Ever feel as if networking events are just a waste of time?  If so, it may be time for you to do a little more planning so that you can maximize the benefit of next networking event. Here are a few tips on how you can get the most out of networking events:

1. Do your research beforehand and try to find out who will attend the event before you arrive.  Oftentimes, event organizers have compiled a list of attendees. If you ask for it they may just be willing to share.
2. Once you receive your list of attendees choose a few names/companies that may be of interest to you. Do your research on them beforehand and find out how they would benefit from connecting with you.
3. Even if you don’t receive a list of attendees, take the time to scope out the room.  In other words, find out who is there before you allow one or two attendees to occupy all of your time.  It may help to decide what your purpose is before you attend the event.  Do you want to meet knew clients or prospective job candidates? What type of employer/job candidate are you looking for?  All of these factors will come into play when deciding who to target when attending the event.
4. Remember, less is sometimes more.  If you only have two hours to attend your next networking event, you may want to limit how many people you talk to. Think about it, if you had four conversations that lasted ten minutes, that would take up 40 minutes, and that’s without any breaks in between. Using targeted networking will help you maximize the benefits of the event. Choose a few prospects, then spend the bulk of your time connecting with them.
5. Make your way to the front of the room.  Does the networking event offer an opportunity to speak or conduct a workshop?  If so, send in a proposal.  Speaking or doing a workshop can give you quick and easy access to the people you want to meet.

The ability to speak with competence and poise in front of an audience is a powerful skill that job seekers can use to increase their chances of landing the job of their dreams.  Here are a few tips on improving your public speaking skills and using those skills to land a great legal job:

1. Change the way you view “public speaking.”  Most people view public speaking as a situation where one person is giving a speech to a group, usually on a stage.  However, public speaking can be more than that.  Public speaking skills can be used in interviews, one-on-one interactions, over the phone and in just about any situation where you need to verbally communicate ideas to another person. By looking at public speaking this way you will be in the right “frame of mind” when communicating with others.
2. Become knowledgeable about your field.  As a legal expert you should be able to converse about the latest trends, news and happenings in the legal industry.  You should also have an opinion and be able to eloquently and tactfully express than opinion to others. Employers want to hire candidates who are fully engaged in the legal industry.
3. Take the opportunity to speak at events about the legal industry. Join panel discussions or even give a workshop in your community to get practice. Placing yourself at the “front of the room” will give your more visibility to employers.
4. Raise the volume.  When speaking with others at networking events or interviews, raise the volume of your voice just a little to avoid speaking too low or mumbling your words.  When speaking at a higher volume you will mumble less, speak more clearly and exude a sense of competence.
5. Use a camera, audio recorder or an audience of peers for practice and feedback. Did you make your point clearly?  Did you mumble? Were you speaking too low? Take notes and make any necessary changes.

In order toeffectively compete for today’s top job candidates, it is increasinglyimportant to understand how a new generation of legal job candidates areimpacting the work landscape. Generation Y is estimated to be 76 million people and many of theirhabits and world outlook is influencing business.  Here’s what you need to know about Generation Y jobcandidates: 

1. Growth is essential.  As a group, generation Y has expressed a need for constant growth and learning.  Jobs that offer growth and educational opportunities will fare well with this generation’s top performers.
2. Flexible workspaces and schedules. This generation is not enamored with the idea of the 9 to 5 job.  Jobs that offer opportunities for non-traditional work arrangements such as work-at-home schemes will increase their chances of attracting top candidates.
3. Team work.  Generation Y grew up with the belief that “everyone is a winner” and that the work of the team is just as important, if not more important than the individual. This is why work environments that encourage employees to work on projects as a group will attract more quality Generation Y candidates.
4. Praise and recognition.  Generation Y job candidates are looking for more than just a paycheck.  Employers who recognize and reward the contributions of employees will most likely become a “first pick” amongst this generation of job seekers. 

Because of the economy, many older workers have begun reentering the workforce; but many of them are facing some old stereotypes that refuse to die.  Here are a few tips on how you can combat three of the most common stereotypes some employers have about older workers:

1. Myth: Older workers are less productive than young workers. Despite the fact that study after study has proven that there is a greater difference in productivity between individual workers than age groups, this myth persists. If a job seeker wants to dispel this myth during an interview, he/she may try focusing on recent accomplishments inside and outside work. Focus on numbers and hard facts instead of soft comments.  Surprisingly, mentioning the fact that you’re involved in activities, especially physical activities, outside of work may help to ease an employer’s fears about your productivity.
2. Myth: Older workers are not good long term investments because they are nearing retirement.  While it may be true that a 50 year old worker is closer to retirement than a 30 year old worker that does not mean that the 30 year old worker will remain with the company longer.  Statistics show that workers under 30 years old change jobs every two to three years while those over 40 remain with the same job for at least six years.  Older job candidates hoping to dispel this myth should highlight their steady work history and remind the employer that they are looking for something long-term.
3. Myth: Older workers are not up-to-date on the latest trends and are stuck in the past.  While there certainly are older workers who stubbornly stick to old ways, many older workers are fast learners and more “up-to-date” than their younger peers.  To dispel this myth, older job candidates should demonstrate their knowledge of current trends, events and technology.  Having an email address and social networking account will go a long way in dispelling the myth that you’re out of touch.

1.  Do an internet search of your name and find out what can be seen online about you. Many job seekers are extremely naïve about the impact of what they say and do online.  Today it is common for employers to do an internet search on a prospective employee before they even call the person in for an interview. What will they find?  This is especially important for recent law school graduates to consider.  Will employers find photos of you drunk after a night of partying? Will they run across a ten page rant on your personal blog about a former employer or your former school?  If so, you may not be called in for an interview.
2. If you see negative information about yourself on the internet, remove it.  That could include inappropriate pictures, internet postings and even private blogs.  Consider making your personal blogs private and placing your family and friends in a separate (invitation only) social network. For example, you may want to reserve Facebook for friends and family while LinkedIn is used for business contacts.
3. Consider creating a professional looking website with your resume and professional “portfolio” online. Your portfolio could include awards, employer/professor recommendations and links to legal related articles you have written.
4. Make sure your online information, especially employment history, is consistent with the information you give all of your employers. If you have a blog online that talks about being fired last year; but don’t mention it to a prospective employer they probably won’t hire you.