Getting your first job

GETTING YOUR FIRST JOB

Louise Turner , membership manager at CILEx, poses some questions to Industry Expert Deborah Ogden on how to get your first job in the legal sector

As an industry expert, could you give any tips on how to get your foot on the first rung of the legal career ladder?

Have a plan. Know your end goal and keep that in mind. This will help you stay focused and keep you motivated when you face the inevitable rejection. Job-hunting is competitive, and developing resilience now will be beneficial as you move forward in your career.

Start to build your network. Talk to people and tell them the type of work you are looking for; you never know who knows who, and can open a door for you. Be open-minded about opportunities that come your way: if not the ‘perfect role', could it be a stepping stone to something with more potential? You are more likely to hear about vacancies and opportunities once you are working in a firm, and will be able to demonstrate your worth.

What key messages should your CV convey?

Ensure your CV is clear and concise, drawing the reader in, wanting to know more about you. Highlight key skills, competencies and interests, giving specific examples to illustrate your talent. Research shows you have less than nine seconds to capture the reader’s attention, so avoid waffle and be relevant.

If you have recently carried out work experience or have a job that gives you the perfect experience for your dream role, then it needs to be instantly visible – right at the top.

Avoid words that are overused and, therefore, lose their impact, eg: ‘professional', ‘enthusiastic', ‘motivated'. Instead, illustrate these skills with clear examples of when you have demonstrated them.

How can you get potential employers to notice you? What are they looking for?

It’s no longer enough to be technically excellent. Employers are looking for candidates that stand out and will fit with their team dynamic. Include specific examples demonstrating your strengths and what you bring to the firm. Can you demonstrate people skills, eg, if you have worked in retail or customer service, volunteered with a charity and been part of a team, or have excellent presentation skills from time spent on stage? Are you a linguist or IT specialist? Analyse your strengths, and talk to those around you to identify your unique qualities.

Once you secure an interview with a legal-sector employer, where do you go from there? What to say? How to act?

Your interview is your chance to shine. Be yourself, but the very best version of you.

Remember, the interview starts the minute you walk through the door. Every person you meet could well be asked their opinion of you - so make sure it’s excellent.

We make a judgment about someone in seconds: first impressions count and it is important to appear calm, confident and interested. Nerves can take over and candidates often forget to smile and show warmth, which builds rapport and trust with your interviewer. Walk in with confidence, smile and offer your hand. If you haven’t had formal feedback on your handshake - get it. This is a first impression you must get right.

How can you use networking/social media to secure a job in the legal sector?

Your network is one of the most powerful tools you have throughout your career: start to build it now. Whether job-hunting, changing firms or stepping up to partner level, your connections and the relationships you build are invaluable. Invest time in your LinkedIn profile, keeping it current – most interviewers will check your profile. Have a professional photograph – no party shots, holiday snaps with sunglasses on or at your friend’s wedding.

LinkedIn and Twitter allow you to follow thought leaders in areas of law you are interested in and, where appropriate, comment and share their work. They are also great sources of information to stay current and abreast of pertinent topics before interview. Twitter is more informal, with scope to show personality and engage with potential employers.

Social media is a powerful platform to start building your profile and develop a reputation in specialist disciplines.