Melissa Brandman’s Post

Your resume is the way that employers first "meet" you - so you don't want to screw up that introduction. But a lot of attorneys do. How? They leave gaps in their employment - for example, failing to account for periods when they were working in non-legal roles, taking time off to care for a family member, or between jobs after an economic downturn. They oversell or undersell their experience - failing to think about what they really offer and how to describe it. Their LinkedIn profiles and law firm bios have information that is misaligned with what is listed on their resume. On today's episode of Big Law Life, I'm talking about how to avoid these resume pitfalls, and a few others that can make it less likely for that initial "meeting" to generate more interest in your candidacy. Check it out at: https://lnkd.in/eimBHXCw #legalindustry #legaljobs #lawyerresume #legalresume #resumewriting #resumeediting #lawyerlife #attorneylife #biglaw #lawyercoaching #lawyercoach #attorneycoach #attorneycoaching

📄 Worried about multiple job moves on your CV? I often speak with family lawyers who worry that having a few job moves on their CV might hold them back when looking for a new role. Here’s the truth: while it’s a valid concern, it’s often not as big an issue as you might think. If your reasons for moving are genuine (and let’s face it, life happens!), many law firms won’t bat an eyelid. And that’s where I come in—I handle those potentially tricky conversations for you. I’ll explain your story, your strengths, and why you’re the perfect fit for their team. Whether it’s through a phone call or an email, I make sure your application is presented in the best possible light. Don’t let worries about your CV hold you back from exploring opportunities. Sometimes, what you see as a red flag is actually just a part of your journey—and the right firm will see it that way too. If this resonates with you, feel free to reach out. #CareerAdvice #FamilyLaw #LegalRecruit #Realm #JobSearchTips

Job Seekers: Can you imagine missing the best opportunity because your profile or resume didn't stand out?? Maintaining an up-to-date LinkedIn profile isn't just prudent—it's pivotal. I received an application today from a candidate with a LinkedIn profile location outside of the area of the U.S. that I service. I went an extra step to open the resume attached to the email, and the candidate had a completely different city and state on the resume. The candidate was applying to a role in a completely different location from the resume and LinkedIn profile with NO INDICATION of their intent to relocate or move. In my role as a recruiter at Robert Half, I traverse HUNDREDS of profiles daily, seeking the best legal talent for diverse opportunities for my clients. Here are key insights gleaned from my experiences: 1️⃣ Location Precision: Your location on LinkedIn is more than just a pin on a map; it’s a beacon for relevant opportunities. If you are relocating to a different state and applying to roles in that state, then put that on your LinkedIn profile and indicate the same on your resume. Not all candidates apply to roles they are qualified for and for you to get the ATTENTION you DESERVE, you need to make it as plain as possible. 2️⃣ Skill Showcase: Your skills are not mere words; they are the essence of your professional prowess. Highlight your legal expertise prominently to capture the attention of recruiters and potential employers. As an attorney, make sure you list your area of law as well as which states you are admitted to practice in on your profile. Believe me, it HELPS us HELP you. 3️⃣ Profile Picture Proficiency: Your profile picture should reflect your professional persona. A polished headshot speaks volumes about your attention to detail and professionalism. 4️⃣ Headline Clarity: Craft a headline that encapsulates your legal niche or expertise. It serves as a quick snapshot of your professional identity and can significantly impact your visibility. For attorneys who are admitted in multiple jurisdictions, this is a great area to include those admissions. LinkedIn isn't just a digital resume—it's a living, breathing representation of your professional journey. Treat it with the same care and attention as you would your resume. Regular updates, relevant content, and a professional demeanor can open doors to exciting opportunities. DON'T MISS YOUR CHANCE TO STAND OUT! #LegalProfessionals #LinkedInBestPractices #LegalCareerGrowth

Wait! Don’t turn down that Job Offer until your Emotions have Eased! Job searching is time-consuming and can be difficult and even confusing. But lawyers need to integrate both the rational and emotional in their process. As lawyers, we strive to be dispassionate from our first day in law school. But this can be challenging when the offers start to come in (or don’t come in). I urge you to try an approach that is a combination of rational and emotional in your job-finding efforts. Over the years, I’ve seen candidates turn down offers in a flash of pique that surprised me. I’ve seen somewhat senior candidates turn down positions when offer letters were signed by “lower level” HR folks, for instance. I’ve seen associates turn down offers because they didn’t get credit fully for their law school class year (even though they got a $85k raise). I’ve seen law firm partners dying to go in-house turn down jobs because they “just didn’t feel it,” even though their families begged them to try taking on potentially a more 9-5 type job. Instead of a knee-jerk (and sometimes irrational) reaction, I recommend: • Take a deep breath; • Clarify the offer terms and energetically get all your questions answered; • Do your “Ben Franklin Close” analysis, which, at its core, a simple pros and cons list. Of course, you can always turn it down if it doesn’t feel right, but keep your emotions in check until the end. While you must definitely connect with those emotions, don’t let them dictate your decision until both the emotional and rational align as much as possible. #lawfirms #lawyers #attorneysatlaw #legalcareers #joboffers #candidates #lawcareertips #lawjobs

Are you limiting your job search to familiar names? Our latest blog post explores how casting a wider net can uncover better opportunities in the legal market. Discover why working with a recruiter, avoiding reliance on hearsay, and being open to different firm types can significantly enhance your career prospects. VOYlegal’s Managing Director Alyson Galusha, Esq. provides practical tips to help you find the perfect fit for your professional growth. Read the full article to learn more about expanding your job search horizons. #LegalRecruitment #CareerAdvice #JobSearch #VOYlegal https://lnkd.in/gVzYsD9a

Show Up Completely (honesty and transparency) Over the years, I have seen thousands of attorney resumes, and most are excellent—error-free, persuasively written, and compelling. I also look for transparency, such as years of graduation from all educational institutions attended (high schools, not needed!). I recommend providing complete and accurate information on your resume, including the year of graduation from law school and other educational institutions you have attended (even if you did not complete a degree). I have heard the argument that a prospective employer will take a pass on your candidacy because, perhaps, they think you are “too old”. Age discrimination — definitely — does still exist. However, in this information age, people may find other ways to verify your age. Worse yet, they may presume you are older than you are and, consciously or unconsciously, rule you out as a viable candidate I recommend you show up transparently and trust that if there are solid reasons that you are potentially fit for any given job, then it is worth exploring with an employer that accepts you as you are. #jobinterviewtips #lawyers #attorneysatlaw #lawfirms #lawcareer #lawjobs #legalfirms #legalcareer #legaljobs #showup #transparent

Stop searching for jobs solely through job postings.. I found my post-grad job through cold emailing and meeting someone for coffee. Is this for everyone? Maybe not. Maybe the idea of cold emailing scares you.. But, you don’t grow from your comfort zone. Anyway, here’s what happened for me: I researched employment law and civil litigation attorneys in my area (with no agenda, just an interest in learning the day-to-day life of a civil litigator). The attorney that I emailed responded, and we ended up meeting for coffee. She explained her firm had an L&E team and offered to pass on my resume. She then connected me with another partner at her firm (coincidentally this partner and I had already been connected through social media). That same day, I was talking to a classmate that coincidentally worked at said firm (he offered to put in a good word for me). A couple weeks later, a partner on the L&E team called me for an interview. About a week and a half after, I was called and offered a post-grad position. I share this for two reasons: (1) always treat people well because you have no idea who will end up working where (also just be a good person and treat people well in general); (2) network, network, and then network some more because you have no idea what doors might open. #law #legalfield #attorney

🌟 Maximizing Your Attorney Career: The Benefits of Partnering with an Experienced Attorney Recruiter 🌟 -As a lateral associate considering a career move, navigating the legal job market can be daunting. Partnering with a knowledgeable attorney recruiter can provide you with the competitive edge you need to make informed career decisions and achieve your professional goals. This is where the expertise of an experienced attorney recruiter can be a game-changer. Here’s why: Industry Insight: A seasoned recruiter understands the legal landscape and can provide valuable insights into the best firms, practice areas, and emerging opportunities that align with your career goals. Extensive Network: Experienced recruiters have built strong relationships with top law firms and legal departments. This network can open doors to opportunities that might not be advertised publicly. Personalized Guidance: A recruiter can offer tailored advice on your resume, cover letter, and interview preparation, ensuring you present yourself in the best possible light. Confidentiality and Discretion: Maintaining confidentiality during a job search is crucial. An experienced recruiter handles your search discreetly, protecting your current position while exploring new opportunities. Negotiation Power: Negotiating salary, benefits, and other terms can be challenging. Recruiters have the expertise to negotiate on your behalf, helping you secure the best possible package. Long-Term Career Strategy: Beyond the immediate job search, a good recruiter can assist with long-term career planning, helping you make strategic moves that align with your professional aspirations. If you're interested in exploring the market or discussing your career goals and how I can help, please contact me at [email protected]. I'm working on many great posted and unposted roles with law firms that range from 10 attorneys to mega-firms and everything in-between. Let’s discuss your next move! 🚀⚖️ #LegalCareer #AttorneyRecruiter #LegalJobs #ProfessionalGrowth #lawfirmjobs #associatejobs #lateralattorneymoves #attorney

Why Put a Personal Interests Section on Your Resume Many attorneys I work with give me amazing resumes demonstrating tons of drive, expertise, and off-the-charts educational credentials (do one last check for typos, just to be sure). One thing I always look for—a “Personal Interests” section. Not putting that in is a missed opportunity. Why? 1) Adding this demonstrates more about who you are; you sound more real, more authentic. This is the FUN part of the resume—this section “humanizes” you; 2) It’s extremely unlikely to put people off. 3) If your passion is collecting sea shells, Native American art, or fly fishing, perhaps few do it, but it says a lot about who you are. What passion will offend any reasonable person? If it should become a disqualifier at a particular employer, you’re probably not a good fit there. 4) It shows you are not “one of those boring lawyers.” You are more than your work; you are not simply a one-dimensional, cookie-cutter hire. Adding personal interests to your resume is an opportunity. Take it. You never know whether any of your interviewers happen to love to fish! #interests #resumetips #jobinterviewprep #lawyers #attorneys #legalcareer #lawfirms #personalinterests