Being Proactive in Tough Times

“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, . . .”  The infamous opening phrase from Charles Dickens Tale of Two Cities easily comes to mind for certainly this is “the worst of times.”  For the first time we are seeing massive and continuing lay-offs by law firms throughout the country, not just staff, but attorneys and partners as well.  This economic downturn may signal the end of the familiar law firm structure.  For certain, some things will never be the same.

Permit me to be of some small help by providing some practical tips which may assist you should you get caught up in these distressing times.

1.         Network.  Work your network and start immediately whether or not you are currently employed.  The greater and more varied your network, the better the sources of potential employment.  Further, most employers prefer to hire from internal referrals.  Your network is everyone you know, from your mailman to your pastor.  In addition, inform your NALS chapter and state employment chairs of your status.

2.         Excel in your job.  Focus on the mission of your firm and your place within it.  Once you identify the central function, find ways to play a role in it.  Now is not the time to sit back and rest on your previous achievements.  Now is the time to assess needs, take initiative, and be a contributing member of the team.

3.         Update your resume.  Regardless of whether or not you are looking for employment, you should always keep your resume updated - including your NALS resume.  In addition, collect and collate your NALS CLE certificates, writing samples, and any acknowledgments of your contributions either internally within the firm or externally through clients appreciation your hard work and assistance.

4.         Polish your interviewing skills.  Before going to an interview, research the company’s work, mission, press releases, etc., and be ready to ask intelligent and pertinent questions of the interviewer.  Review interview skill reference books to prepare and practice concise answers to potential interview questions.  Be prepared for anything.

5.         Strengths and Accomplishments.  Develop a list of three to five accomplishments in your last job (anything that made a positive, measurable contribution to the firm, your former boss, or the practice area) and make reference to those accomplishments repeatedly during your interview.  Include your NALS work and be prepared to answer intelligently the inevitable question, “What is NALS and explain what you did as Education Chair.”

6.         Update your skills.  Education is always a key to opportunities.  If you are lacking in any skill, be it specific software programs or professional development, now is the time to take the course or seminar.  Being proactive in updating your skills will put you above the other candidates in your job search. 

7.         Be flexible and persistent.  Demonstrate your flexibility by learning new things and embracing change.  Don’t stop applying for positions.  The job-search process is not the same as it was years ago.  Keep copies of your resume with you at all times.  That way you are always ready if the opportunity to network presents itself.  Post your resume to online job searching sites such as, Simply Hired, Jobing.com, Help Wanted.com, Indeed.com, Snagajob.com, Monster, Yahoo, Craig’s List, Guru.com, LinkedIn, or Facebook. 

8.         Be confident, fight fear, and take action.  Don’t panic if you are laid off -- instead proceed confidently.  View the situation as an opportunity for you to stretch yourself, learn something new, and become strong.  It is the confident, knowledgeable, and adaptable candidate who will get the position.  Successful people believe in their abilities - figure out your abilities and exploit them with confidence!

9.         Keep your NALS membership current and use the benefits of your membership.  Professional people belong to their professional association.  Your resume should state that you are a member in good standing.  Belonging and participating shows that you are on top of the current trends of the industry, again, putting you in front of other candidates.  NALS is chocked full of benefits, especially in education.  NALS should be your first networking stop-off.  If you are in need of a distinction showing your mastery of skills, then now is the time to pursue NALS certification.  Don’t allow your membership to lapse.  Invest in yourself.  For less than 50¢ per day, you can belong to THE premier association for legal professionals.  Now that’s a bargain!

Finally, there are a myriad of books, articles, and internet sites to assist you in these “worst of times.”  Check out www.csun.edu for information on marketing yourself, and www.quintcareers.com for job search tips.  Also useful are Career Distinction – Stand Out by Building Your Brand, by William Arruda and Kirsten Dixson Farr; You, Inc.  The Art of Selling Yourself, by Harry Beckwith and Christine Clifford Beckwith; and The Pocket Idiot’s Guide to Interview Questions and Answers, by Sharon McDonnell.

Good luck and stay in touch.  NALS cares about YOU!

Patricia E. Infanti, PP, PLS
2009-10 NALS President-Elect
infanti@ballardspahr.com