Hunting for a job is hard work.  In today’s world, there are more avenues open to jobseekers, but that doesn’t make the ‘hunt’ itself any easier. You might inadvertently work against yourself because your expectations are too high for the current market.  You might also make some simple mistakes that could lower your chances of success.  Here are a few simple suggestions to help you in your search.

Rely On A Good Recruiter
If you are seeking an attorney position, your best bet of landing a new job is with a recruiting professional.  Job boards can give you an idea of what jobs are open, but a recruiter will be your advocate in landing that job.  They also have knowledge of job openings that will not appear on public job boards.  They already have contacts within the firms and can work to sell them on YOU.  Your first step should be to engage a recruiter in your search BEFORE you send your resume out to a dozen companies.  If you have been unable to engage a recruiter in your search, read on…

Don’t Drop The Ball
Companies and firms are inundated with resumes on a daily basis.  If you send in your resume and simply wait for a response, your chance of success is very low.  If you don’t follow up your submission with another email or phone call, your resume could easily be lost in the shuffle. 

Only Apply To Positions You Are Qualified For
Sending your resume in without reading or understanding the job requirements is a major faux pas. The New York Times recently reported of a business that advertised for an attorney, and yet over half of the 1000 applicants were NOT.  Read the job ad carefully and be honest with yourself about your qualifications.  Wasting the hiring manager’s time is never a good road to employment.  If they are seeking a Labor and Employment attorney and your specialty is IP, don’t apply. Remember, they may have an opening down the road that is appropriate for you and you don’t want to ‘spoil the well’.

Spell Check Your Resume! 
A recruiter or hiring manager will likely discard your resume upon seeing the first typo.  Why should they bother reading it, if you can’t be bothered to check your own resume for mistakes?  If you were not serious about your application –how seriously would you approach your job?

Write An Appropriate and Tailored Cover Letter
You can easily spot a ‘form’ cover letter.  Don’t use the same cover letter for each and every job submission.  You should tailor each cover letter to the firm you are applying to.  Know something about the firm; tell them why you would be a good fit.  Praise their work, and convey why you want to work there.

Find Contacts on LinkedIn to Help Your Search
If you can’t find the name of the hiring manager on the company website, use alternative means.  LinkedIn can be a valuable tool to help you find the information you need.  You can search for the hiring manager, or anyone else who works for that particular firm.  Once a contact is made, ask whom you could contact concerning the open position at the company. 

Look at the Law Firm Website
See if anyone there graduated from your law school, or went to your undergraduate school.  They might prove to be a valuable ally in your job search.  Find a connection with a CURRENT employee, and they could give you a good deal of valuable information. 

For additional information, read the NY Times article: “Where, Oh Where, Has My Application Gone?”  By Phyllis Korkki.