To say looking for a job is stressful is an understatement. Whether it is the complicated application requirements, the uncomfortable interviews, or getting rejected or ghosted by a potential employer, most job seekers experience an incremental amount of stress during the search process. The stress can be ever-present for lawyers, law students, and other legal professionals as applicants seek to navigate the job market and differentiate themselves from their peers. For introverts faced with busy networking events, the competitive On-Campus Interviewing process, and the grueling and seemingly never-ending grind of writing, editing, and distributing copies of your resume, cover letter, and writing sample, the job search process is particularly onerous, and at times, seems designed to make introverts particularly uncomfortable.
However, believe it or not, there are ways for introverts to reduce stress and thrive in the legal job market. To my fellow introverted legal professionals, consider these five tips the next time you are looking for a job. Stay tuned at the end of the article for a brief discussion on remaining visible after you have secured the position and started working there.
An informational interview is typically an informal conversation with someone to learn about their experiences in a specific industry, school, or career path. Usually, you are not being considered for a job and are just chatting. For example, you might contact an alumnus from your law school who is a law firm partner and ask them about their journey from law school to firm partner.
All you have to do is send an email asking for a brief (15- to 30-minute) informational interview to discuss whatever is on your mind. If the person is interested, show up for the meeting with a list of questions and be prepared to listen.
The informational interview is a one-on-one connection in an informal setting. By flipping the table so you are the interviewer instead of the interviewee, you can help alleviate the stress of traditional job interviews. Moreover, you can gain valuable knowledge and advice and a contact who can help you get in touch with other folks for informational and actual job interviews. Another huge benefit of informational interviews is that you do not have to do much of the talking. Most senior or seasoned lawyers are more than happy to talk about their practice and day-to-day work, leaving you, as the informational interviewee, free to listen and ask the occasional question.
Networking events come in all shapes and sizes. These events can be hosted by conferences, bar associations, courts, law schools, and other businesses and can vary from 10 attendees to hundreds. Regardless of what kind of networking event it is, you can accomplish a great deal at these events as an introvert if you plan your experience accordingly. Employers and law school professionals often encourage folks to attend these events and meet people in the industry; however, some introverts dread these events due to the number of strangers and particularly awkward small talk.
To get through these events, you need a solid strategy and approach to make it work for you.
Having a game plan for the event can alleviate some tension, enabling you to focus on your goals and not your anxiety or nervousness.
This is perhaps an obvious sentiment, but preparation is key. As discussed in the previous tip, preparation can help you with networking; the same is true for interviews. Being properly prepared for an interview can make a world of difference in how the interview goes and whether you get the job. Indeed, being well-prepared can also help calm your nerves and boost your confidence during the interview.
Some good ways to prepare include doing mock interviews, reviewing questions with a colleague or friend, and researching the firm or agency and the interviewers so you can ask them targeted questions about their work. However you decide to prepare, do it consistently to put yourself in the best position to ace the interview.
As an introvert, you may have a smaller circle of friends and colleagues than other folks, and you may be convinced that nobody you know can get you a job, but you would be surprised. You never know who might know someone. So, take advantage of your network. Let your colleagues review your documents for errors or other issues. Practice interview questions with your friends. Let your mentors or professors know you are looking for work and ask them to put you in touch with folks who are hiring or connect you with those who might be open to doing an informational interview. If you know other lawyers, ask them how they got their jobs or if they have any advice. No matter how small, your network can be a great resource and aid in finding a job.
For most introverts, recharging is vital. While finding a job is important and necessary to support yourself and meet your personal and financial obligations, finding time to relax and recharge will benefit you substantially. Taking time to reset before the next networking event or working on five more job applications can help you destress before you get back into it. The stress probably will not go away, but taking time to recharge will get you back on your feet, ready to take on any obstacles that come your way.
Introverts tend to fade into the background, making it difficult to “make your mark” at your new job. Conducting informational one-on-one interviews with the other attorneys in your group or office is a great way to meet everyone, learn about the group, and make yourself known. Group happy hours and office parties can be exhausting, but having a strategy before the event can help you deal with that. Finally, no matter how busy you are, taking time to recharge in the evenings or on the weekend is vital to maintaining great performance at work.
