Career

July 14, 2021 by Amy Shanks Leave a Comment

Time to change jobs? Look for these signs!

You have been in your job a few years and noticed your motivation is dwindling. Maybe you no longer feel challenged to learn. Or perhaps you feel like you are going in the opposite direction of where you envisioned your career going.

Everyone’s interests and goals naturally change over time. So how do you know if you’re ready for a job change?

Here are seven indicators that it may be time for you to make your move:

You feel stressed and tired

Are you overly tired on the way to work, sleeping less, or more irritable? These could be symptoms of rising stress levels – an early warning system that something is off. Stress can affect your mood and immune system, making you more susceptible to colds and lows and impairing performance.

So if your body is trying to tell you something, take a moment to understand the message.

You don’t believe in the company like you used to

When you began working in your current job, it seemed full of possibilities, and you felt proud to identify yourself as an employee of your organization. But recently, you’ve noticed a change in the office atmosphere, and your belief or confidence in the organization isn’t what it was.

Perhaps the company has taken some commercial or strategic decisions that don’t sit well with you. Maybe a management reshuffle has not been a change for the better. Or perhaps it’s just that your thinking has evolved, and you feel your values no longer align with yours.

You can’t wait for the day to end

When you first started this job, you woke up excited about going to work. On the job, you often asked about taking on extra projects and offered to stay late to complete your work. Now, you find yourself counting down the hours until you can log off and head home. You look for the minimum workload rather than look for opportunities to go the extra mile.

It may be that your position doesn’t stretch you any more, or your current employer doesn’t have an adequate development path for you. Either way, it could be time to move on to something that ignites your passion again.

Your job skills don’t match up with your interests

Sometimes people get hired for things they’re good at but don’t necessarily like doing. You may be skilled in software sales but would really prefer to be in marketing. Maybe you’re great at creating spreadsheets but would rather meet with clients instead of sitting at a desk all day. Perhaps you’ve found yourself practicing in one area of law, but you’d prefer another.

It is natural to want to align your interests with your career activity – and the longer you leave it, the harder it can be to switch as you become more and more specialized in a field where you feel you do not belong.

As Steve Jobs once said, “The only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven’t found it yet, keep looking. Don’t settle.” So now could be the time to take the opportunity while you can and see what you can achieve if you try.

You feel invisible

Do you get the impression that your opinions and contributions go unacknowledged? Have you been overlooked for a promotion or an important project, and you’re finding others get the credit for things you suggested months ago. Perhaps relationships within your team aren’t as cordial or collaborative as they used to be, and team members aren’t socializing together anymore.

Because you spend a significant portion of your time at work, it is important that you feel that you are valued. It also helps if your work atmosphere is friendly, productive, and encouraging. If you’ve done everything you can to improve the dynamic, but still feel that things are not right, it may be time to move on. Find something new to challenge you and where you think you can make a real difference.

Your job is boring

Sometimes it can be hard to accept that your role is just not substantial enough for you anymore. Unhappily staying in a position because of your sense of loyalty or hesitation to make a change could hurt your career in the long run.

Over time you have developed skills and experience, and it may be time for new challenges. Sometimes an employer may not have the resources to help you reach your potential. What your career may need is the sort of change that only a job switch can provide.

If you see similarities with your job experience after reading these seven signs, don’t be afraid to start exploring your options.

At Strategic Recruitment Solutions, your success is our success. Our reputation for superior client satisfaction is the result of a tireless commitment to exceeding our clients’ objectives. We are the recruiting firm of choice for top employers in New Orleans, Baton Rouge, and the Gulf Region. Our recruiters will partner with you in your search for highly talented legal, management and technology hires. They will lend their industry knowledge, experience, tools, and technology to enhance your recruiting strategy. We have been matching top companies with top talent in the Gulf Region for more than a decade. Our focus is on building a long-term relationship with your company. Call us today at 888-366-6508. We can help you find the best candidate to join your legal or IT team.

January 25, 2021 by Amy Shanks Leave a Comment

LOOKING FOR A JOB IN 2021? READ THIS!

Legal industry job search — Job searches have changed due to COVID-19

Job seekers and recruiters have had to make adjustments to the hiring process due to the impact of the coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19).

In April, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the legal industry lost 64,000 jobs. However, as job interviews and professional networking continue to evolve, the legal industry has begun to rebound.

COVID-19’s economic impacts continue to present a changing marketplace for recent law school graduates and those seeking legal staff positions. However, there is some good news. New jobs were added for a solid six months (June to November), including a 208,000 increase in October.

At Strategic Recruitment Solutions, we are here to help you navigate the new job-seeking landscape. Here are some job searching tips we would like to share with you:

Prepare for your virtual job interview

The increase of virtual interviews resulting from social distancing guidelines also serves as an indication of how the hiring process is evolving.

A national Human Resource survey revealed that 86 percent of employers conducted virtual interviews to hire job candidates during the coronavirus pandemic. Considering that the virtual interview is here to stay, job seekers should approach communicating their professionalism, experience, and willingness to fit into the company culture into a remote interview format.

Our advice is to be sure you make a great first impression via video conference. Develop anecdotal stories that represent your experience instead of a dry recitation of your qualifications.

Sharpen your job skills

With the lack of in-person events, there has been an increase in virtual events. Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn provide numerous opportunities to either attend upcoming virtual events at a discount or free of charge. Time in isolation doesn’t have to be isolated time.

Our advice is to use this time to take advantage of meeting new people and the opportunity to sharpen your skills.

Reconnect with colleagues

Facebook reported in March that messaging on Instagram, Facebook, and Whatsapp have increased 50 percent due to more people engaging on social media due to the pandemic.

Our advice is to use this opportunity to reconnect with other professionals in your field and keep up to date with the legal industry. As more people engage on social media due to the pandemic, now is a great time to ask for references.

Help from SRS

Before taking on a job hunt alone, contact SRS for a free resume review. You can also browse our Jobs and Career Listings to see a growing list of opportunities in your field.

Strategic Recruitment Solutions has been matching top companies with top talent in the Gulf Region for more than a decade. We specialize in Legal and IT recruiting. Also, our industry-expert recruiters can offer insight and guidance. Call us today at 888-366-6508 to learn how easy partnering with SRS can help you reach your career goals.

August 7, 2020 by Amy Shanks Leave a Comment

EMPLOYEES EXEMPT VERSUS NON-EXEMPT – What’s The Difference?

Are your employees exempt or non-exempt? — The Department of Labor has guidelines to determine an employee’s status.

Employees in organizations are classified as either exempt or non-exempt. There are different types of employee benefits and eligibility requirements for each category. It is vital to know which categories your employees fit into, in order to ensure fair compensation and allocation of duties.

Exempt employees are not eligible for minimum wage or overtime pay. These employees receive a salary for the work they perform. The Fair Labor Standards Act (FSLA) provides basic guidelines to distinguish the difference between the two types of employee classification. The federal government and individual states have laws that address this employee classification and employee rights. Therefore, it is essential that employers are aware of labor laws.

Here are three requirements workers must meet to be considered exempt:

1. Job Duties

Exempt employees must perform specific job duties. The employee’s job duties must primarily involve executive, administrative, or professional duties as defined by the regulations. This is in addition to meeting earning and salary requirements. Furthermore, exemption status only applies to those who have high-level responsibilities.

2. Exempt Employees receive salaries

The employee must be paid a predetermined and fixed salary that is not subject to reduction because of variations in the quality or quantity of work performed. These employees will remain exempt as long as their monthly base payment is higher than the FLSA minimum threshold.

3. Earnings

The FSLA minimum salary threshold changes every year. Therefore, employers should keep current on regulations concerning employee compensation. In 2020, exempt employees must earn a minimum of $684 per week or $35,568 annually.

Non-exempt employees are eligible for both hourly wages and overtime pay. After an employee works over 40 hours a week, employers must pay overtime. Any position that earns minimum wage is eligible for overtime and therefore cannot be exempt. Typically, paralegals fall into this category. Check the Department of Labor’s website for specifics regarding paralegal classifications.

Strategic Recruitment Solutions has been matching top companies with top talent in the Gulf Region for more than a decade. We specialize in Legal and IT recruiting. In addition, our industry-expert recruiters can offer insight and guidance. Call us today at 888-366-6508 to learn how easy partnering with SRS can help you reach your business goals!

June 12, 2020 by Amy Shanks Leave a Comment

PARALEGAL JOBS AND THE EFFECT OF COVID-19 ON THE LAW OFFICE

Tech-savvy paralegals have more employment opportunities.

Most paralegals had no reason to question their job security six months ago. The economy was booming and there were paralegal jobs for the entry-level as well as the experienced paralegal. However, the coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19) brought a lot of change to the traditional law firm.

The good news is that there are still plenty of great career opportunities for experienced paralegals. Especially for those that have technological skills. The better news is that according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the paralegal profession will continue to grow 12 percent annually through 2028.

The New Law Office?

Legal consultant Mark A. Cohen summed up the future of the law office succinctly in his article, “COVID-19 Will Turbocharge Legal Industry Transformation”. He said the coronavirus “will propel law into the digital age and reshape its landscape”.

According to Cohen, remote work and distance learning are just the tip of the iceberg. He predicts that we should expect more inter-office collaboration as well as more collaboration with other law offices. In addition, there will be more digital hearings and trials. Most importantly, he stressed that the key to survival is upskilling (learning new skills).

Paralegals Poised and Ready

According, to a 2019 study by Legal 2 Legal Solutions and Ari Kaplan Advisors, paralegals have what is takes to meet the challenges of a post-COVID-19 law office. Many paralegals regularly participate in virtual team meetings and are comfortable using a variety of digital tools and applications. Finally, paralegals excel at learning new skills and keeping up with the latest trends in eDiscovery.

The survey of 35 paralegals and paralegal managers in the AmLaw 200, revealed:

71 percent of paralegals believe that collaboration is extremely important to their day-to-day work;

63 percent said they receive periodic training; and

49 percent of paralegals described their level of autonomy as significant.

In addition, 63 percent of the survey participants provide litigation support and 60 percent have some responsibility for eDiscovery. These trends reflect the growing impact of those fields in law firms and how paralegals are ready to accept the challenge.

Paralegal Collaborate

The impact of COVID-19 will be minimal if paralegals remain tech-savvy and able to collaborate digitally. Paralegals understand that teamwork is essential to make operations run smoothly and effectively. Working well as a team not only saves time, it also increases output.

Autonomy is Essential

The coronavirus brought many workplace firsts, from having to work from home while kids were out of school to attending virtual hearings from your living room. As work and home life became more intertwined, paralegals continued to show that they have the ability to efficiently utilize their time and prioritize tasks. Paralegals, already known for their skills at autonomy, will continue to prove that they have this discipline post-COVID-19.

Paralegals and Technology

Technology allows paralegals to work more efficiently with the automation of routinized tasks. One key component that will certainly increase in the law office post-COVID-19 is eDiscovery. Paralegals who are working with e-discovery will also act as a conduit between the IT department, attorneys, and clients.

The biggest challenge with eDiscovery is how to store and protect valuable data properly. Paralegals will aid in ensuring that the proper steps are taking to keep the data organized and secure.

In conclusion, it is the right time for paralegals to show how they have the right skills to do the job.

For more than a decade, SRS has been helping job seekers find their ideal opportunity. If you are a top performer in the Legal Industry or Informational Technology, submit your resume. Exceptional talent is in high demand at the top-performing companies. Ready to make a career move? Contact SRS today!

May 15, 2020 by Amy Shanks Leave a Comment

BEHAVIORAL INTERVIEW QUESTIONS – How to Prepare Your Responses

Be prepared to answer behavioral interview questions.

Have a stellar resume? Years of technical experience? These are all impressive, but for most jobs, fitting into a culture and demonstrating adaptability and responding to pressure is just as important as technical skills. Likely, you will be asked behavioral questions at your next interview.

WHAT IS A BEHAVIORAL QUESTION?

Behavioral Interview Questions are situational questions designed to uncover your skills and talents (competencies). They are questions that make you think and reveal qualities about yourself indirectly. They may make you uncomfortable because they require that you “think on your feet.” There is no right or wrong answer. However, there is a correct way to prepare your response to reveal the personality trait/work habit the interviewer is seeking.

Some of these questions are in the category of “When did you stop beating your wife?” They have an underlying assumption that you did something wrong. For example, “Tell me about a time you did not properly handle a disagreement with a co-worker.” If you can not think of an answer immediately, ask for clarification. This will give you some time to figure out the underlying purpose of the question so that you can prepare your response.

Employers are not trying to trick you. They ask behavioral questions so that they can hire the right person for the job. The questions they ask are to determine if you have qualities such as integrity, decisiveness, adaptability, sensitivity, tenacity, and diplomacy. They want to know if you are a self-starter and if you feel comfortable in a leadership role.

Here are some common behavioral questions:

How did you handle conflict with a co-worker?

Describe a time when a co-worker approached you and criticized your work. How did you handle the situation? What was the outcome?

Tell me about a time when you had to persuade someone to see your point of view. What tactics did you use?

What was the outcome?

Tell me about a time you failed. How did you deal with it?

THE STAR METHOD

Apply the Star Method to any behavioral interview question. STAR stands for:
Situational: Tell the interviewer the context or setting of your answer.
Task: What was your role in the situation?
Action: What action did you take to address the situation?
Result: What was the result of your action?

Results are the most crucial element of this equation. What did you learn? The details of what exactly happened in the proposed situation are not as important as your result.

Preparation and practice are the keys to your successful behavioral interview. Find out as much as you can about the company culture before you arrive at your interview. Review the company website, their social media platforms, and ask your colleagues. Then, practice responding to the most common behavioral interview questions. Discuss your possible answers with someone you trust, someone who has had success in your field, or your recruiter. Ask for help with specific questions that may be difficult to answer. At Strategic Recruitment Solutions, we can help you prepare in advance. Being prepared will not only reduce your anxiety, but it will also demonstrate your confidence and competence.

For more than a decade, SRS has been helping job seekers find their ideal opportunity. If you are a top performer in the Legal Industry or Informational Technology, submit your resume. Exceptional talent is in high demand at the top-performing companies. Ready to make a career move? Contact SRS today!