With the rise of the digital age and the Covid-19 pandemic, getting a job anywhere has changed dramatically over the last decade. Getting jobs at law firms is no exception to this rule.
So how do law firms hire people now? What should you expect when applying for jobs? How do you make a good impression in an interview?
These are all excellent questions that you should be asking yourself before you apply for jobs at any law firm. Read on for five tips on how to get hired by the law firm you want to work for.
1. Be Personable
Working at law firms means that you’re going to be dealing with a lot of people every day. While it’s important to be professional, it also helps people relax when you’re relaxed. This is why being personable is also so important.
On your resume and at your interview, don’t be afraid to mention some of your hobbies outside of work. If you can express how some of your hobbies make you a better employee, this is ideal. Try to discuss hobbies and interests that match your potential employer if you can.
By doing this, you’ll contribute to an environment that is more comfortable for everyone who comes into the office whether they’re coworkers or clients. This is important because it leads to more positive experiences for your clients and increased morale for your coworkers.
So don’t be afraid to be yourself on your application and at your interview.
2. Research Potential Employers
No two law firms are the same. Each has different policies and specialties. If you’re wanting to work for a law firm, then the type of law that they practice is extremely important, especially if you want to become a lawyer yourself.
Are you interested in criminal law, for example? Are you more interested in family law, writing wills, and managing estates? Maybe you’re interested in accident and injury lawsuits.
These are all very different specialties that different law firms will handle, and it’s just one reason to do thorough research on every law firm you apply to. It sets you up for careers at law firms in the specific field you want to go into.
Furthermore, it’s simply good to have general knowledge about who you’ll potentially work for. How long have they been in business? Have they always specialized in their specific field?
Any information you have about a potential employer when you go into an interview gives you an advantage.
3. Cover Letters Are Important
A lot of people have an instinct to not brag about themselves which can actually hurt during law firm job applications. The issue isn’t that humility isn’t a good quality to have, but the job application process is when you should sell yourself to the law firm. This tells them what you’ve accomplished and why it will be worth hiring you.
There are a few opportunities to do this on your application before you even get an interview. The best place to start happens before the hiring manager even sees your resume: with a cover letter.
The sad truth is that many people often neglect to even write a cover letter. A resume does a good job of displaying your experience and accomplishments, but the cover letter is your chance to talk about you as a person.
What do those accomplishments and experiences mean to you? How will they help you thrive if you’re hired by this law firm?
4. Networking Helps
In today’s job market, the importance of networking and communication cannot be overstated. These days, many people find it difficult to get new jobs unless they know someone. The biggest issue that a lot of people run into with this piece of advice is where to start with that networking.
A great place to start is by talking to your family and friends. Chances are that someone you know is in contact with someone in the field that you’re interested in. This is exactly the kind of person that you want to reach out to.
Another good place to start networking is at school. Those who are still students would be doing themselves a disservice by not speaking to their professors.
Many college professors have practical experience in the subject that they teach. Most will still have connections with people who work in your field of law who may be looking to hire people just like you.
5. Be Mindful of Social Media
This applies to both applying and working at law firms. Everyone now lives in a world where your entire life might be up on the internet for anyone to see. And more and more employers, including law firms, are looking at social media profiles of any applicants that they’re considering.
For this reason, you should always be mindful of what you’re saying online. This isn’t to say that you should never post on social media, but think carefully before you post.
For example, if you’re posting about performing illegal activities, then there’s a high chance that you won’t be hired anymore. Someone who works at a law firm shouldn’t be bragging about breaking the law.
Keeping political opinions to a minimum is usually a good idea on social media. You don’t want to prevent yourself from getting an opportunity for job growth simply because a hiring manager disagrees with you.
In general, a good rule of thumb is not to say anything on social media that you wouldn’t say in public.
Apply for Jobs at Law Firms Today
Following these pieces of advice is the best way to get jobs at law firms right now. In short, be honest, be professional, and make connections wherever you can, but above all be yourself. You have what it takes to work in your desired field, so all you have to do is show it.
And this is exactly what we’re looking for at Jafri Law Firm. We specialize in bankruptcy, family law, and high-stakes litigation.
Contact us today to learn more about our team and specialties.