Job search strategy from a colleague

Dana Hill is a large law firm attorney who is transitioning to an alternative legal career.  Dana has practiced for 10 years and has been in transition since early 2009.

The best job search strategy that I’ve used is developing a “buddy” relationship with a colleague in the same situation. My friend Ina and I worked at the same law firm and involuntarily ended our employment there within six weeks of each other. At work, we were in different departments, but attended the same weekly exercise class, so we already had a familiar routine and supportive relationship.

Our “buddy” system includes weekly meetings, on the phone or in-person, during which we update each other on the networking, searching, applying, and interviewing we performed that week. We share information about networking events and seminars, and sometimes attend them together, like we did for the Attorneys in Transition events; pass along job postings; and refer each other to people we know that can help the other.

Our teamwork has paid off when we have helped each other prepare for interviews.  Interview prep takes a lot of work and you can’t do it on your own. Answering Ina’s questions out loud showed me that I needed work on even some basic questions.  Her positive feedback helped me maintain my confidence.

Aside from substantive assistance, our meetings keep me motivated.  For example, there was a morning when I had planned to attend a job seminar at 9 a.m. in the Loop, but when my alarm went off I really didn’t want to go. Knowing that Ina would be there gave me that extra push I needed. Another time, I procrastinated on applying for a position that was below my experience level, but when Ina called me on it I applied that day. (While I didn’t get that job, I did get an informational interview with the supervisor – nice!)

Lastly and most importantly, it is wonderful to have a friend who knows what I am going through.  I have down times. But talking through them with Ina helps me get over it and back to thinking positively.

I haven’t heard this strategy mentioned in any of the many seminars on effective job searching that I’ve attended, but I counsel others to adopt it.