One of the most
controversial topics in the news regarding unemployment is that some recruiters
and employers are choosing to ignore job candidates who are not already
employed. One of the fears that some recruiters have about unemployed job
candidates is that they are somehow not as valuable as those who still work a
job. So how can an unemployed
attorney overcome this stigma? Let’s take a look at a few tips:
1.
The
first thing you want to do is make sure that you are remaining professionally
active during your unemployment spell. The big fear with legal recruiters and
employers is that skills rust when an attorney is out of work for an extended
period of time. So make sure that you take a class, volunteer and maybe even
take consultation work while you’re looking for full-time employment.
2.
Communicate
to the legal recruiter and employer that you have spent time expanding your
skills, experience and network while being unemployed. This information must be conveyed
immediately, preferably in a cover letter if you’re sending out a resume. Or, if you’re at a networking event try
to start a conversation about your activities which focus on how they have enhanced
you professionally.
3.
Do
not commiserate about how long you’ve been unemployed and how difficult it is
to find work. While it may be true, this type of talk may be considered whining
and some legal recruiters and employers might be put off by it or even suspect
that you may be desperate.