Top tips for finding a job during COVID-19

Job hunting can be stressful at most times and has now been made harder amid the COVID-19 outbreak and the impact this has had on the legal jobs market.   

During these unprecedented times you will need to be proactive, job-hunting will be challenging. If you have lost your job or are concerned that you might it is important that you reassess and refine your job-hunting strategy. Here are some top tips to get you started.

Be open minded

Competition is fierce, you may need a Plan B whilst the market remains uncertain. Be flexible in your job search, widen your pool of potential jobs and consider looking outside of your preferred area. Conduct research to be able to identify those areas that continue to show growth. Temporary or contract work could be an effective short-term plan whilst looking for a permanent position.

Use this time to reflect, take advantage of the slowing job market to assess where you want to work and the type of role you are seeking.

Make time for your job search

• Job hunting is time consuming, added to that you will need to be patient, it is likely that responses will take longer. Set minor goals to keep yourself motivated.
• In addition to the usual research and preparation you will need to think of creative ways to make your applications strong.
• Ensure that you have a clear set of goals and can position yourself accordingly on applications and online.
• Consider how you can utilise your networking contacts.
• Sign up with recruiters for job alerts to avoid tireless searches for suitable vacancies. Jobs that match your skills and experience can be sent direct to your inbox, leaving you with more time to refine your CV and applications.

Review your CV

Increased competition means that employers are seeing more applications, you should update your CV to ensure it demonstrates your strengths. Consider things that you have done during lockdown that you can include that will add to your skills and knowledge.

Remember the importance of tailoring your CV accordingly.

Self-learning

• Take advantage of the many free online learning resources that can help you to continue to develop skills and knowledge to strengthen future applications.
• Review past appraisals to help identify any areas where development is needed. You should also review job requirements for advertised roles, match your experience and skills to identify any gaps. Work on improving those skills to strengthen your applications.
• Employers who are hiring are moving to virtual interviews. Gain confidence by using online guidance and practice tools. You can also call upon friends and family to provide feedback.
  

Nurture networks

Keep in touch with past colleagues, it is important to keep abreast of developments in the profession, consider virtual coffees to assist with nurturing and growing your network. Your network can help to reveal opportunities and could possibly lead to personal referrals. The value of networking should not be underestimated, this could lead to employment, potential clients and business opportunities.

• Review your LinkedIn profile, the professional network is regularly used as a recruitment tool. State at the outset that you are seeking employment, highlight your career accomplishments, skills and work experience.
• Seek out relevant professionals, consider joining groups to strengthen networking and establish new contacts. Ask about virtual events and join in conversations to make yourself visible.
• Develop useful connections by joining practice based, geographical or demographic legal communities, get involved with learning, events and networking opportunities.
• If you decide to put your legal career on hold reach out to those that you can call upon when the market picks up.

Get help

If you are feeling overwhelmed assistance is available. 

• The Law Society’s careers service is available to provide support at the various stages of your career. An overview of Law Society support available for those facing unemployment due to Covid-19 can be found here
• There is a wide range of free webinars, podcasts and material providing self-help tools, guidance and soft skills training.
• Speak to recruiters, they will be able to provide insight to the legal jobs market.
• Reach out to relevant communities that can provide peer to peer support.
• Utilise friends and family to provide comment on your CV or help with interview practice.

Rita Oscar, The Law Society of England and Wales