A new attorney contacted me recently, seeking advice on getting a job. I don’t know that I’m the right person to ask since I’ve never had a job, unless working for your father for a year out of law school counts, but I do have some thoughts about the subject.
If I was looking to work for someone else, I’d consider what everyone else is doing (job hunters) and do the opposite.
First, I wouldn’t write a resume. Resumes are a mechanism for rejecting the masses and not a good way to stand out. Instead, I’d write a sales letter.
This letter would show what I’ve done for others (clients or employers) and include endorsements from influential people who know me and what I can do, and testimonials from people I’ve previously helped.
Before this, I’d do my homework. I would choose a handful of firms or companies I was interested in working with and look at their “resume” (web site). I’d study them and their industry and learn everything I could. I’d talk to people who work there and people who used to. I’d find professionals who know the principals of the firm and buy them coffee. I’d learn about the firm’s strengths and especially, their weaknesses. What problems do they have? What objectives are they trying to meet? What can I do to help them?
Then, I’d ask the people I met during my research period for an introduction. If they don’t know the top dog, I’d ask them to introduce me to someone who does.
When I met the owner, I’d ask questions that let him know I knew something about their firm. I’d keep asking questions until I saw an opening to make some suggestions. That’s when I’d show them I had something to offer.
If I do a good job of showing them I can solve some of their problems, it won’t matter whether there is a job opening or not, they’ll create a position for me.
If they asked me for a resume, I’d give them my sales letter.
Statistics tell us that two-thirds of all jobs are never advertised and are filled through networking. I like those odds better than the resume game.
And if I didn’t have enough experience for the position I wanted, as this new attorney suggested, I’d lower my sights initially and do the same thing for a company or firm where I could develop that experience. Or I’d volunteer somewhere that would provide the experience and take a “Mc-Job” in order to pay the bills.
So, my advice is to think of yourself not as an employee looking for a job but as the owner of your own company. Don’t ask for a job, market your company to prospective clients.
