Having a career you love is an important goal and is achievable. While you may not be in your dream job now, you can begin planning and preparing for the day you land your dream job. Traci Ray, executive director of Barran Liebman, and Rachelle J. Canter, president of RJC Associates, recommend the following three tools for obtaining your dream job:
A career plan is a road map toward a career goal. A career plan can be as basic as answering three questions: First, what are your career goals? Second, what are your plans to increase your marketability in the next year? Finally, how do you plan to increase your skills and marketability in the next three to five years? With that simple framework in mind, you can fill in the details. Instead of becoming overwhelmed with multiple long-term goals, focus on one manageable, measurable step at a time. As you complete each step, you will gain momentum toward your long-term goal.
Your career plan is a living document, and you can update it as your plans and desires change. Find people to discuss your career plan with and hold you accountable. These people may be able to help or provide referrals.
Use your calendar as a tool to document your career steps. After completing each step, note on your calendar whether the meeting or project furthered your career goals. Document both your successes and failures to learn from both.
A powerful resume depends on results, not responsibilities. There will always be a candidate from a better law school and a better firm. Highlighting your accomplishments will differentiate you from your competition.
Creating an accomplishment-oriented resume will take time. Consider the following tips.
Remember to have fun while networking. If you are enjoying yourself, you can build genuine relationships and connections. Networking should also be reciprocal. Instead of only focusing on what other people have to offer you, look for ways to help other people. If you are not reaping any benefits from networking in a particular situation or organization, seek other opportunities.
Networking is also a transferable skill. You can network for clients or network within your community to get a job. The best networking opportunities for clients will be determined by your practice area. If your clients are businesses, you need to find opportunities to connect with business leaders and owners. If most of your business comes from referrals, you need to network with other lawyers. LinkedIn is an invaluable resource to assist with networking. Connect with new people you meet on LinkedIn. Research shows that 70–80 percent of jobs come from your network; therefore, LinkedIn can be a way to leverage your connections to obtain a job.
These three tools can help you plan for your career years down the road and reach your career goals. With careful planning, accountability, and networking, your dream job can become a reality.
