Career Management, Career Tips

Making Your New Year’s Resolution Stick!

  • On January 4, 2015
Happy 2015! If you made a resolution, this recent WSJ article ​gives pointers on how to make it stick. My favorites are below, which I’ve applied to the career context:  Set concrete and realistic goals. To get a new job, you need to break it down, e.g., (1) get your resume and LinkedIn bio in order, (2) scan job […]
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Networking

‘Tis the Season for Holiday Parties: What to Do at Them!

  • On December 14, 2014
I like this article on leveraging your network. Amuse yourself at holiday parties and practice these pointers: Make it a game to figure out what makes someone tick, what they are passionate about, and what makes them interesting. Follow up! If you have a great conversation, don’t let the momentum die. Send a thank you […]
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Career Management, Job Search

Top 5 Ways to Position Your Career NOW!

  • On December 8, 2014
​As we get close to the year end crush, don’t bother shooting out your resume in volume – it’s unlikely you will get attention during the holidays. But this time of year is good to plan your next career moves. Here are the top 5 things you can do now: Network (gently) so people will […]
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Presentation

Give Great Presentations to Set Yourself Apart!

  • On November 30, 2014
I hate to say it, but most attorney presentations are pretty darn boring. Set yourself apart by following these tips: Keep your presentation focused by having a plan for the beginning, middle and end. As for the end, think about what the audience should come away with, and what comes next for all attendees. Lead […]
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Inhouse

Transitioning from External Counsel to In-House

  • On November 16, 2014
A new GC and former Latham lawyer gives good pointers on how to go from big firm to in-house: Before you get started, learn what is management’s goal and what is your role (e.g., what are you expected to do yourself, where are you supposed to weigh in, and what are you leveraging outside counsel […]
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Job Search

Top 5 Things to Avoid in a Job Search

  • On November 2, 2014
​A good article on what not to do: Apply online. Except for people with the golden resume (top 20 law school, AmLaw training,  transactional skills, prior in-house, and in the 4-9 year range), don’t expect a response for online submissions. Apply for jobs that do not  match your skills. Employers are looking for immediate help, […]
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Interview

How to Answer “Tell me about yourself”

  • On October 26, 2014
The most common question in an interview is “tell me about yourself” (or the close relative “walk me through your resume.”). Don’t answer this question literally! Think about why you are being asked. Interviewers want to know what you bring to the table and if you can do the job. Some guidelines to answer this question […]
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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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