Follow These 4 Steps to Find the Job You Love


By Jamy J. Sullivan, J.D., Robert Half 

 

As legal professionals, we spend most of our waking hours working. It’s no wonder that so many of us are looking for a job where we can find satisfaction, have a chance to excel and receive the rewards that come with doing our best work. Achieving this trifecta is possible if you follow these four steps to find the job you love. 

1. Get to know yourself better

The first step towards finding a job you love is an honest assessment of what type of legal work you find the most fulfilling. What personal and professional values are important to you? Do you prefer to work with individuals, businesses or a specific type of organization? This self-audit will help you create a career plan that includes the jobs and roles you want to pursue at this point in your career. Give yourself permission to set your sights high, focusing solely on paths that align with your aptitudes and passions. 

Make sure your career plan includes concrete goals such as obtaining specific certifications, tailoring your resume or LinkedIn profile to your career priorities, and preparing for tough interview questions. Each step should be part of one cohesive strategy toward finding the job you love. Be open-minded about taking risks and stay alert to opportunities outside your comfort zone. This could lead to unexpected openings that may be very fulfilling. 

2. Get help from people in the know 

Once you’ve identified some ideas, it’s time to dig deeper into the opportunities each one offers. Read up on related news articles and consult with your industry network, some of whom may be able to guide you based on their own experiences. By talking directly with people who have successfully transitioned to a job they love, you can get worthwhile guidance on any obstacles or perhaps shortcuts that may lie ahead. 
 
If there’s no one in your existing network to give you a helping hand, expand your professional circle by attending industry events or joining organizations related to your preferred specialization. Networking often leads directly to introductions to prospective employers, which means less time spent on your job search. 

3. Stay ahead of the curve 

Virtually all legal specializations are rapidly evolving, so staying abreast of changes in legislation, regulations and technology may uncover opportunities you never even knew existed. Courses related to your ideal job that you take the initiative to find and pursue will help keep you updated on current trends, making you more attractive as a candidate. If you include courses outside of your preferred field, you’ll broaden your knowledge base — a great asset for succeeding at job interviews or working with clients from different backgrounds or industries.  

4. Partner with the experts

As rewarding as finding a job you love can be, getting there can be overwhelming when you’re trying to juggle personal and professional responsibilities. If you ask for some help from a talent solutions firm, you gain access to a much larger pool of openings than you’d find on your own, plus additional support such as resume writing assistance and interviewing tips.    

Finding a legal career you enjoy is a very personal and subjective process — one person’s dream job may be another person’s nightmare. That’s why it’s crucial to trust yourself. You know yourself better than anyone else, so make sure that any decision feels right for you. Good luck! 


Jamy J. Sullivan is executive director of the legal practice at Robert Half, the world’s first and largest specialized talent solutions firm. Robert Half offers contract, temporary and permanent placement solutions, and is the parent company of Protiviti®, a global consulting firm. Visit RobertHalf.com.