Timing

Get Going Now to Avoid the Holiday Slowdown!

  • On October 20, 2014
Even in this overheated economy there are predictable times of the year that recruiting slows: Thanksgiving, Christmas (and then summer vacation). Since you only have 4-5 weeks to go before Thanksgiving, your resume must be in the hands of the hiring managers now. It will still take a couple weeks for employers to determine their top contenders, […]
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Networking

Networking and Follow-Up!

  • On October 8, 2014
Networking is essential. Just as important is the follow-up. This Forbes article lists what to do after you meet someone great: send an email (ideally mentioning something you talked about); connect on LinkedIn; remember what you actually talked about; and give first/expect nothing in return.
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Career Management

How’s the Market Doing? Strong!

  • On October 5, 2014
Hiring is back to 2008 levels nationwide! Unemployment is below 6% for the first time since summer 2008 (so says the October 3 government report). Fed officials are uncertain about judging the health of the market. The takeway? Take advantage now!
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Resume

5 Biggest Resume Mistakes

  • On September 28, 2014
Google’s HR head Laszlo Bock sees thousands of resumes and lists the top 5 problems: Typos. 58% of resumes have typos. Proof the resume, read it in different order if you keep tweaking and are too familiar with the content, and ask someone else to proof it as well. Length. Don’t go long. The resume should […]
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Networking, Presentation

Handling Mixers with Confidence!

  • On September 21, 2014
You’re ready to chat folks up. Where to begin? Prepare. Think about whom you want to meet and what industries you are interested in. Read the paper or trade journals, and know what’s going on for people you will likely talk to. Be ready to show insight and interest. Stay away from controversial topics like politics […]
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Networking

The Importance of Small Talk.

  • On September 14, 2014
You may think small talk is pointless, but making conversation is actually important. Why? It’s the gateway to a stronger connection. You need to start somewhere from being a stranger to a trusted advisor. It helps people feel comfortable around you. Being likeable gets you hired, builds rapport, and creates trust, all crucial for a lawyer trying to […]
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Presentation

How to Say No Nicely.

  • On September 7, 2014
A good friend just said this to me the other day: “If you want something done, ask a busy person!” It rings true that the busiest person in the room is also the most effective, but what can that person do to get un-buried? I am thrilled to see an influential professor use this quote and […]
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Presentation

Perceptions Are Reality

  • On September 1, 2014
An interesting article on how others perceive you in the workplace and what it means for you: Act how you want to be treated. Dress for the role you want, and communicate accordingly. If perceptions are reality, make sure you are perceived as invaluable! This helps you during reorgs and compensation setting. Face time is important (sorry!). […]
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Interview

Setting Yourself up for Success for an Interview or Resume

  • On August 24, 2014
Lawyers can be zealous advocates for others, but for themselves? Not so much. One common pitfall is simply laying out what they do in the order they do it. This is dead wrong. Below are the essential steps on self-presentation in a resume or interview: Think from the perspective of the client or hiring manager. Identify […]
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Interview, Presentation

How to Tell a Good Story.

  • On August 17, 2014
Telling stores is essential when you interview, network, or make a pitch. Stories make you memorable, and you determine the impression you leave on someone. Harvard Business Review breaks down how to do it: http://blogs.hbr.org/2014/07/how-to-tell-a-great-story/!
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