This is the second recession I’ve navigated through as a recruiter, and I find that there are certain trends I see in attorneys during a downturn. One thing I’ve seen is that the work product (resumes, cover letters) that attorneys turn out in the context of their job search suffers.
I’m not sure why that is–although I do suspect that part of the problem is that there is a greater sense of urgency–maybe something approaching panic for some folks. I know that when I am approached by job-seekers, it is frustrating to see so many errors. These are great attorneys who simply didn’t take the time to make sure that the presentation of themselves into the market was the best it could be. If there is ever a time to make your resume shine the brightest, it’s now.
Once of the things that we drill into each other’s heads at BCG is always having the absolute best work product we can have representing our candidates and ourselves. Polishing and proofreading may very well make the difference between getting an interview or not getting it. Taking that aside–a letter that is carefully crafted–detailed and specific to the recipient shows your audience that you value research and that you are thorough. It also shows that you appreciate the time that the potential employer or recruiter is taking in carefully reviewing your resume. A letter or resume done in haste won’t ever receive the careful consideration you want and your background warrants. I have been told time and time again that the level of detail and professionalism in the letters we write here “makes all the difference.”
Make the quality of your work product a priority in your job search.
I’m not sure why that is–although I do suspect that part of the problem is that there is a greater sense of urgency–maybe something approaching panic for some folks. I know that when I am approached by job-seekers, it is frustrating to see so many errors. These are great attorneys who simply didn’t take the time to make sure that the presentation of themselves into the market was the best it could be. If there is ever a time to make your resume shine the brightest, it’s now.
Once of the things that we drill into each other’s heads at BCG is always having the absolute best work product we can have representing our candidates and ourselves. Polishing and proofreading may very well make the difference between getting an interview or not getting it. Taking that aside–a letter that is carefully crafted–detailed and specific to the recipient shows your audience that you value research and that you are thorough. It also shows that you appreciate the time that the potential employer or recruiter is taking in carefully reviewing your resume. A letter or resume done in haste won’t ever receive the careful consideration you want and your background warrants. I have been told time and time again that the level of detail and professionalism in the letters we write here “makes all the difference.”
Make the quality of your work product a priority in your job search.