How to secure a legal job during the pandemic
As law firms move to remote working and hiring practices are disrupted, many solicitors are uneasily contemplating what life in the “new normal” will look like. However, the legal industry has proven to be remarkably robust. Despite the heavy impact on recruitment, the UK market is already showing green shoots of recovery, with data from LinkedIn showing the legal market experience the strongest rebound in hiring.
If you’re looking for a new role in this challenging time, here are our top tips:
Refine your video interviewing skills
With social distancing measures in place, the only option for legal hiring managers is to conduct video interviews to find their next employees. Video interviews will be very unfamiliar for the vast majority of candidates who have managed to work their way onto shortlists. Preparing your tech, dressing to impress, and practicing your interview techniques are all important when interviewing remotely – read more in our article.
Be patient – and do your research
Most HR teams and recruiters are just getting up to speed with the logistics and daily routines of a fully remote workforce, so may be slow in responding to your application. The pandemic is something nobody could have predicted, so it’s only natural that teams will need time to adjust to new technology and changing circumstances. The down time during the pandemic can also give candidates the opportunity to really learn about the firms and teams they are interested in joining rather than rushing into a decision.
Get better at online networking
Unfortunately, meeting someone for a coffee is no longer a viable networking option. The covid-19 pandemic has completely changed the way we live, and as firms tentatively make the move back to the office, it’s never been more important to grow your network. Your LinkedIn page is the digital embodiment of you, your skills, your value-add and your experience – do not neglect it! Make sure your page is complete and accurate. Establish connections with recruiters and teams, and build rapport online, just like you would in real life. For more tips on how to use LinkedIn to network professionally, read this article.
Take the time to boost your skills
Legal professionals have been using lockdown to further their career and education – and this can be very helpful for your career development. Our new learning and development portal has a series of topical webinars, podcasts and courses to help you in the next step of your career. Visit the Professional Development Centre for more information. If you’re going through redundancy, email careers@lawsociety.org.uk for free access to these resources.
Reflect on what you really want
It’s common for jobseekers to go for the first opportunity that comes their way, or go into their search without fully considering what they want. Take advantage of the slowing job market by getting clarity about which firms or in-house businesses you want to work for – research their websites, GlassDoor pages, or even connect with solicitors on LinkedIn who work there currently to get an idea of what working for the organisation is like.
Remember to view the latest vacancies at Gazette Jobs, where you can sign up for job alerts and upload your CV.