In our Careers Clinic, we hand over to you, our community, to send in a question on career progression.
This month, in a Back2Work special edition, Associate Consultant Michaela Baddeley gives her advice to a family solicitor who’d like to start looking for a new role after the summer holidays.
“I’ve been thinking about moving firms for a while now, as the progression pathway at my current firm isn’t aligned with my career goals.
Now that the summer is nearly over, I’d like to get organised so that I can start my search for a new role so I can move before the new year. How do I get started?”
As summer draws to a close, now is the perfect time to get organised and start your search for a new role, especially if you’re aiming to move before the new year.
If the progression pathway at your current firm isn’t going to enable you to reach your goals in the way you want to, it sounds like a move is crucial to your professional development.
At this time of year, law firms are ramping up their hiring efforts, and you can take advantage of this momentum. Here’s why now is the perfect time to get organised:
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Hiring picks up after summer
September marks a renewed focus for law firms, with decision-makers back from holidays and keen to fill vacancies before the year’s end. Starting your search now means you’ll be well-positioned to seize new opportunities as they arise.
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The year-end recruitment drive
Many firms aim to complete hiring by late November or early December, ensuring new hires are in place for the new year. By beginning your search in September, you have the time needed to find the right role and navigate the interview process.
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You’ll have fresh focus and energy
With the summer behind you, September offers a clear window to reflect on your career goals and take proactive steps towards a new role that better aligns with your ambitions.
Starting your search now sets you up for a successful transition into 2024. Here’s how to get started:
How to get started:
Clarify your career goals: reflect on what you want from your next role. I know you’ve mentioned you’d like better progression opportunities, but what else is important to you? Would you also like more challenging cases, a shorter commute or a more supportive work environment? Defining your goals will help guide your search.
Update your CV and LinkedIn profile: make sure your CV is up to date, highlighting your key achievements and experiences. Similarly, refresh your LinkedIn profile to reflect your latest skills and make it easier for recruiters to find you.
Research potential firms: start looking into firms that align with your career goals. Consider their reputation in family law, the type of work they do, and their culture.
Leverage your network: reach out to contacts in the industry to let them know you’re looking. Networking can often lead to opportunities that aren’t advertised.
Work with a specialist recruiter: A legal recruiter can provide valuable insights and help you identify roles that match your skills and aspirations. At Realm Recruit, we have a team dedicated to helping family lawyers and we can guide you through the process.
Prepare for interviews: once you start applying for roles, be ready for interviews. Research the firms you’re applying to and practice discussing your experiences and career goals.
By starting your job search in September, you position yourself to take advantage of the heightened hiring activity and secure a role that aligns with your career goals.
If you need any support or guidance, don’t hesitate to reach out to me. I can put you in touch with firms that will invest in your development and help you to climb the career ladder. Give me a call on 03300 245 606 or email michaela.baddeley@realmrecruit.com.
