Articles by Amy Shanks

Experienced recruiter with a passion for the business - always striving to improve the level of service and innovation for our clients. I believe in acquiring talent beyond expectations resulting in a strong client partnership that allows us both to focus on what we do best.

September 18, 2023 by Amy Shanks

HOW TO ACE YOUR NEXT JOB INTERVIEW AND AVOID BLUNDERS

You can ace your next interview by avoiding these mistakes.

Your job interview can be a nerve-wracking experience. However, it’s crucial to remember that everyone makes mistakes; learning from them is the key to personal and professional growth.

The following are common interview bloopers and insights on how to handle them professionally:

Technical Blunders

Modern interviews often involve technology, which sometimes leads to unforeseen glitches. To avoid these issues, ensure that your devices and software are up to date and thoroughly tested prior to the interview. Turn off any potential distractions to maintain your focus.

If you encounter technical difficulties during the interview, calmly acknowledge the issue, express your determination to continue, and swiftly transition back to the conversation. Demonstrating your ability to adapt in the face of challenges can showcase your professionalism.

Poor Handshake

A handshake sets the tone for an interview. A weak or overly aggressive handshake can create an unfavorable impression. Practice a balanced handshake that exudes confidence without being overpowering. Remember to make eye contact and maintain a friendly smile, conveying genuine interest and respect for the interviewer.

Failure To Match Communication Styles

Effective communication is crucial during interviews. Mirroring the interviewer’s communication style can foster rapport and understanding. If the interviewer is formal and direct, respond similarly. If they engage in a more casual conversation, adjust your tone accordingly. Adapting your communication style showcases your ability to connect and collaborate effectively.

Not Preparing For The Interview

Walking into an interview unprepared is a significant blunder that can undermine your chances. Taking the time to prepare shows you are interested in the position. Research the company thoroughly, understand its values and objectives, and be familiar with the job description. Prepare your answers for the common interview questions and practice telling your career story.

Bad-Mouthing Former Employees

Discussing negative experiences with previous employers can make you appear unprofessional and create doubts about your attitude. If the topic arises, focus on the positive aspects of how you overcame challenges and learned from those experiences. Present yourself as adaptable and growth-oriented.

Unrealistic Salary Expectations

Bringing up salary expectations too early in the interview can be off-putting. Research industry standards and use online resources to determine appropriate salary ranges for your role and location. If the topic arises, respond by emphasizing your interest in the position and eagerness to contribute to the company’s success.

Job interviews allow you to showcase your skills, experiences, and personality to potential employers. Although making a mistake during an interview can be embarrassing, consider it as an opportunity for growth and remain resilient.

By preparing thoroughly, staying composed in the face of unexpected challenges, and focusing on your ability to contribute to the organization’s success, you can turn your interview mishap into an opportunity to demonstrate your professionalism and adaptability. Remember, it’s not about entirely avoiding mistakes but how you handle them that truly matters.

Whether you’re looking for new opportunities in the Gulf Region, Houston, or nationally, our expert recruiters will take a consultative approach to assist in placing you in a direct-hire position that will best match your skills, talents, and career goals. Most importantly, we’ll work closely with you through the entire process to provide support, insight, and successful strategies.

Strategic Recruitment Solutions is partnered with law firms and technology companies throughout the nation. Therefore, we can provide access to positions in the Legal and IT fields that may not be advertised on job boards or a company’s website. Search our current opportunities or contact us directly!

August 7, 2023 by Amy Shanks

THREE IT HIRING TRENDS: SHAPING THE FUTURE

Attracting top IT talent has become a critical challenge for organizations across various industries.

In today’s competitive job market, finding and attracting top IT talent has become a critical challenge for organizations across various industries. At Strategic Recruitment Solutions (SRS), we specialize in IT and legal recruitment and have some insights to share regarding this growing demand. Here are what we believe are the IT hiring trends:

1. IT Hiring from Various Backgrounds and Industries

To access fresh perspectives and diverse skill sets, organizations are increasingly open to hiring IT professionals from non-traditional backgrounds and industries. By casting a wider net, SRS helps organizations find innovative talent that can drive business growth. We recognize the value of a diverse talent pool and actively seek candidates with unique experiences and transferable skills.

2. Towards A Holistic Candidate Evaluation

Beyond technical skills, organizations are increasingly emphasizing assessing candidates’ soft skills. SRS knows the importance of a comprehensive evaluation process. Therefore, we help organizations create candidate profiles that consider qualities such as adaptability, problem-solving, and communication. By evaluating candidates holistically, SRS ensures a better match between candidates and organizational culture.

3. Focusing on Diversity and Inclusion

The focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion in hiring and retainment has emerged as a promising trend. SRS recognizes the importance of building diverse IT teams and actively promotes inclusivity. By seeking candidates from different backgrounds, genders, and cultures, organizations can create a more inclusive work environment that fosters innovation.

As companies strive to remain competitive in the digital era, Strategic Recruitment Solutions will continue to play a crucial role in helping them navigate the ever-changing landscape of IT. At Strategic Recruitment Solutions, we have matched top companies with top IT talent in the Gulf Region for over a decade. Moreover, we focus on building long-term relationships with the companies we assist. If you want to hire the top IT talent in the field or if you are an IT professional looking for your dream job, call us today at 888-366-6508.

June 4, 2023 by Amy Shanks Leave a Comment

EMBRACING DIVERSITY: A Strategic Approach to Enriching Your Law Firm

In today’s globalized world, diversity and inclusion are a strategic necessity for all businesses, especially law firms. The variety of thoughts, experiences, and perspectives brought together by diverse professionals can drive a law firm’s performance, client satisfaction, and reputation.

Law firms can implement better inclusion efforts by forming a strategic, multi-point plan.

The Path to Greater Diversity

Increasing diversity in your law firm is a strategic process that involves attracting, recruiting, retaining, and promoting professionals from different backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences. Below are some practical steps to achieving this goal:

1. Set Clear Diversity and Inclusion Goals

Articulate your firm’s commitment to diversity and set measurable goals. These can include increasing the percentage of attorneys from diverse backgrounds, promoting diversity at senior levels, or even diversifying the client base.

2. Revise Recruitment Strategies

Traditional recruitment methods may limit your firm’s access to a diverse talent pool. By visiting a variety of law schools, networking in diverse professional communities, and using inclusive job postings, you can attract candidates from various backgrounds.

3. Implement Bias Training

Everyone harbors unconscious biases. By implementing comprehensive bias training, you can help your team become aware of these biases and foster a more inclusive environment.

4. Create Mentorship and Sponsorship Programs

These programs can help diverse employees navigate the firm’s landscape and climb the corporate ladder. Mentors provide guidance, while sponsors advocate for the employee’s promotion and growth.

5. Foster a Culture of Inclusion

Diversity is about representation, but inclusion is about creating an environment where everyone feels valued and heard. Encourage open discussions about diversity, celebrate diverse holidays, and promote inclusion at every level of the firm.

6. Track Progress

Track your firm’s progress toward its diversity goals. Regular reviews will keep you accountable and provide insight into where improvements can be made.

The Benefits of Diversity

It’s not about meeting a quota. Embracing diversity and inclusion brings numerous benefits to the firm’s culture:

1. Enhanced Innovation and Problem-Solving

Diverse teams bring varied perspectives to problem-solving, fostering innovation and creativity. This can result in more comprehensive and effective legal solutions for clients.

2. Increased Client Satisfaction

A diverse legal team is more likely to understand and connect with a diverse client base, thus improving client satisfaction and loyalty.

3. Strengthened Reputation and Brand

Law firms known for diversity and inclusion often enjoy a competitive edge. It attracts talent from many backgrounds and appeals to clients who value diverse perspectives.

4. Improved Financial Performance

Several studies link diversity to improved financial performance. For instance, McKinsey and Company’s 2020 report found that companies with the greatest ethnic and cultural diversity in their executive teams outperformed those with the least by 36 percent in profitability.

5. Regulatory Compliance

With increasing legal requirements surrounding diversity and inclusion, embracing these principles can help ensure your firm remains compliant with regulations.

6. Enriched Firm Culture

A diverse and inclusive workplace fosters a sense of belonging, encourages open dialogue, and increases employee engagement and satisfaction.

At Strategic Recruitment Solutions we encourage our clients to have an inclusionary work environment. This is a win-win for law firms, their employees, and their clients. Increasing diversity at your firm is a strategic decision that includes benefits – from enhanced problem-solving abilities to improved client satisfaction and financial performance.

Start by setting clear diversity goals, revising recruitment strategies, and fostering a culture of inclusion. Progress may be slow, but the rewards will be well worth the effort, reflecting positively on your firm’s performance and reputation.

Strategic Recruitment Solutions has matched top companies with top paralegal talent in the Gulf Region for over a decade. Moreover, we focus on building long-term relationships with the companies we assist. We are able to provide our clients with experienced, knowledgeable paralegals and our job candidates with their dream jobs. Whether you are new to the legal profession or an experienced paralegal who is looking for a new job opportunity, call 888-366-6508 can let us help you today.

May 16, 2023 by Amy Shanks

CONSIDERING A PARALEGAL CAREER? Here are Ten Everyday Legal Tasks You Should Know

In the past decade, the demand for paralegals and legal assistants has increased in the United
States. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BSL), the outlook for paralegal talent is
projected to grow 14 percent from 2021 to 2031, much faster than the average for all other
occupations.

In the next decade, the BSL predicts there will be an average of 45,800 job openings for
paralegals and legal assistants each year. Many of the job openings are expected to result from
the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or who exit the labor force (i.e.,
retire).

The paralegal profession is ever-evolving. Paralegal roles span various law and legal practice
areas. And due to a shortage of paralegal talent, legal firms, corporations, and governmental
agencies are finding it difficult to hire the required paralegal talent. Furthermore, finding the
right match for employers and jobseeker is time-consuming.

That is where legal recruiters can help. Legal recruiters find that perfect match between job
seekers and law firms while encouraging paralegals to continue to increase their skill sets.
If you are pursuing a paralegal career, being aware of your potential paralegal duties will help
you be a more valuable asset to your current employer and help you advance your career.

Here are ten legal tasks every paralegal should know:

1. Litigation

Litigation refers to the process of resolving disputes through the court system. Paralegals
must learn about the various stages of litigation, including pleadings, discovery, pre-trial
motions, trials, and appeals, to effectively support their attorneys in managing each case.

2. Pleadings

Pleadings are the formal written documents filed with the court to outline each party’s
claims and defenses. Key pleadings include the complaint, answer, counterclaim, and
reply. Paralegals often assist in drafting and reviewing these legal documents, ensuring
they are accurate and adhere to the rules of civil procedure.

3. Discovery

Discovery is the pre-trial phase during which parties exchange information and evidence
relevant to the case. Paralegals play a significant role in managing the discovery process,
which involves drafting and responding to interrogatories, requests for production, and
requests for admission.

4. Depositions

A deposition is a sworn testimony taken outside of court, where an attorney questions a
witness under oath. Paralegals may organize and schedule depositions, prepare deposition
summaries, and manage the relevant documents.

5. Legal Research

Legal research is identifying and retrieving information to support legal decision-making.
Paralegals must be familiar with various research tools, including legal databases like
Westlaw and LexisNexis, and be able to find and analyze relevant statutes, regulations,
and case law.

6. Brief

A brief is a written document that outlines a case’s facts, legal issues, and arguments.
Paralegals often draft, edit, and proofread briefs to ensure they are well-organized and
persuasive.

7. Motion

A motion is a formal request made to the court for a specific action or ruling. Common
motions include motions to dismiss, for summary judgment, to change the venue.
Paralegals must be familiar with the procedures and requirements for filing motions and
may assist in drafting the supporting documents.

8. Docket

The docket is the official schedule of court proceedings, including hearings, trials, and
other matters. Paralegals should be able to read and interpret the court docket. They will
be responsible for keeping track of important deadlines and ensuring filings are timely
and accurate.

9. Statute of Limitations

The statute of limitations is the time limit within which a legal action must be initiated.
Paralegals must understand the applicable statutes of limitations for each type of case and
ensure all critical deadlines are met.

10. Billable Hours

Billable hours are the time spent on tasks directly related to client work and are used to
calculate a law firm’s fees. Paralegals must accurately track and record their billable
hours, ensuring that all their time working on a case is documented.

Strategic Recruitment Solutions has matched top companies with top paralegal talent in the Gulf
Region for over a decade. Moreover, we focus on building long-term relationships with the
companies we assist. We are able to provide our clients with experienced, knowledgeable
paralegals and our job candidates with their dream jobs. Whether you are new to the legal
profession or an experienced paralegal who is looking for a new job opportunity, call 888-366-
6508 can let us help you today.

April 4, 2023 by Amy Shanks

GHOSTING DURING HIRING: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

“Ghosting” is no longer strictly a dating term. The phenomenon has become so common in today’s digital age that it has entered the hiring process. Over the years, the legal and IT sectors have encountered their own brand of ghosting during the hiring process by both job seekers and employers. Ghosting during hiring refers to when a company or candidate stops communicating after a particular stage in the hiring process, leaving the other in the dark. Ghosting can be frustrating, demoralizing, and negatively impact a candidate and employer’s experience.

Why Ghosting Occurs

Ghosting is most commonly experienced after an initial interview but can also occur after a job offer. After completing a series of interviews, candidates may think they are the perfect fit for the role. However, they never hear back from the hiring authority, leaving them in limbo. This lack of communication can be particularly frustrating for all parties who have invested much time and effort into the process.

Sometimes, ghosting occurs because hiring managers or candidates may feel uncomfortable delivering bad news. For example, they may have decided to pursue other candidates or opportunities and take the path of least resistance by not communicating.

Remember The Golden Rule

Are you an employer trying to avoid being ghosted by a new hire? To prevent a ghosting experience, work to create hiring process efficiencies by setting realistic expectations. When rejecting a candidate, be professional, respectful, and kind, and focus on being positive.

Ghosting hurts reputations all the way around. Candidates who have been ghosted are likely to share their negative experiences with friends, family, and colleagues, which can damage the company’s brand. Additionally, companies that have been ghosted will be quite unlikely to consider the candidate for future opportunities.

Companies should prioritize communication with candidates to avoid being ghosted in the hiring process. This means setting clear expectations at the beginning of the process and following through with regular updates. Even if a candidate has been rejected, delivering this news promptly and respectfully is essential. Companies can also use technology, such as automated emails, to help streamline the communication process and ensure that all candidates receive updates on their application status.

Both in dating and in the hiring process, ghosting is a frustrating and demoralizing experience for both candidates and employers. Always remember the Golden Rule and treat others as you would want to be treated.