Land Your Dream Paralegal Job
By Nikki Kelly, Regional Vice President
Davidson Legal Staffing
6 Proven Tips from a Legal Recruiter
The outlook on the paralegal job front is promising - according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), paralegal employment is expected to grow 22% through 2016. But competition for the best paralegal jobs remains fierce.
It has recently become necessary for employers to change their workforce management strategy due to a low unemployment rate and fluctuating business cycles. Employers have realized that hiring seat-fillers is not an economically efficient option, and more importantly, a bad hire is typically more costly than no hire.
"There is always a high demand for talented paralegals," said Erin Ewing, Senior Recruiter Davidson Legal Staffing in Los Angeles. "But, to land the best jobs with the best companies you really have to stand out."
Market yourself into a top-paying paralegal job with the following tips:
- Get a degree and ABA certification.
According to the BLS, "experienced, formally trained paralegals should have the best employment opportunities." A degree and ABA certification goes a long way. Most firms require that a paralegal candidate have both a Bachelors degree and a paralegal certificate from an ABA certified school. Some firms will accept an Associates degree and/or a paralegal certificate that is not ABA certified, but most will not. - Make your experience count.
Working for mid-sized to large firms is likely going to gain you more attention. But don't discount sole practitioners as a place to acquire valuable experience. You can find great opportunities to shine in smaller firms. Take leadership roles whenever you can and look for opportunities to increase your skill set. - Enhance your resume.
Employers who post opportunities on job boards are inundated with resumes and may not have time to give each of them an in-depth review. Even if you are going through an agency or have been recommended, it's important to make your resume stand out.- List your accomplishments.
What have you done to save your previous employers time and/or money? What were some major contributions you made, leadership roles you took, or a positive change you implemented at your firm? Answering these questions on your resume will show a potential employer how you can positively impact the firm. - Highlight your stability.
Firms are looking for people they can train and keep. Job hopping may garner quick raises, but it shows a lack of loyalty and commitment. If you find that your resume is lacking this important element, address it in your cover letter. An explanation for short term jobs can eliminate a hiring manager's hesitations.
- List your accomplishments.
- Upgrade your cover letter.
Be aware of what you put in your cover letter. It should not be a synopsis of what is on your resume. Focus on unique information that shows your value and fit to the firm. The cover letter is a great opportunity to address any potential concerns a hiring manager may have, thus increasing your chances of getting a personal interview. Some great examples of cover letters can be found at www.DavidsonStaffing.com/articles/. - Acing the interview.
A critical part of any job search is the First Impression. Even if you have an impressive resume, not being prepared and a lack of professionalism, punctuality and communication can potentially harm your chances of landing the job. "While resumes and experience can open doors, usually it's the candidates who are well prepared and appropriately dressed that end up with the best offers," said Gary Marsh, Executive Director of Davidson Legal Staffing in Los Angeles. - Recruit a recruiter.
Another way to ensure you have access to the best jobs is to develop a relationship with a legal recruiter. Many firms don't want to deal with an onslaught of mediocre resumes and will give a job order exclusively to a particular agency. Therefore, to get the inside track to the most sought after jobs, work with a highly qualified recruiter who specializes in the legal industry and in the geographic area you are targeting.
"Building a long-lasting and trusted relationship with a recruiter is beneficial to any professional," said Ewing. "However, it is vital to find a recruiter who will not only provide you access to the very best jobs but who puts your goals and your best interests first at all times."
Building a relationship with a recruiter can be helpful throughout your career. Not only will you have access to exclusive opportunities, but you will have someone who will go to bat for you. A recruiter is your career advocate. They communicate with the employer on your behalf and give you the tools and inside information on the company and hiring managers that will help you land your ideal job.
Remaining competitive by furthering your education and growing your job stability is imperative to landing a top-paying paralegal job. Whether you are considering a career move, or comfortable in your current position, it pays to put the time in to increase your marketability. Bottom line - whether you are applying through a firm website, a job board, or an agency, it's very important to make every interaction count.
Nikki Kelly is the Regional Vice President of Davidson Legal Staffing. She has more than 16 years of staffing industry experience, and has been with Davidson Legal Staffing for 12 years. Since 1987, Davidson Legal Staffing has specialized in matching highly qualified talent with the best companies and law firms throughout California. Call us at 888-788-2828 or 213-892-6350 or search our job openings at www.davidsonstaffing.com.
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