As a leading legal employment firm in Sacramento, CA, Pacific Staffing knows getting a job at a law firm isn’t easy. But getting a job in a small firm vs. a big one can be even more challenging.
Unfortunately, most job candidates use the same tactics when applying to both kinds of firms. However, smaller firms differ from their larger counterparts in a variety of ways. As a result, it’s important to employ a different strategy when you’re looking to land a legal job at a small law firm.
To help you in your approach, here are 4 tips to follow:
Tip #1: Talk to Other Small Firm Lawyers
Use your network to connect with other lawyers at small firms, including classmates and alumni from your law school and members of local and national bar associations. Don’t reach out and solicit them for a job. Instead, ask them for advice about getting hired at a small law firm.
Keep in mind too that many small firms rely on word of mouth for referrals to good candidates. So by leveraging your network to get advice, you could find out about an opportunity that isn’t advertised.
Tip #2: Sell Your Value
Big law firms have big budgets; smaller firms, not so much. When applying for legal jobs at a small firm, you need to prove to the managing partners that you’ll be a good investment. So be prepared to explain how you can contribute in a positive way to the bottom line.
For instance, if you have a background within a specialty area that complements that law firm’s practice, then highlight this particular area of expertise in your cover letter, resume and interview. If you’ve ever run your own company, then talk about the lessons you learned from that and how that knowledge will help you build a book of business. Your goal here is to position yourself as an asset to the firm.
Tip #3: Convey the Intangibles
Sure, interviewers want to know about your academic and work experience. But the intangibles are also important; things like work ethic, discipline, strong judgment and good interpersonal skills. When writing your cover letter and preparing for your interview, discuss your attributes in these areas and how they will benefit the firm.
Tip #4: Be Prepared to Talk About Location
If you’re in New York or L.A., no one is going to ask you why you’re looking for a position in that particular market. However, if you’re interviewing in a smaller market, then the interviewer will want to know why you’re seeking a job there. The last thing they want to do is hire you, only to have you leave after a few months because you were offered a job in a bigger market. So be ready to explain your connection to that particular area.
Need More Help Finding Jobs in the Sacramento Legal Field?
If you do, let Pacific Staffing know. As a leading legal employment firm in Sacramento, CA, Pacific Staffing will take the time to learn about career goals, work environment preferences, interests, and aspirations – all so we can match you with the legal job opportunity that’s the right fit for you.
Contact Pacific Staffing today to learn more.