Welcome to the Summer of 2004! At Special Counsel, we have been actively strategizing about how we can best assist our candidates and friends in improving their professional lives. From time to time, it is necessary for us all to take a step back and evaluate our career plans and objectives. It is with that in mind that we are pleased to announce the creation of an informal periodic e-mail newsletter to assist you in both your career search and professional development.

Our objective in preparing this newsletter is two-fold: first, we would like to offer you our insight and recommendations on the legal marketplace and career search methods, and second, we would like to share with you the benefits of working with a service like ours to secure rewarding temporary, temp-to-hire and direct hire positions. It is our hope that you will be able to incorporate some of the information we provide into your strategic career plan.

We aim to provide you with a newsletter that proves both beneficial and informative. Your comments and questions are welcome and we will try to incorporate your thoughts into future editions of the newsletter. Please email us at the following address: column@specialcounsel.com. We look forward to hearing from you soon!

On behalf of Special Counsel, best wishes for much success in reaching your career objectives in 2004.

Jodi L. Nadler
Vice President, Special Counsel

Are you listening to your heart when you apply for, and ultimately accept, an employment opportunity? If not, you need to start heeding your mother's somewhat clichéd, but very wise advice, and "follow your heart." What does this mean? Simply stated, you should not just accept any job, but pursue and choose a career that best suits you — your personality, your skill sets, your interests, your professional goals, and your passion.

Has it been so long since you last took stock of what best suits you, that you don’t even know what that is? Make a list, if need be, of what is important to you. You may have to scramble around in your memory bank and dredge up this long-forgotten, rarely used, information — but do it. The wrong employment decision can be costly.

As recruiters we often ask our candidates, "I see what you're skilled to do...now tell me, what do you want to do?" Obviously, it is our hope that the response matches the credentials outlined on the resume. However, we are often astounded at the number of times that the position for which a candidate has applied and the one the resume supports, is not truly what he/she really wants to do, or cares to do. The lesson here is this: candidates must be honest with themselves and their placement counselors, in order to secure a position where they can thrive and grow. If a candidate's "heart" is not in the job, whether regarding the practice area of law, the salary requirements, the location of the opportunity, law firm vs. in-house, etc., that individual's energy, motivation, and dedication to the position will be short-lived. This will naturally show in the work product, and the employer, the employee, or both, will be dissatisfied. Consequently, the placement will be destined to fail. Don’t let this happen to you!

Finding the "right" opportunity from the start is critical. Far too often, candidates "sell out" to financial considerations, comfort zones, and "quick-fixes." But short-term solutions are rarely effective in the long run. And, transitioning back into the job-type of your dreams after making a poor career choice is often very difficult. Understandably, financial concerns must play a role in one’s decision to accept a position. But this should not be determinative. Also, don't be "pigeon-holed" into a job similar to your last (at which you were miserable) simply because "that's what you do." Think outside the box. Be creative. Evaluate not only what you have done, but also, what else you can do with the skill sets you possess and the credentials you have earned.

Furthermore, when evaluating an opportunity during the interview process with a prospective employer, make sure that you ask questions about facets of the job that are important to you. Just as employers perform due diligence on you, so, too, must you investigate whether the opportunity is, in fact, in line with your career objectives. By directly, yet professionally, addressing issues that are important to your career plans, you will clarify specifications and expectations, and ensure that the position for which you are applying is right for you.

In sum, a little self-analysis before applying for any position is certain to yield high dividends. Be your own career counselor, and identify and delineate your professional goals first. This will help you focus your job search on only those opportunities that foster your particular goals. Don't ignore your "heart's desire." Remember, anyone can find a "job." The key to real success is to find your Place!

The job search process can be somewhat intimidating at the outset, but if you approach the process with energy and organization, you no doubt will enjoy success from your efforts. The bottom line is that you must be strategic and confident in your approach to exploring the employment marketplace. Outlined below are some general reminders to ensure you reach your goal in securing a new position.

Sources — Be Creative!

• Internet - Visit employer websites, legal specialty and general job boards, legal trade association websites, and legal directories.
• Help Wanted Ads - Read local newspapers and legal trade publications.
• Networking - Meet and greet professionals at bar association and paralegal association functions, civic, and volunteer events. Contact alumni for assistance.
• Recruiters – Use reputable placement professionals to market your skills and experience to the employment marketplace.

The Resume Process

• Keep cover letters short, professional, and to the point.
• Ensure your resume is easy to follow, concise, and carefully proofread! If relevant, prepare a transaction or “deal” sheet to accompany your resume.
• Send resumes to “real names” not to “Human Resources,” or “To Whom It May Concern,” or “Hiring Partner.” A simple call to the employer’s offices will enable you to identify this information.
• Let your resume demonstrate your qualifications for the position. Don’t keep the decision-maker guessing.
• Follow up within one week on all resumes that you send to prospective employers. This is incredibly important!

The Interview

• Do your homework! Research the company/firm and the people with whom you will be meeting.
• Prepare a series of questions that will enable you to understand the company’s culture, expectations, and the overall job requirements.
• Develop a sales presentation that outlines your accomplishments, strengths, and relevant experience.
• Be prepared to discuss weaknesses and gaps on your resume.
• Don’t burn bridges and “bad mouth” former or current employers.
• Practice your response to the dreaded salary question.
• Reiterate your interest in the position at the close of the meeting.

Follow Through

• Send thank you notes via e-mail or mail. Make sure you proofread them!
• Follow up within a few days on the status of your application. Reiterate your interest in the position and your availability to continue the process.
• Negotiate like a champ and enjoy the success of your search process!

Additional Reminders…

• Temporary Work
• Keep busy during career breaks by performing temporary work.
• Temporary work also enables you to hone your legal skills and keep them sharp. It may introduce you to new skill sets as well.
• Temporary work affords a new forum for networking with other professionals.
• Temporary work allows you to earn competitive pay while you are seeking permanent employment. Many temporary assignments serve as a bridge to direct hire opportunities.

Continuing Education

Always invest in your professional development by enrolling in continuing education classes. These classes will enable you to keep abreast of current trends in your practice area and increase your exposure to new areas of the law in which you are interested. Additionally, you should also read legal trade journals to keep up with relevant news in your practice area.

1. How would you describe the individuals who are successful in this position? What qualities or characteristics distinguish those individuals?
2. Please share with me some details about the department’s or organization’s culture.
3. I am committed to working hard and successfully demonstrating my legal skills and abilities. Where will my opportunities lie within your firm over the next five years?
4. How will my performance be evaluated, how often, and by whom?
5. What does your company do to contribute to its employees’ professional development?
6. What is your firm’s management style and what type of employee thrives within it?
7. What are the greatest challenges of this position?
8. Recently I read an article in (publication) that discussed (i.e. recent regulation, appellate decision, change in court rules). How has your organization addressed the issue, and how will it affect your firm directly? (The objective of this type of question is to demonstrate your awareness of current events that will affect the prospective employer and that you have done your homework).
9. What is the next step in the process?
10. At this point, do you have any concerns as to whether I would be a suitable fit for this position? If so, I would like to provide you with additional information that I hope would eliminate any doubt in your mind as to whether I would be an appropriate match for your opening. I firmly believe that I am a strong fit and could make a valuable contribution to your team.

• Are you keeping track of where you sent your resume in response to job postings, ads, and leads?
• Are you following up on all resumes that you have sent out?
• Where appropriate, do you send out a transaction sheet or summary of accomplishments along with your resume?
• Are you maintaining a list of the employers to which your placement counselors have sent your resume?
• On the same note, are you insisting that the placement counselors with whom you are working obtain your permission prior to sending your resume to a prospective employer?

Remember, searching for a career opportunity is a job in and of itself. The key is to be methodical and organized in your approach to the job search process!

Your Goal: To obtain a rewarding direct hire or temporary position in a law firm or corporate legal department.
Your Method: Enlist the services of a placement consultant or recruiter to assist in your job search.
Your Success: Dependent, in part, upon a successful relationship with your recruiter.

As placement professionals in both the temporary and direct hire arenas, we view our relationship with our candidates as a partnership with one mission: to find you a challenging, competitively compensated position. We must work together to achieve this ultimate goal.

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In order to ensure a successful partnership with your recruiter, we have outlined some general pointers to keep in mind:

1. Be flexible. When legal professionals set out to secure a new position or career move, these individuals tend to have the “ideal job” in mind. However, analyze that ideal and determine which attributes of a job are absolute necessities and which are “wish list” items. Communicate these details to your recruiter, and she will do her best to secure a position that most suitably matches your career goals, interests, and other requirements. It is important to keep an open mind when exploring opportunities. Value the advice your recruiter provides you regarding the types of opportunities that make the most sense for you in terms of career progression. Consider your recruiter as your personal “career agent” in the employment marketplace.

Flexibility is also important when it comes to scheduling interviews and making decisions on offers of employment. Demonstrate your commitment to explore potential career opportunities by making yourself available to meet with employers.

2. Provide current contact information. Although this simple rule sounds extremely obvious, it is worth mentioning. Always ensure that your placement consultant has your most current personal contact information including home, work, and mobile telephone numbers and e-mail addresses. Inaccurate contact information could result in a missed opportunity for you. Make it as easy as possible for your recruiter to reach you!

3. Be prepared. Always be “interview ready.” To do this we suggest that you have the following readily available at your fingertips: a current resume and transaction sheet (if applicable), copies of your transcripts, two strong writing samples and a list of at least three professional references. Most employers will request these materials early in the interview process. You want to demonstrate your preparedness and professionalism at the outset of your discussions with the employer by having these materials available at your interview. Also, provide copies of these materials to your recruiter to keep in your file in the event an employer requests such information directly from the recruiter.

4. Maintain open and honest communication. Share your goals, career successes, as well as pitfalls with your recruiter. If there are gaps on your resume, explain them. Your recruiter will be able to advise you on handling the less than desirable aspects of your career history both on paper and during an interview. Any information that will be helpful to the recruiter should be shared. For example, advise your recruiter if you plan to move out of the area in the near future or have an upcoming life event or vacation planned. If you are uncertain about whether something in your career history, goals or plans is relevant, be conservative and tell your recruiter. Let him be the judge.

5. Limit the number of recruiters with whom you work. You will have greater successes with your recruiter if she knows that you are working with her exclusively or that you have limited the number of recruiters with whom you are working. Your goal is to become a priority for your recruiter. Additionally, you want to minimize the potential scenario in which two recruiters are representing you for the same opportunity. However, that said, remember that you are in the driver’s seat and need to take control of your job search. If after a certain period you need to broaden your search, advise your recruiter that you would like to expand your search efforts to other sources. Being honest and upfront with your recruiter will foster a stronger relationship with her.

6. Be honest with yourself! We all like to believe that any employer would be lucky to have us as an employee. However, realistically, we each are well-suited and qualified for certain types of positions and particular types of work environments and not for others. Be realistic as to both your capabilities and shortcomings. You should always be “reaching for the stars,” however, be pragmatic. Rely on your recruiter’s expertise and listen to his assessment of your qualifications and where you are most marketable in the employment landscape.

7. Let your recruiter do her job! The job search process is stressful. The anxiety experienced when you are searching for a suitable position or awaiting feedback on your resume or an interview can be overwhelming. As a result, you might be tempted to continuously call your recruiter. Resist the temptation! Recruiters are extremely busy professionals. They spend their days interviewing candidates, speaking and meeting with employers, and, most importantly, seeking out job opportunities for the candidates they represent. In between these tasks, the recruiter is sending out resumes and scheduling interviews on your behalf. If your recruiter is constantly fielding calls from you and other candidates, she will not be able to do her job. As a result, you will get nowhere in your career search.

However, if you do have some important, relevant information to share, contact your recruiter immediately. For example, if you receive an offer of employment or the urgency of your search suddenly changes or you have decided to put your job search on hold, call your recruiter so that she is up-to-speed.

Furthermore, if you receive a message from your recruiter, call her back as soon as possible. Failure to do so may result in you losing out on a potential opportunity or interview. Finally, if you do attend an interview, make sure that you contact your recruiter immediately thereafter to discuss your feedback from your meeting.

In sum, working with a recruitment professional is an exceptional vehicle for spearheading your job search, whether you are seeking temporary or direct hire employment opportunities. By adhering to the basic principles outlined above, you will maximize your relationship with your recruiter and, in turn, enjoy the fruits of your partnership by obtaining a challenging career opportunity.