Spring is the season when newly minted college graduates begin to plan for the next segment of their career life; if only the economy would cooperate. This week I attended a paralegal symposium at Burlington County Community College, to recruit new grads into our BS programs at Peirce College. However, too often the conversation would turn to job opportunities within the legal field. Many new grads are midlife career transitioners that are out of work and looking for work in the legal field, some have experience but many do not; and, there is a great deal of angst in their voices. The questions are; will I find a job? will the degree open doors? do I need more education? did I choose the right major? Will my age be a factor?
It is a litney of questions that I too asked myself when I left college in 1989. The difference is that the jobs lost in the last economic recession are not coming back. The truth is that only the most tenacious and resourceful will prevail. And, it means getting up from the computer and meeting people in your industry. It means maximizing your interactions, and planning a networking strategy that will open doors, get your resume on the top of the pile, and provide an opportunity to put your education to work.
It can seem like a daunting task, and all the rules have changed. But, people are getting jobs in this economy. How is it happening? How can it happen for you? Well, consider what I am about to say as tough love. If you are over 40 or over 50, you need to concentrate on your looks. If you are wearing the same old hairstyle from the 1990's and you need to dye your hair, do it! Freshen up your wardrobe with a few stylish pieces, like a new belt or scarf to accent your suit. The key here is not to look like your 25, but to exude a level of energy that makes others feel your competence, and not notice your age. Their perception of you will be ageless, it won't become an issue.
Secondly, attitude is everything. Smile, be friendly, be complementary and courteous, take time to engage in polite conversation and ask people about the work they do and not talk about yourself and the work you do or would like to do. It is charming and endearing and people will begin to trust you. All of this is a great deal of work, it requires focus and strategy. You need to be on all the time, aware of your surroundings and know what is going on in your environment.
At the end of the day, this is something you don't learn in school. With that said you need to seek out and develop opportunities to acquire the tactics and techniques that will work for you. Learn the basics and don't forget that you need to talk about yourself in terms that weave a story. In fact, there is a great book I would recommend by Peggy Klaus called "Toot Your Own Horn, Without Blowing It' A great read for the job seeker, job transitioner, corporate climber, or newly minted college grad.
Remember life is a journey and education is one way in which you will elevate the world.
