One of the hardest parts of starting a job search that could result in a transition of careers to first determine and then communicate skills that you have developed throughout your life. I think some skills are developed outside the workplace which do not necessarily show on a resume.
For example, I think I have excellent leadership qualities that I began developing in high school. I was a pivotal player on two state championship basketball teams, the high school student government president, president of the political science society in college, president of my fraternity pledge class and served as chair of the local and state bar young lawyers section which serves as the public service are for both bar associations. I believe each of the above positions provided me with lessons on leadership. I also think they show others tend to view me as a leader. The problem is at best only the bar association positions show up on a resume.
The second hurdle is showing a non-lawyer that a lawyer is capable of being effective in many non-legal positions. Essential skills such as working well under stress and pressure and with constant short deadlines is a part of most attorneys everyday life. We also have to learn how to effectively communicate with people from very diverse racial, social and educational backgrounds. Successful lawyers are usually very adept at reading people. Everyday we sell our trade to our clients. We must effectively negotiate with other attorneys, adjusters and most of the time our own clients. We wear many hats at the negotiation table. We are used to solving complex problems and adapt well to quick changes. We use metrics to keep up with what types of cases and clients are best for our business. We operate under strict ethical rules and our word is our bond. All of these are traits many employers look for in most upper management positions, yet they do not always jump out to a recruiter on a resume.
As a business owner for nine years I constantly dealt with employee relations, human resource issues, finance and accounting practices, marketing of the firm and developing new business ideas. These are traits needed for most sales, marketing and human resource positions. However, no where on the resume will you find a single job listing only one of those talents as my main responsibility at a job. They were all bundled together in my business along with having to be an effective leader and attorney. In my opinion this makes me a well rounded applicant for many positions. The real issue is finding the right recruiter and hiring manager who will look outside the box and see those skills in a resume and interview. Right now, I am still looking for that person.
Our new home
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
The search begins.
After making our final decision to relocate I would have never dreamed in this economy that I could sell two pieces of real estate before getting a job offer. Like any good attorney before starting my search I did a lot reading about locating jobs, preparing a professional resume and transitioning careers. I have enjoyed 15 years of litigating cases as a lawyer. I learned the ins and outs of reading people, preparing and analyzing discovery and the art of argument, but I grew weary of each day going to battle in a job built on confrontation. If there was going to be a job change I did not want to be a litigator any longer.
The decision to transition to careers brought with it new challenges. Other than applying and interviewing for in-house legal positions, I found a lot of recruiters and hiring managers really didn't know what skills a lawyer would bring to the table. My first expense was to hire a professional resume writer to help with the organization and content of my resume. The end result was a nice legal resume. We tweaked it as much as possible to show business traits learned in ten years of running my a firm, but in the end I had 15 years of legal experience. I searched and applied for jobs as in-house counsel, compliance positions, human resource positions and some sales, marketing and other business management openings. My resume never seemed to make it to the interview group.
I also began a fierce networking campaign in which I contacted everyone in the area who I had met and let them know I was looking for a position in the area. I had some wonderful help and it lead to numerous contacts who provided me with a lot of information and names. I found networking became the key to getting "the interview". It is much harder for someone to say no to a colleague or friend when they suggest talking to this person about an open position. Soon I had my first interview and it was for a non-legal human resource position.
This was my first interview in about twelve years and I was nervous. I researched the company, position and the hiring manager and was well prepared for the panel interview. I thought the interaction between myself the panel was good, but I could tell I was nervous and rusty. The position needed someone to help develop and implement employment policy throughout the company. They usually worked in crisis mode and needed someone quick on their feet who had good oral and written communication skills. Any attorney will tell you this job screamed of need for an attorney. Our experience teaches us to read people quickly, we must possess good oral and written communication skills, we usually work under tremendous pressure and time constraints and the one constant in our profession is change. I left the meeting thinking I was perfect for the position. The hiring manager told me she didn't intend to waste any time making the decision and hoped to hire for the position within a week or two.
A week later I followed up with the manager and was told they were just finishing up the interviews and should make a decision soon. The next week I followed up again and learned that I was not chosen for the position. She decided to hire someone with a good bit of human resource experience. As I revisited the interview in my mind I decided I did not enough to show my talents and experience were a great fit even though my resume did not contain the title human resources director in it. I was determined to get better.
The next position I interviewed for was for an in-house position doing pro bono work. I have extensive bar experience working with pro bono projects. I take to heart that a lawyer has a duty to give back to the profession by helping those who cannot afford legal services. Corporate pro bono departments and projects are up and coming and this company wanted to be an innovator in this area. Even better was one of my friends who was helping me look for positions was on this team and a part of the decision process. I contacted the Louisiana Bar Association and ask the executive director to write a letter of recommendation for me. She wrote a beautiful letter and I even researched possible projects before going to the interview. I really enjoyed both panels and found the hiring manager to be a person I could relate to and work with on this project. I was one of the final three in the process before they made an in-house hire. I completely understood this hire and the company promotes from within whenever possible.
The hiring manager contacted me and let me know I did a great job with the interview and follow-up and wanted to recommend me for the position in the tort department vacated by the pro bono hire. I was glad to have the recommendation and excited by the possibility of continuing in an area of comfort. That same afternoon I received a call from the hiring manager and a interview was scheduled that week. I really thought this would be the perfect fit.
It turns out the hiring manager lives in my neighborhood less than a half mile from my house. The interview consisted of two hours of panel meetings. I liked everyone I met and thought I connected with the team leaders well. I was sure my 15 years of tort experience along with being local and available would make me a shoo-in for the position. I left the interview confident and feeling good about the possibility of being offered this position.
The next week I followed up with the hiring manager and was told they had finished the interviews and were going to meet and decide on the position. I didn't hear from them and made another call a week later to get the status from the recruiter who set up my interview. I was very disappointed to learn they had offered the job to someone else. This rejection really set me back and had me down. The questions kept popping into my head as to why would they hire someone else. I had the experience, was local and let them know I wanted the job. Did I sound desperate? Did I come across arrogant? Was there a disconnect in the interview that I missed? I kept replaying the interview in my head, but nothing seemed to point to a reason I wasn't hired.
In the weeks following the interview I called upon a friend with the company to get me some feedback. He called the hiring manager and found there was some questions and concern over our move without me having secured a job prior to the relocation. Wow, I thought being local was a real asset for this interview and it ended up being a negative. The bad part is I didn't recall anyone asking me about this concern in the interview. I could have explained that my wife (also an attorney) had a job, explained the situation surrounding the decision to close my business, and let them know I still had cases where I was "of counsel" which allowed me to work from home and earn a living during this job search. The answers were there but the question never came.
This is where I am open to advice and suggestions. You can read and research all day and night and be prepared to answer almost any question, but how do you counter the unexpected or unexpressed opinion? The search continues and I know God has a plan. I will continue to write about my thoughts and the search and would love feedback.
The decision to transition to careers brought with it new challenges. Other than applying and interviewing for in-house legal positions, I found a lot of recruiters and hiring managers really didn't know what skills a lawyer would bring to the table. My first expense was to hire a professional resume writer to help with the organization and content of my resume. The end result was a nice legal resume. We tweaked it as much as possible to show business traits learned in ten years of running my a firm, but in the end I had 15 years of legal experience. I searched and applied for jobs as in-house counsel, compliance positions, human resource positions and some sales, marketing and other business management openings. My resume never seemed to make it to the interview group.
I also began a fierce networking campaign in which I contacted everyone in the area who I had met and let them know I was looking for a position in the area. I had some wonderful help and it lead to numerous contacts who provided me with a lot of information and names. I found networking became the key to getting "the interview". It is much harder for someone to say no to a colleague or friend when they suggest talking to this person about an open position. Soon I had my first interview and it was for a non-legal human resource position.
This was my first interview in about twelve years and I was nervous. I researched the company, position and the hiring manager and was well prepared for the panel interview. I thought the interaction between myself the panel was good, but I could tell I was nervous and rusty. The position needed someone to help develop and implement employment policy throughout the company. They usually worked in crisis mode and needed someone quick on their feet who had good oral and written communication skills. Any attorney will tell you this job screamed of need for an attorney. Our experience teaches us to read people quickly, we must possess good oral and written communication skills, we usually work under tremendous pressure and time constraints and the one constant in our profession is change. I left the meeting thinking I was perfect for the position. The hiring manager told me she didn't intend to waste any time making the decision and hoped to hire for the position within a week or two.
A week later I followed up with the manager and was told they were just finishing up the interviews and should make a decision soon. The next week I followed up again and learned that I was not chosen for the position. She decided to hire someone with a good bit of human resource experience. As I revisited the interview in my mind I decided I did not enough to show my talents and experience were a great fit even though my resume did not contain the title human resources director in it. I was determined to get better.
The next position I interviewed for was for an in-house position doing pro bono work. I have extensive bar experience working with pro bono projects. I take to heart that a lawyer has a duty to give back to the profession by helping those who cannot afford legal services. Corporate pro bono departments and projects are up and coming and this company wanted to be an innovator in this area. Even better was one of my friends who was helping me look for positions was on this team and a part of the decision process. I contacted the Louisiana Bar Association and ask the executive director to write a letter of recommendation for me. She wrote a beautiful letter and I even researched possible projects before going to the interview. I really enjoyed both panels and found the hiring manager to be a person I could relate to and work with on this project. I was one of the final three in the process before they made an in-house hire. I completely understood this hire and the company promotes from within whenever possible.
The hiring manager contacted me and let me know I did a great job with the interview and follow-up and wanted to recommend me for the position in the tort department vacated by the pro bono hire. I was glad to have the recommendation and excited by the possibility of continuing in an area of comfort. That same afternoon I received a call from the hiring manager and a interview was scheduled that week. I really thought this would be the perfect fit.
It turns out the hiring manager lives in my neighborhood less than a half mile from my house. The interview consisted of two hours of panel meetings. I liked everyone I met and thought I connected with the team leaders well. I was sure my 15 years of tort experience along with being local and available would make me a shoo-in for the position. I left the interview confident and feeling good about the possibility of being offered this position.
The next week I followed up with the hiring manager and was told they had finished the interviews and were going to meet and decide on the position. I didn't hear from them and made another call a week later to get the status from the recruiter who set up my interview. I was very disappointed to learn they had offered the job to someone else. This rejection really set me back and had me down. The questions kept popping into my head as to why would they hire someone else. I had the experience, was local and let them know I wanted the job. Did I sound desperate? Did I come across arrogant? Was there a disconnect in the interview that I missed? I kept replaying the interview in my head, but nothing seemed to point to a reason I wasn't hired.
In the weeks following the interview I called upon a friend with the company to get me some feedback. He called the hiring manager and found there was some questions and concern over our move without me having secured a job prior to the relocation. Wow, I thought being local was a real asset for this interview and it ended up being a negative. The bad part is I didn't recall anyone asking me about this concern in the interview. I could have explained that my wife (also an attorney) had a job, explained the situation surrounding the decision to close my business, and let them know I still had cases where I was "of counsel" which allowed me to work from home and earn a living during this job search. The answers were there but the question never came.
This is where I am open to advice and suggestions. You can read and research all day and night and be prepared to answer almost any question, but how do you counter the unexpected or unexpressed opinion? The search continues and I know God has a plan. I will continue to write about my thoughts and the search and would love feedback.
The start of it all.
Three years ago I thought our world was complete. I saw my wife, three boys and me living for many years in Alexandria, Louisiana. I had a thriving law practice and my wife loved her new position as part of the in-house counsel team for the city. Our boys were finally all three at Our Lady of Prompt Succor School and we were very active in the community. Life was good and we were contempt and happy in our safe environment.
As with life the one thing constant is change and change was headed our way. About six months into my wife's job the mayor of 18 years announced his retirement. Quickly a long list of candidates stood in line to run for the position. Two main candidates rose above the rest - the mayors assistant and a young lawyer who we considered a friend. Both were able candidates and a tough race ensued. My wife was advised to stay out of the race by her supervisor and that is exactly what our family did. The young attorney gained momentum as the race concluded and won in a landslide. Immediately, rumors started flying that he was cleaning house in the legal department. I got involved and was determined to fight for the job my wife loved. I thought through our past relationships and my wife's reputation for the quality of her work that saving her job would be an easy task. I thought the chances even better when the mayor hired as his first assistant a partner from the firm my wife worked with for four years. This partner was considered a close friend and mentor by my wife. Things seemed to progress well for the first several months and it appeared her job was safe. On the Friday before her birthday she got a call from the new city attorney who said he needed to see her on Monday morning regarding a personnel issue. It seemed odd and she called her mentor to inquire into it. She was told that there was nothing the mentor knew that should alarm her. So on Monday morning we shows up to her meeting to be summarily told she does great work but they are going in a different direction and that she was being let go. Her termination made the front page of the paper and she never received a call from the mayor or her mentor before or after that meeting. From that time forward our life and views of Alexandria changed, but this was just the first piece of the puzzle to fall into place.
I guess our eyes opened to the community and we started seeing the increase in crime. Although we loved our childrens' school it was located in a high crime area. It also quickly became evident that we ran in the same circles as the people who had disappointed us so much in how they treated my wife in her job with the city. We started our first discussions of what options there may be for a life outside Alexandria. My wife's sister had moved a few years earlier to Rogers, Arkansas and we had visited her numerous times. The area was clean with great schools and a booming economy fueled by Wal-Mart, JB Hunt, Tyson and their vendors. Since my wife was starting a job search she included northwest Arkansas in her search. However, my practice was great and the search was a passive one at best.
The second big event that lead to our decision to move happened about 8 months ago. My law partner and great friend was struggling as he went through a divorce. It soured his desire to practice law and ultimately lead him to leave the practice and return to a previous career as a pharmacist. His struggles before coming to this decision had a negative impact on our practice and I was now a crossroads in my career. I need to mention my wife did find a great job with a local firm and was doing well in her position, but the battles over the years had left her with a desire to transition out of litigation. She had a desire to do in-house or foundation work. After almost ten years together my firms partnership was coming to an end. The economy was down and we owned a commercial building. The first big hurdle in terminating the partnership was dealing with the joint real estate. The building was too big for just me so we decided to put it up for sale. Amazingly, the building sold to the first person who looked at it (I knew when we bought it that the location was a prime piece of real estate). The second piece of the puzzle was coming into place.
This huge change in my professional life lead us to again re-evaluate our career paths. I was going to have to rebuild my practice as a solo practitioner (a notion I did not like), merge with another firm, find another partner, or look for job. The hard part is after ten years of practice you can't just shut the doors. There are clients to consider and I always prided myself on taking care of my clients. We decided that our personal and family goals would be best served if we both started to look for jobs outside of Alexandria. Our passive search had taken on a new course.
Still there were obstacles to clear - find a job, continue finding new attorneys for clients while working on a existing files that could be closed, sell our house and determine where and how far to look for a new home. We loved the northwest Arkansas area and had made several friends here over the years of visiting family. Our decision on where to look was easy for us. The harder part was to decide to leave family and friends especially my wife's parents who lived about a mile from our house. At the time we thought the job search would go much quicker than the ordeal of selling our home in a depressed economy and in a neighborhood with numerous houses on the market. As the job search intensified we decided we would like to complete our move in time for our three boys to start school in the fall. I contacted a local realtor and told her our house was available but we didn't want to put it officially on the market just yet. The next day she called and ask to show the house. She did and the prospective buyer made a great offer the following day with the caveat that we close in just over thirty days. Wow, we were amazed and took it as a sign we were destined to move. Luckily, the breaks kept coming our way as my wife was offered a wonderful opportunity to lead a non-profit group in northwest Arkansas. Her desire to do foundation work had come to fruition and we were on our way to northwest Arkansas in a move that was anything but traditional. Our family adventure was beginning and my first job search in more than ten years was underway.
As with life the one thing constant is change and change was headed our way. About six months into my wife's job the mayor of 18 years announced his retirement. Quickly a long list of candidates stood in line to run for the position. Two main candidates rose above the rest - the mayors assistant and a young lawyer who we considered a friend. Both were able candidates and a tough race ensued. My wife was advised to stay out of the race by her supervisor and that is exactly what our family did. The young attorney gained momentum as the race concluded and won in a landslide. Immediately, rumors started flying that he was cleaning house in the legal department. I got involved and was determined to fight for the job my wife loved. I thought through our past relationships and my wife's reputation for the quality of her work that saving her job would be an easy task. I thought the chances even better when the mayor hired as his first assistant a partner from the firm my wife worked with for four years. This partner was considered a close friend and mentor by my wife. Things seemed to progress well for the first several months and it appeared her job was safe. On the Friday before her birthday she got a call from the new city attorney who said he needed to see her on Monday morning regarding a personnel issue. It seemed odd and she called her mentor to inquire into it. She was told that there was nothing the mentor knew that should alarm her. So on Monday morning we shows up to her meeting to be summarily told she does great work but they are going in a different direction and that she was being let go. Her termination made the front page of the paper and she never received a call from the mayor or her mentor before or after that meeting. From that time forward our life and views of Alexandria changed, but this was just the first piece of the puzzle to fall into place.
I guess our eyes opened to the community and we started seeing the increase in crime. Although we loved our childrens' school it was located in a high crime area. It also quickly became evident that we ran in the same circles as the people who had disappointed us so much in how they treated my wife in her job with the city. We started our first discussions of what options there may be for a life outside Alexandria. My wife's sister had moved a few years earlier to Rogers, Arkansas and we had visited her numerous times. The area was clean with great schools and a booming economy fueled by Wal-Mart, JB Hunt, Tyson and their vendors. Since my wife was starting a job search she included northwest Arkansas in her search. However, my practice was great and the search was a passive one at best.
The second big event that lead to our decision to move happened about 8 months ago. My law partner and great friend was struggling as he went through a divorce. It soured his desire to practice law and ultimately lead him to leave the practice and return to a previous career as a pharmacist. His struggles before coming to this decision had a negative impact on our practice and I was now a crossroads in my career. I need to mention my wife did find a great job with a local firm and was doing well in her position, but the battles over the years had left her with a desire to transition out of litigation. She had a desire to do in-house or foundation work. After almost ten years together my firms partnership was coming to an end. The economy was down and we owned a commercial building. The first big hurdle in terminating the partnership was dealing with the joint real estate. The building was too big for just me so we decided to put it up for sale. Amazingly, the building sold to the first person who looked at it (I knew when we bought it that the location was a prime piece of real estate). The second piece of the puzzle was coming into place.
This huge change in my professional life lead us to again re-evaluate our career paths. I was going to have to rebuild my practice as a solo practitioner (a notion I did not like), merge with another firm, find another partner, or look for job. The hard part is after ten years of practice you can't just shut the doors. There are clients to consider and I always prided myself on taking care of my clients. We decided that our personal and family goals would be best served if we both started to look for jobs outside of Alexandria. Our passive search had taken on a new course.
Still there were obstacles to clear - find a job, continue finding new attorneys for clients while working on a existing files that could be closed, sell our house and determine where and how far to look for a new home. We loved the northwest Arkansas area and had made several friends here over the years of visiting family. Our decision on where to look was easy for us. The harder part was to decide to leave family and friends especially my wife's parents who lived about a mile from our house. At the time we thought the job search would go much quicker than the ordeal of selling our home in a depressed economy and in a neighborhood with numerous houses on the market. As the job search intensified we decided we would like to complete our move in time for our three boys to start school in the fall. I contacted a local realtor and told her our house was available but we didn't want to put it officially on the market just yet. The next day she called and ask to show the house. She did and the prospective buyer made a great offer the following day with the caveat that we close in just over thirty days. Wow, we were amazed and took it as a sign we were destined to move. Luckily, the breaks kept coming our way as my wife was offered a wonderful opportunity to lead a non-profit group in northwest Arkansas. Her desire to do foundation work had come to fruition and we were on our way to northwest Arkansas in a move that was anything but traditional. Our family adventure was beginning and my first job search in more than ten years was underway.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)