Career Advisor
I speak with job seekers every day, and a common complaint is never hearing back from an employer. Do you find that you spend countless hours searching and applying to online job postings only to never hear back? Are you not even receiving an automated "thank you for applying" email? Take note of this because it is happening to many job seekers across multiple industries. Generally, employers receive hundreds of applications for every online job posting, and therefore are unable to respond to the majority of them. This is the reality of job hunting today, so if you are spending most of your time on live job postings, it might be time to adjust your strategy.
Dating. Think about finding a job like you would a partner. A big part of a relationship is chemistry. For example, imagine receiving hundreds of letters from people trying to date you. It's impossible to date every candidate, unless you are the Bachelor/Bachelorette and have ABC prescreening your candidates. (If this is the case, call me. I want tickets to "After the Final Rose.") But what if a friend made an introduction or you met someone in person? You may be more inclined to arrange a date, right? Employers use similar strategies. They want the right employee chemistry for their office culture and are more likely to follow-up with someone they already know or someone referred to them. So how do you become one of these people?
Get Out There. Networking doesn't have to be painful or awkward. If you approach employers the right way you, will gain advice, make connections and eventually get job referrals.
Here are five quick tips to get you out there now.
- Have a Purpose. You wouldn't show up to a final exam unprepared, right? The same goes for informational interviews. Know the tone you want to convey and the information you wish to obtain at every meeting. For example, if you are a recent graduate, market yourself as a JD waiting for bar results. You are no longer a law student, so present yourself as a professional and show your excitement to join the legal profession.
- Seek Advice, Not a Job. It is awkward to ask someone you don't know for something, especially a job. This is usually a huge turn-off for employers. Rather, try asking for advice about your career path. Find out what journals attorneys are reading and how practice areas have changed in light of the economy. If nothing else, you will gain more knowledge about a practice area which will develop your confidence.
- Smile. Remember that enthusiasm shows and always remain positive. This will keep the conversation upbeat and leave employers with a great impression.
- Follow-Up. Meeting someone is only half the battle. Stay in touch and check in periodically. You want to be in the front of an employer's mind when a hiring need arises.
- Ask for Introductions. After ending an informational interview, ask for an introduction to contacts. But be strategic: Look up connections on LinkedIn before meeting so you know to whom you want to be introduced.
