover Letters: https://bit.ly/2DvMFJr
 #LegalCareerChat

A3.10b: Open Doors at Law Firms: https://bit.ly/2UMIxMe
 #LegalCareerChat

A4.1: Luck may bring a job via postings or ads. But networking warms up the search and helps expand options. #LegalCareerChat

A4.2: Most lawyers dread networking, preferring to give than take help. For now, though, wade into the process well. #LegalCareerChat

A4.3: Networking can be at an event, or you can follow up afterward, so you don't have to discuss your search in public. #LegalCareerChat

A4.4: You can also ask people to coffee or a meal, but networking can be done without expense by phone and email, too. #LegalCareerChat

A4.5: Who knows/likes your work?  With whom do you share commonality (fellow alums)? These are networking contacts. #LegalCareerChat

A4.6: Ask for career info if needed and about opportunity where people work/those they'd reach out to were they you. #LegalCareerChat

A4.7: Also use the LinkedIn search function and Bar committees to find more people of commonality to network with. #LegalCareerChat

A4.8: Be clear; ask good questions. People likely won't know of jobs, but they have names of colleagues in the area. #LegalCareerChat

A4.9: Move from person-to-person to come upon a job. Who are people's co-authors? Who would they ask to speak on a Bar panel? #LegalCareerChat

A4.10: Contact those they suggest; ask re needs in their workplace + colleagues elsewhere. Goodwill trumps cold resumes. #LegalCareerChat

A4.11: Links to additional @ABACareerCenter resources:   #LegalCareerChat

A4.11a: Video: Winning Social Media Networking Strategies to Land a Job or Gain New Clients: https://bit.ly/2Gl0AWH
 #LegalCareerChat @BetsyMunnell @SofiaLingosEsq

A4.11b: Video: Professional Relationships and a Visible Profile: Two Keys to Your Next Job: https://bit.ly/2Gl0AWH
 #LegalCareerChat @saronowitz @LawyerCounselor

A5.1: Be early, having done your homework. Have a few extra resumes, something to write and on, and take a nice pen.  #LegalCareerChat

A5.2: Focus on what you can do for the employer and its clients, not on what the job will do for you or your career. #LegalCareerChat

A5.3: Be ready for openers like Tell me about yourself/Why should we hire you? Don't talk too long or reply curtly. #LegalCareerChat

A5.4: Answer the trite questions well, like what's your greatest strength/weakness or what do you want to do in 5/10 years. #LegalCareerChat

A5.5: Showcase outcomes, not just tasks and have short stories ready for behavioral questions. Tell me about a time when.... #LegalCareerChat

A5.6: No legalese. Especially if you're interviewing for a non-legal job.  Lean forward, be engaged, say you want the job.  #LegalCareerChat

A5.7: Do your comp research; don't be caught off guard or shoot in the dark. Be ready to share your salary and goal. #LegalCareerChat

A5.8: Have an easy to eat dish if there's food. Be personable and professional; smile, relate, but no jokes please. #LegalCareerChat

A5.9: Get an offer, then decide if you'll accept. Say no to the wrong job; be flexible to get to yes for the right one. #LegalCareerChat

A5.10:  Finally, links to additional @ABACareerCenter resources:           #LegalCareerChat

A5.10a: Interview Tips for Lateral Associates https://bit.ly/2SnsY0K 
 @lawcareerist #LegalCareerChat

A5.10b: Kathy Morris: Interviewing Q&A: https://bit.ly/2DvTBqc
 #LegalCareerChat @LawyerCounselor

A5.10c: Video: Career Development Series: Interviewing Spectacularly from Both Sides of the Desk: https://bit.ly/2GhVWZu
#LegalCareerChat @lawcareerist @LawyerCounselor