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7 Jobs Skills Essential to Your Legal Career

Searching for a legal job in 2021?  Employers today are pursuing applicants that possess specific skills. When describing their ideal job candidate, law firm hiring managers said that these seven skills were essential. Whether you are a recent law school graduate or a seasoned paralegal, these seven skills can help you stand out among the competition.

1. Organization:

The ability to prioritize and remain focused when faced with competing priorities is essential. Researching points of law, drafting legal documents, and managing case files can sometimes be a juggling act. That’s why organizational skills are so critical.

2. Research and analysis skills:

Reading large amounts of information, absorbing facts and figures, analyzing the content, and summarizing it into a manageable memorandum, is vital. You can practice honing this skill by summarizing lengthy news articles into five-point bulleted lists of the most important themes.

3. Project Management:

As of 2020, 15.7 million project-management positions have been created globally across different industries. By the end of 2020, there should be over 6.2 million project management jobs in the United States alone. Some competencies you need to possess are strong leadership, organizational expertise, budget and schedule management, and business management skills.

4. Ability to Communicate:

Strong oral and written communication skills are crucial. Grammar mistakes can quickly deter potential employers from even considering you for a position. Make sure you proofread your resume and cover letter before you submit it with your application.

5. Problem-Solving Skills:

Skills like problem-solving show potential employers that you know how to approach real-life situations and develop practical solutions. Be sure to include specific examples of your experience with problem-solving during your interview.

6. Technical proficiency:

A successful legal professional is comfortable with the Microsoft Office Suite as well as Google Workplace. You should be familiar with electronic filing software, eDiscovery, practice management, document automation, electronic billing, and client communications.

7. Team Player:

Finally, being a team player is key to furthering your legal career. The primary traits for a team player are patience, being a good listener, and articulating your clear and honest opinion. Employers want employees that can get along with different personalities and be an effective team participant.

Call us today at 888-366-6508 to learn how easy partnering with SRS can help you reach your career goals. For more than a decade, we have been matching top companies with top talent in the Gulf Region. Furthermore, we specialize in Legal and IT recruiting. Feel free to browse our Jobs and Career Listings to see a growing list of job opportunities.

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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.

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HOW TO ANSWER ILLEGAL OR INAPPROPRIATE INTERVIEW QUESTIONS

Interview questions
Some interview questions may be illegal or inappropriate.

Interview questions can be tricky. You certainly want to be pleasant and congenial, but what should you do if you are asked a question that you believe is inappropriate or one that makes you feel uncomfortable?  

IT’S THE LAW

The US Labor Department division of Labor/Employee Relations website reminds employers that “it is illegal not to hire candidates because of their race, color, sex, religion, national origin, birthplace, age, disability or marital/family status.”  Interviewers should not ask you questions that would elicit such information. However, even though most employers are aware of the law, prepare your answers to these questions:

Do you have a disability?

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) provides protections for disabled employees and job applicants. You do not have to answer a question regarding your disability unless you choose to disclose it.  If you have an obvious disability (for example, you require a wheelchair) or if you choose to disclose your disability, your interviewer is allowed to ask what, if any, special requirements you need to fulfill the job requirements.

What’s your age? 

If you are 40 years or older, you are protected against age discrimination by the Employment Act (ADEA). It is against the law for the interviewer to ask your age. Interviewers have the right to ask if a job candidate is 18 or older (verifying legal adult status) if this is an important factor in the candidate’s ability to do the job.

Marital status

While it’s irrelevant and illegal to ask this during the interview, employers can ask this question for insurance purposes.

Do you have children? 

Your interviewer should not ask you whether or not you have children. However, your employer has the right to ask questions about your dependents for insurance purposes.

What’s your race? 

Any questions that inquire about your ethnic or racial identity are not allowed during the interview.  You may be required to answer questions about your race or ethnic identity on your employer’s insurance forms.

Can you tell us about your nearest relative or next of kin? This is a question your interviewer should avoid asking. It is appropriate for your employer to ask once you are hired because this information is needed to provide you with employee benefits.

Are you a U.S. citizen? 

Your interviewer is allowed to ask whether you are legally eligible to work in the United States (i.e., do you have a temporary visa, a green card, or citizenship). However, it is prohibited to ask direct questions about your national origin or immigration status.

Have you ever filed for bankruptcy? 

Your interviewer cannot ask you whether you ever filed for bankruptcy or any questions about your financial status.  Your employer may ask for financial information as it relates to your employee benefits.

HOW TO RESPOND TO ILLEGAL INTERVIEW QUESTIONS

What are your options in this situation? Here are a few suggestions:

  1. Briefly answer the question, or if you are uncomfortable in doing so, respond to the intent of the question;
  2. Ignore the question and change the subject; or
  3. Refuse to answer the question.

It is best to be tactful but firm.  Prepare your answers to these questions in advance by focusing on how to reply without disclosing any personal information.

DISCLOSING PERSONAL INFORMATION IS YOUR CHOICE

When the interviewer asks if you have any questions, this is your opportunity to decide what to self-disclose. For example, if you needed a specific accommodation for your disability or want to know about maternity leave.

If you choose NOT to disclose any personal information, you may come across as secretive. Disclosing too much information may make you appear “needy and high maintenance.”  A recruiter can help prepare you for the interview, especially how much to disclose and how.

INAPPROPRIATE INTERVIEW QUESTIONS

Bizarre, inappropriate interview questions are another topic altogether.  These are the questions that are not illegal. However, they make you think about the interviewer’s intentions. Questions that relate to your sexual orientation, personal relationships, political affiliation, or beliefs are off-limits.

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 business goals. Best of all, we offer a free resume review. Find out more information here.

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TELL YOUR RECRUITER THE TRUTH – Transparency is Key to Finding the Right Job at the Right Pay

 

Recruiters are like good therapists, they should know the truth. If you are thinking of changing jobs, you need to share your full job history with your legal or IT recruiter.  The more they know, the more they will be able to help you find your dream job.

Recruiters should know:


1. Recruiters should know about all your prior jobs, even the ones not listed on your resume 

 

Did you know that 78 percent of job seekers lie on their resume! For the most part, this applies to positions post-college.  You should reveal every position you’ve held, even if for a short time. At best, you will appear to be a well-rounded candidate who has the ability to work in a variety of roles. At worst, it avoids the possibility of leaving something in your work history that may come back later to haunt you.

2. Tell your Recruiter the truth about why you are leaving your current job

 

Employers will always want the answer to this question. Tell your recruiter the truth about the circumstances that led you to consider changing jobs. If you choose not to share the “real” reason at your interview, your recruiter can help you answer the question in a way that puts you in your best light. It may help to make a list of pros and cons regarding your current job: what are the positives and what are the negatives? This information is invaluable in your recruiter’s hands for assisting you in finding the best job for you. He or she will help you avoid toxic environments that pushed you to move on from your current job in the first place.

 

3. Recruiters need to know what salary you have in mind

 

Advocate for yourself in terms of salary. If you have a minimum salary requirement, tell your recruiter! Not only will this help you find a job with the right compensation it will also save everyone time. Once you let your recruiter know what you want, the prospective positions can be narrowed down to find the best fit for you.

 

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 business goals. Best of all, we offer a free resume review. Find out more information here.

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TECHNOLOGY JOBS OUTLOOK FOR 2020

IT Recruiting and IT Careers

Technology continues to be one of the fastest-growing career fields. In a world where unemployment is the top news story, informational technology (IT) job opportunities continue to increase.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, informational technology (IT) jobs are growing at over 25 percent annually. In addition, career opportunities in information security analysts, computer user support specialists, and computer occupations are expected to grow. Furthermore, as new techniques are developed to assist with problem-solving in the legal field, here are some of the emerging roles:

Legal Solution Architects

Legal Solutions Architects (LSAs) anticipate, identify, sell, and drive innovative business solutions. By using their understanding of technology, knowledge management, business analysis, process improvement, and project management, an LSA provides solutions that enhance the client experience. Also known as legal engineers, LSAs work with clients and lawyers to process data.  They develop software and technological solutions that assist legal professionals in creating legal-services applications.

Litigation Support Professional

As you know, volumes of data are unavoidable in large-scale litigation. The role of litigation support professionals (LSP) is to assist attorneys in managing this large-scale litigation. They are responsible for designing and implementing databases for managing, sorting, indexing, and coordinating the large volumes of data produced in major litigation. This is especially needed during trial preparation.

In addition, LSP’s help to develop data management strategies, assist with technology in the courtroom and provide user support and training. Some LSPs are paralegal/IT hybrids who perform traditional paralegal tasks as well as IT roles.

Most LSPs possess a four-year bachelor’s degree in a related field. Furthermore, they usually exhibit advanced technical skills and are knowledgeable regarding database and litigation support applications.

E-Discovery Professionals

Electronic discovery, (e-discovery), is a $10-plus billion industry. These specialists are responsible for collecting, processing, and preserving every scrap of evidence and supporting documentation in electronic form. Furthermore, they help to identify and manage electronically-stored information (ESI) during litigation. Because of the recent changes in the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure and growing volumes of ESI,  this field will continue to grow.

Career Opportunities in Technology

 According to a recent Forbes article, there was a 713 percent growth in legal technology in 2018. Our prediction is that IT jobs will continue to grow.

For more than a decade, SRS has been helping job seekers find their ideal opportunity. Furthermore, because exceptional talent is in high demand at top-performing companies, we would love for you to submit your resume.  Certainly, if you are ready to make a career move, don’t hesitate, contact SRS today!