Top Lawyer Coach, LLC

The Truth about Today's Job Hunt

Times have changed, and so has the legal job search.

Whether you are fresh out of law school or looking for a mid-career change, throw those tried-and-true job hunting techniques out the window. What worked 20-years ago, doesn't fly anymore.

So what's an eager, qualified job seeker to do?

Know what to expect!

Here are 10 new rules for today's job hunt.

1. A resume alone won't get you an interview.

Simply mailing out resumes and then sitting back and waiting for responses just doesn't cut it. It's a waste of time, paper, postage, and energy.

Get out and start networking - both in-person and on social networks. One of the contacts you make will most likely be hiring, or will know someone who is.

2. Experience matters, but not as much as it used to.

This may sound unfair, but people don't want to hear about everything you did way back when. State everything you can do to help them today - and in the future.

3. Don't expect to hear back.

This little courtesy is non-existent these days.

Keep on networking, interviewing, and researching right up until the moment you have a firm job offer in your hands.

4. A resume is no longer a comprehensive summary of your work and education history.

Don't bother to list jobs more than 15 years old. Emphasize recent accomplishments, certifications, and training.

5. Make your resume digital-friendly.

Your resume should be easily uploadable, downloadable, and scannable (i.e., no bullets, boxes, boldface, unusual fonts, indenting).

Your resume should also be rich in the "keywords" that employers are looking for.

6. Computer literacy is a must!

Get comfortable with applying for jobs online and learn how to research on the Internet. And, be sure to have a professional-sounding E-mail address.

7. Establish a lively Internet presence.

Explore LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook. Become active in your field's social media sites. Consider building your own Web site (with a career-oriented blog, professional photo, and resume).

8. Expect to be "Googled."

This means you need to find out if there's anything negative about you online. If there is something bad, try to get it removed. Your best bet may be to "bury" it with more recent, and favorable, links from a social networking site.

9. Remember, it's about who you know, and who knows you.

This is why networking is so IMPORTANT!

Finding employment is less a matter of applying for existing open positions and more about identifying needs potential employers have and demonstrating to them that you can fill these needs.

10. Get used to the idea that you will be surrounded by young people.

Treat them with respect and learn how to speak their language. Do not say "You remind me of my son/daughter," or "When I was your age... !"

Arm yourself with this knowledge as you move forward in your job search.

While some of these rules may be tough pills to swallow, following them could lead to a BIG PAY OFF down the road.

Article was adapted from 10 New Rules for Today's Job Hunt by Karen Burns.