Autonomy
Many job seekers feel that their future success is at the mercy of their prospective employers, undermining the brain’s need for self-determination. Instead of passively waiting to be selected for an interview, focusing on “performing” well at that interview, and being given a job offer, find ways to assert your own agency through the affirmative choices you make in the process.
In the Job Search
Identify clear criteria for the opportunity you seek. Assess prospective roles against these criteria and do not pursue roles that do not measure up.
Approach interviews as a conversation, not an audition. You are evaluating the employer and the opportunity as much as they are evaluating you.
Engage with your network so that you are more likely to hear about opportunities rather than waiting for positions to be posted.
In Potential Roles
Assess the extent to which you will control your daily schedule, the matters you will work on, the level of responsibility you will have for your work, the extent to which you must conform to a particular style, and the extent to which you can attract the clients you want. Compare what you learn to the criteria you have already established to evaluate whether this is the right opportunity for you.
In addition, understand your prospective employer’s policies and expectations regarding such criteria as in-office work, response times, and billable hours.
Relatedness
Feeling a sense of connection and belonging is essential to mental well-being. Without the opportunity to interact routinely with colleagues or feel connected to an organization, job seekers can feel adrift. This sense of isolation can be exacerbated by interpreting an employer’s choice not to interview or hire you as a personal rejection. Be mindful of the narrative you create about your job search progress, and prioritize staying connected to others.
In the Job Search
Instead of characterizing an employer’s decision not to hire you as a “rejection,” consider a more neutral interpretation, such as there being a lack of fit between you and the role. While disappointment is an inevitable part of the process, avoid interpreting employers’ decisions as a referendum on your worthiness as a person or legal professional.
Be vigilant about staying connected to peers, family, friends, and mentors. Take responsibility for staying in touch by email, text, or phone; schedule times to meet for coffee, lunch, or walks. Gather on a regular basis with colleagues who are also looking for work to provide mutual support and accountability.
Expand your network through informational conversations.
Participate in activities where you can collaborate with others on projects of mutual interest, like bar association committees, pro bono work, or other community service.
In Potential Roles
Evaluate the extent to which your employer’s values are aligned with yours.
Understand with whom you will be working and whether your new employer facilitates connections through affinity groups, mentor programs, and team meetings.
Identify whether you will be working alone or on teams, as well as the employer’s practices regarding in-office and remote work.
Assess whether you will be available to remain engaged with your personal and community commitments outside of your job.
Fairness
Most job seekers desire fair access to opportunities; operating in a system that feels “rigged” with unwritten rules demoralizes us by undermining confidence and well-being. To guard against this, make it a priority to uncover the underpinnings for how decisions are made in the hiring process and in the workplace.
In the Job Search
Understand the qualities your prospective employer seeks and use your application materials and interviews to clearly demonstrate those elements.
Ascertain the criteria the employer will use to determine where an applicant falls within a salary range so that you can best advocate for yourself when negotiating your compensation.
In Potential Roles
Learn how work is allocated and evaluate whether you can request opportunities that will support your growth and development.
Understand how performance is measured and the relationship between evaluations, compensation, and advancement.
Seek clarity on the promotion process and evaluate whether it is transparent, fair, and predictable.
Conclusion
Understanding the strong connections between well-being, career satisfaction, and job search success can help job seekers reframe their experiences, build resilience, and better navigate setbacks, ultimately enabling more effective decision-making and communication with potential employers.