The COVID-19 Legal Job Search: Keeping the Ball Rolling in the Era of Social Distancing

We are thrilled that guest blogger and outstanding business coach Jessica Hernandez is sharing this article with us to share with our readers. In these uncertain times it is easy to become withdrawn and feel hopeless. But there is opportunity in this time for those in the midst of a job search, and Jessica offers excellent steps you can take to keep that job search on track.

by Jessica L. Hernandez, JD, ACC, CPCC

Many of my attorney clients were already in the throes of a job search when the COVID-19 outbreak shuttered businesses around the globe. Others are expressing anxiety about suffering job loss or reduction as a result of the intense economic upheaval resulting from the virus. And across the board, clients are telling me there is ‘nothing they can do’ about their job search in the era of social distancing.

Not true! While, of course, many traditional modes of job searching are slow or stopped altogether, it doesn’t mean that there is nothing to be done during this time. Below is a list of ways to maximize your time at home during the outbreak, so that you are well-positioned when the economy starts rolling again.

Enhance Your Job Search Materials

The truth is that the majority of resumes I see have not been significantly revised since law school – attorneys tend to just keep adding jobs and duties on top of the resume with which they graduated. Take this time to cast a critical eye on your resume and other job search materials.

• Start by brainstorming what you have done in each of your roles. What needs to be highlighted for the position you are seeking now? What duties in past positions no longer rise to the level of being mentioned, since you are now operating at a higher level of responsibility?

• Review the formatting of your resume. Is it easy to read? Do the right elements jump out at the reader? Remember that, after practicing for five years, you should go to two pages, and that once you move to two pages, you should use the entire page on both sides.

• With the same critical eye, review the form of cover letter that you have been using. Can you make it more succinct, communicating clearly to the reader what you want to highlight?

• Finally, take time to look over your LinkedIn profile (or to build one, if you don’t already have one!). Ensure that it jibes with your resume, and that you include the right words for which recruiters in your industry would be searching.

Look for Job Search Trends

While COVID-19 is certainly affecting the market across the board, it is clear that certain industries are currently thriving, such as teleconference services, biotech, grocery delivery, and on-demand exercise class services. In the legal industry, I have heard that both labor and employment and bankruptcy and restructuring practices are extremely busy. Additionally, once the dust settles, there will be myriad thorny contract questions for attorneys to sort out. Pay attention to where the market is headed. To the extent that you have some of that experience in your background, think about retooling yourself to service those needs.

Use this Time to Network

Many of my clients are operating under the presumption that, due to the virus, they shouldn’t be bothering people in the industry. Another misconception is that, since people can no longer can meet for lunch or a coffee, they won’t be able to connect with others. But the truth is that we are all craving contact in this difficult time. Furthermore, if you are in an industry that is adversely affected in the moment, the person with whom you would network might also have more time to speak with you; if your industry is busier than usual, your target might still be looking for help. Set up a phone or Zoom call with your networking target, or email specific questions or ideas to keep the contact warm during this time.

Keep Going!

It is a mistake to assume that nothing at all is happening in the job market. While recruiting has slowed in some sectors, I check LinkedIn every day and continue to see positions being posted. Keep checking in with job boards and recruiters as you had been prior to the outbreak.

This is indeed an unprecedented time, and nobody can predict where it is headed. If you are in the mindset of a job search, your goal should be to look back at this time knowing that you were productive and made the most of it. Hopefully these tips will motivate you to keep the ball rolling towards a better future, both personally and professionally.

Jessica L. Hernandez is former practicing attorney who is now a certified executive coach and career consultant for individuals and organizations. To learn more about Jessica, feel free to contact her at jlhcoach@gmail.com or visit her website: https://www.jlhcoachingconsulting.com