Recruiting Efforts: A new focus
Firms that have successfully retained quality associates expand their recruiting process to look beyond grades to the candidate’s personal qualities and traits. This refined focus is especially important in today’s market where firms recognize that a successful attorney needs more than legal skills to satisfy and maintain clients. Small, medium and large firms also are listening to many of their clients who are demanding greater value and pushing back against paying for the services of untrained associates.
This client push to extract more value from attorneys is affecting the recruiting process. In interviews and in professional development training, you probably will see a greater emphasis on identifying candidates with transferable skills such as business experience, sales experience, problem solving skills and demonstrable work ethic. In addition, candidates must show the ability to listen to clients. To be a success in this environment, stay focused on the following basic steps:
- gain as much practical experience as possible in law school;
- highlight professional non-legal experience in resumes and cover letters;
- practice conveying poise, maturity and common sense in interviews; and
- concentrate on building a strong network early in your career.
Short URL: http://blogs.law.widener.edu/cdo/?p=205
Posted by admin
on Mar 11 2011. Filed under Alerts, Career Trends, Recruitment.
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