Our Featured Sponsor:
Our Featured Sponsor

Subscribe

It’s Free. It’s Quick.

Career and life game changing information delivered personally to you.

Great advice from The Lawyer Whisperer

September 1, 2017
Question

The Key Traits of a Good Candidate.

answer
Julie Q. Brush

Throughout my career, I’ve worked with thousands of lawyers seeking to make career moves. I’ve carefully studied their actions in the process and have witnessed a plethora of behaviors that run the gamut from very effective to outright career killing. I have also worked closely with clients who have provided valuable feedback on candidates they’ve liked and those they haven’t. After taking inventory, a clear picture emerges: Good candidates get more opportunities. Good candidates get more breaks. Good candidates get more promotions. Good candidates get more interviews. Good candidates get more offers. And here’s the best news of all: Being a good candidate is something a lawyer has complete control over.

In the career management process…like everything else in life, there are things you can control and things you cannot control. With the things you cannot control, you need to let them go and manage your expectations accordingly. But with the things you can control, you need to control them as perfectly as possible. I cannot stress this enough. If you put the effort into educating yourself, crossing your T’s and dotting your I’s and executing to achieve your personal and professional goals, you will never have any regrets. That’s not to say that everything will go your way. It won’t. But you will have the satisfaction of knowing you’ve done everything in your power to maximize your opportunities and control your destiny.

So what defines a “good candidate”?

In this definition, I’m not talking about how a lawyer’s credentials define him/her, but rather other qualities and actions s/he demonstrates in the job application process. Below are the key qualities a good candidate possesses:

  • No sense of entitlement
  • No sense of entitlement
  • No sense of entitlement
  • Honest and transparent about level of interest, other opportunities, current compensation; and compensation expectations
  • Forthcoming regarding information about their background
  • A positive, enthusiastic and friendly disposition
  • Appreciative, gracious and humble
  • Good listener
  • Responsive to email and/or phone communications from the employer/recruiter
  • Uses good judgment regarding referrals, recommendations and leveraging his/her network when applying for job opportunities
  • Not rigid, but flexible about the process
  • Accommodating – particularly with regard to interview scheduling
  • Treats everyone with respect. That includes secretaries, HR, junior lawyers, front desk attendants.
  • On time for interviews or scheduled calls
  • Well prepared for interviews
  • Cares about personal presentation when interviewing (i.e. well groomed)
  • Sends follow up thank you notes
  • Uses good judgment regarding follow up calls and emails to the employer/recruiter about status of candidacy
  • Does not “shop” offers
  • Not a sore loser if not extended an offer

If you are currently seeking a new position or will be at some point in the future, use this list as a guideline to maximize the quality of your candidacy. If you hold yourself accountable to embody each one, you will have a more enjoyable experience and will see greater overall results for your career and personal happiness.

Like this
Comments

No Comments have been posted.

No Comments

Please login or join now to ask your question

<

 

New Jobs Feature!

Check it Out

Are you an Employer?

Post a job for free! Take advantage of this promotion and advertise your job for 30 days. Use promo code LWJOBS

Kudos From Our Fans

Julie has been a great partner and trusted advisor to me over many years. The Lawyer Whisperer is a terrific resource, whether you are new to the profession or a seasoned counsel.

Matt Fawcett Chief Strategy Officer and Former CLO, NetApp,
The Lawyer Whisperer is required reading for any lawyer who wants to be thoughtful about their career.

Sharon Zezima Former CLO, GoPro,
Great insights on career planning that help me talk with our associates and IH counsel who are thinking about a transition.

Ken King Partner, Skadden Arps,
The Lawyer Whisperer posts are always wise, thoughtful, well written and leave you with new ideas - I try not to miss a post.

Shanti Ariker General Counsel, Zendesk,
No one understands the changing profession better than Julie. She is a proven ally to those of us trying to forge new paths and push the boundaries of what is possible in a legal career.

Eric Lentell Deputy General Counsel, Archer,
Julie is the Dear Abby for lawyers. Her column is one of a kind.

Karineh Khachatourian Founding Partner, KXT Law,

Subscribe

Receive our newsletter for latest trends, compensation info and secrets to a winning career strategy.

This Week's Questions:

No new questions this week

Our Sponsors

logo



The Lawyer Whisperer Sponsors :

Solutus Legal Logo