Integration into a new work environment is as important to your success as choosing the right job. While some responsibility for integration falls to the hiring firm, a wise attorney will be proactive. The process begins during the search and negotiation phases and continues throughout your first several months, or more, on the job. Manage…
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Much of the excitement of working for a high-tech start-up company lies in the possibility of hitting the jackpot when cashing in those stock options. For lawyers churning out billable hours, the attraction of that pay-off is proving irresistible. As a result, many law firms which represent emerging companies run the risk of losing their…
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With the NASDAQ hitting new highs almost every day, and constant news stories of overnight IPO riches, the lure of big stock options has proven almost irresistible. Attorneys are leaving law firms for corporate law departments at unprecedented rates in hopes of snagging future big bucks. Until recently, law firm lawyers would jump at the…
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Sending a thank you to your interviewers is not only polite, but also serves several strategic purposes. It reinforces the positive impression you made during your interview, emphasizes your enthusiasm for the position you seek, or provides an opportunity to correct any misunderstandings that may have occurred. A thank you message is another way to…
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Beware of the fine line between appropriate follow-up and pestering. Proper follow-up communicates interest, enthusiasm, and initiative; conversely, improper follow-up communicates naivety about the recruitment process, excessive assertiveness, or even desperation. One of the most difficult aspects of job-hunting is waiting. Once you send a resume to either a recruiter or a prospective employer, allow…
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Past performance often is the best indicator of how a candidate will perform in the future. Therefore, most prospective employers take reference checking seriously, and so should the candidate. If you plan ahead, choose your best reference sources, prepare them properly, and follow-up appropriately, you can maximize your chances of receiving those all-important stellar references.…
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Rejection is an integral part of any job search process, so every job seeker must be prepared. The following are a dozen ways to deal with rejection: 1. Understand that the vast majority of employment inquiries—whether you are looking for a position as a senior partner or a junior associate—end in rejection. Remember that,…
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Making a geographical move along with your career move takes some planning and preparation. Candidates considering relocation, either within California or between states, should: clarify personal and professional reasons for moving to a particular geographical area; determine marketability in the target locale; if moving out of state, check into the Bar admission requirements; consider the…
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America’s workforce is aging. According to the U.S. Department of Labor statistics, by 2019, more than 40% of Americans aged 55 and older will be employed, comprising over a quarter of the U.S. labor force. Several demographic and cultural changes contributed to this situation. First is the sheer number of “Baby Boomers” in the workforce,…
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“You’re fired!” No one wants to hear those words, or anything to their effect, whether prompted by economic realities or performance issues. Being fired or laid-off is a career setback, but need not be a career-ender. Although prospective employers generally favor candidates who currently are employed, being terminated has been losing its stigma as excellent…
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