Career

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.

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.

December 5, 2022 by Amy Shanks Leave a Comment

EQUALITY VS. EQUITY: WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE?

While equity and equality appear the same, they are quite different in the workplace. If you want your organization to champion an inclusive workplace culture, then distinctions must be drawn between the two ideas. Let’s look at equity and equality and why it’s vital that your organization make the shift to a more inclusive work environment.

Equality vs. Equity

“Equality” in the workplace means treating all candidates and employees the same and offering them the same opportunities, regardless of age, gender, race, religion, sexual orientation, and other identifying demographics. An example of workplace equality in the recruitment world would be all candidates receiving the same amount of time to complete a sample work assignment as a part of the hiring process.

Equity is a similar concept, but with a focus on the individual. “Equity” in the workplace offers all candidates and employees the same opportunities while taking into account their individual needs for specific support and resources that level the playing field. Promoting equity means ensuring that candidates are free from bias.

The difference between equality and equity can be demonstrated using employee benefits as an example. Equality in employee benefits would be all employees receiving the same benefits package (insurance, pension plan), and equity would allow employees to choose benefits that suit them best according to their situation. For example, someone with insurance through a partner might prefer more salary over the company plan, and equitable benefits include spousal health insurance available to same-sex couples and non-traditional families.

What Employees Want

Aside from contributing to a more inclusive culture, promoting equity in the workplace is important because it’s what employees want. CNBC reported that nearly 80% of the workforce wants to work for a company that values diversity, equity, and inclusion. It’s beneficial to your business, as well, because an inclusive work environment produces a wider variety of perspectives. A variety of ideas from people with different backgrounds drives innovation and improves the turnaround time for problem-solving. Organizations that promote equity and inclusion are far more likely to retain employees longer than those that don’t bother.

Catering to the different needs of your employees encourages their full potential. Unsure where to begin assessing equality or equity in your workplace? Getting employee feedback is a great place to start. Evaluate your pay structures and see if employees are paid the same if they are doing work of equal value. When implementing the new policy, it’s crucial that you develop a way to track your progress.

November 1, 2022 by Amy Shanks Leave a Comment

CONTINUING EDUCATION WILL HELP YOU SECURE YOUR NEXT LEGAL OR IT JOB

Continuing Legal Education is a chess move in your favor.

To remain at the top of your field as a paralegal or IT team member, you must keep your skills current. In addition to keeping up with any changes in statutes and case law, paralegals should stay on top of changes that will affect their ability to do their jobs efficiently. Both paralegals and IT employees should remain tech-savvy and current with document management improvements, trial techniques, and court rules.

As a paralegal or IT professional, taking continuing education courses is an excellent way to stay on top of changes in the law and advances in the legal field.

Here are the top 3 benefits of continued education:

Increased value to the firm. Increasing your knowledge, building additional skills, and strengthening your current skills will make you invaluable to your law firm. In the long run, staying on top of your game may also lead to a raise or promotion.
Better performance. As you gain confidence by learning how better to perform your job, you will be able to handle more tasks. Your new techniques and skills will make you more productive and efficient.
Advanced communication skills. Paralegals often are the “go-between” for all parties involved in a case (attorneys, clients, courts, experts, witnesses). IT personnel are usually solving multiple problems at once under highly stressful situations. Successful law firms are built on great communicators!

Paralegals and IT team members who regularly attend continuing education courses are more marketable and have more opportunities for career growth. Not only does learning more help you to be an asset to your law firm, but it will also open the door for your career growth. Remember to update your resumes annually with your completed continuing education credits.

Top IT Skills

In February of this year, Team BRYTER wrote that in-house legal technology budgets will grow 200% by 2025. As these departments become increasingly dependent on technology to keep up the pace, IT specialists and tech-savvy legal professionals will most likely skyrocket.

One specialty predicted to continue in high demand is e-discovery/litigation. As document formatting changes due to improvements in software, professionals who are well-acquainted with the latest in e-discovery and knowledgeable about file compatibility across different platforms will have a leg up against other candidates. A paralegal with a background in predictive coding and further analysis software might cut document review by hours and make for a highly valued prospect.

What Recruiters are Looking For

Workflow, in general, will continue to embrace both automation and digitization, and having tech-friendly skills at hand will only help your chances on the market. Updating your skill set in these areas will raise your chances of success in the face of future tech innovations and a changing work environment.

Recruiters look for candidates with experience using legal research products such as Westlaw and LexisNexis. Potential employers may also expect proficiency in client software suites such as Google Workspace and Office 365. In addition, if you know law practice management software such as Clio and PracticePanther, you may gain an edge over your competition.

At Strategic Recruitment Solutions, we have matched top companies with top talent in the Gulf Region for over a decade. Our focus is on building long-term relationships with the companies we assist. Call us today at 888-366-6508. We can help you find the best candidate to join your legal or IT team or aid job seekers in finding the most appropriate position for their talents.