People Love Legal Authority: Reviews


Need Help? Call 1-800-283-3860.
Already a Member? Sign In
"The most common means of obtaining a job was a letter or other "self-initiated contact" with the employer..."
- NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF LAW PLACEMENT
Advice

Featured Articles

 

  EMAIL TO FRIEND

  PDF VERSION

  PRINTABLE VERSION

A guide to networking meetings



You have identified the names of people you would like to contact, carefully composed a letter, and followed up with a phone call scheduling a time for your meeting. After that preparation, the meeting itself is nothing more than a friendly conversation asking for advice, but the flow of this conversation should not be left to chance.

Just as you would prepare for trial by making notes before a meeting with a major client, so too should you prepare adequately for your informational meetings. Remember that at these self-marketing meetings, you're not a lawyer interviewing a client. You are having a friendly conversation and asking for a little advice so that you can better market yourself to obtain a new job. This article offers an easy guide for your informational meetings. If you follow its general outline, you will benefit enormously. You will gain the information you need to meet your goals and find your new direction. We all have our own conversational style. Adapt this script to your own needs and your own idioms.

The Elements of an Informational Interview

There are three obvious stages of the informational interview, and they are not hard to remember:

ENTRY —> BODY —> EXIT


The Entry Phase

1. Rapport

When you first meet your contact, as when introduced to anyone for the first time, make a real effort to put that person at ease. Don't plunge into your agenda until you have first established a human contact. Exchange a few natural pleasantries. Any complimentary icebreaker will do.

One easy way to begin is with a quick scan of the room. Something in the office environment will suggest a commonality, a conversation opener: family pictures, a view out of a window, or a desk ornament. If you live in an area known for its passionate sports fans, such as Philadelphia or Chicago, then maybe you can make a comment about a particular team's recent success or failure. Above all else, make it genuine:

I want to thank you for taking the time to see me… I'll try to be brief and to the point…

2. Disclaimer

This step is crucial to the whole process. You let your listener know at the outset just why you are there, what you are seeking, and what you are not seeking. Most people will still be under the misapprehension that no matter what you wrote in your letter or what you've said during your phone call to schedule the interview, you're going to ask them for a job. So you must take great care to put these assumptions to rest.

Before we begin . . . I want to make it clear why I'm here . . . I'm not looking for a position with your firm (or, I don't expect you to have a job for me) . . . Quite frankly, at the present time, I'm more interested in receiving some good advice - in hearing how you'd evaluate my credentials and how I should go about marketing myself within the legal community . . .

3. Rationale

You have told the person what is not your reason for being there. So now, explain to your contact why you are there. Say:

As I mentioned over the phone, you might say that I'm doing some "marketing research" on myself . . . You see, I'm at a crossroads . . . I'm making some major decisions about the direction of my legal career . . . and it's important that I have enough input to make valid choices . . . That's why I'm seeking feedback from significant people in the legal community such as yourself . . .

4. Introduction

Let me begin by telling you a little bit about myself, for the past ____ years I've been . . .

If you're talking to a friend, or a law school classmate, whom you have not seen recently, then you might use these words as an opener:

It has been a couple of years since we have seen each other; so let me briefly bring you up to date . . . For the past . . .

5. Transition

After your introduction, use some short transitional phrase to move you to the Body of your informational meeting:

I guess my first question is pretty straightforward . . .

Body of the Meeting

First Conversational Level - TOPICS

These question areas are sometimes described as "pump primers"-themes to start the conversation, carry it along, and help the other person offer the information you need. Use just two or three of the topic areas suggested below. Adapt these questions to your needs and the chemistry of the moment. Remember, you are not taking a deposition or cross-examining a witness. Keep the conversation low-key and informal. Always present yourself during an informational interview as reasonably focused, even if you are not quite sure of your direction. Never dump your uncertainties on another person during a self-marketing meeting or ask what you should do with your life. Never.

There are two possible scenarios: either you are staying within the legal community and looking for a better position or you are using your legal experience as a credential and seeking to transfer your skills to another venue.

a) A Job Search Within the Legal Community:

1. Compatibility

Are my legal career objectives realistic in terms of today's market?

Do I have the kinds of credentials that legal employers are seeking?

In light of my goals, do I need any other credentials to make me a more marketable candidate?

Would my chances be better with a larger or smaller firm? Why?

2. Shoes

If you were in my shoes, with the credentials I have described, how would you go about marketing yourself?

Do you think that I may have overlooked any other areas where I should market my skills? Are there any other bases I should cover?

3. Personalization

How has your own legal career developed? Was it planned or did it more or less develop on its own?

If you had it to do over, would you do anything different?

Did you have any significant mentors along the way, or did you do it on your own?

4. Employment Trends

How do you read the present local business climate?

How does the local legal scene compare with law firm trends on the national level? Downsizing? Hiring?

b) A Job Search Outside of the Legal Community

1. Compatibility

Would you consider a law degree a good credential within the ______ industry?

To what extent are my legal skills transferable?

Is such a move into ______ realistic?

Could you describe to me a typical workday?

2. Shoes

If you were attempting to transition into this industry, how would you go about marketing yourself?

What credentials best qualify a person for the position I am contemplating?

3. Personalization

How did you happen to become interested in this particular area of work?

Was your own career planned, or did it more or less just happen?

What parts of your job do you find the most enjoyable / least satisfying?

If you had to do it all over again, how would you go about it?

4. Trends

What kinds of changes have you noticed in the industry over the past five years?

Do you anticipate much growth within the industry in the coming years?

Any developments on the horizon that will affect future opportunities?

5. Employment

What are the current employment trends? Downsizing? Hiring?

For the positions we have been discussing, what matters more - experience or credentials?

What credentials best qualify a person for the position we have been discussing?

From what I've told you of my background and credentials, would you say that I have a reasonable chance of transitioning into this field?

What periodical resources, or employment listings, are available for the job seeker within this industry?

Second Conversational Level: STORIES

At the same time that you are discussing the above topics, you will also attempt to weave accomplishment anecdotes, or success stories, into the fabric of your conversation. Well-prepared career stories are used in informational interviewing, not only to make you and your skills memorable, but also to practice them for later use in actual job interviews.

Well-prepared career stories should be introduced naturally based on the flow of the conversation.

As you are talking with your networking contact, listen for conversational "openers," or commonalities-experiences similar to your own. Use these openings as a way for you to contribute to the conversation by describing your own experiences.

Exiting Gracefully

How long should your marketing or informational interview last? As a rule, it should be shorter, rather than longer-20 minutes, 30 at the most. Pay attention to subtle nonverbal cues for closure: a glance at a watch, the repetition of a flat "uh-huh," a look over your shoulder towards the door, and so on.

Remember the three "R's" to the final stage of the informational interview:

Wrap-Up —> Referrals —> Resume


1. Wrap-Up

If your contact is relaxed, seems to "lean" into the conversation, begins telling his or her own career stories, and genuinely appears to enjoy talking with you, then go with the flow. Sometimes interviewers are so flattered by the request for their advice, or become so interested in the process of an informational marketing meeting, that they will extend the time even up to an hour. But when you sense that your time is up, immediately wrap things up:

Well . . . you've answered all my questions . . . thank you very much for your time (patience, insights, courtesy, etc.) . . . I deeply appreciate your kindness and I would like to get back to you if something comes up in the future . . .

2. Referrals

After you have established your own credibility and thanked your contact for taking the time to meet with you, say something like this:

Can you think of anyone else I might talk to?

In addition, if your meeting has gone well, your contact should give you the names of a few associates and friends who might assist you in your career search. You might also say,

Would you mind if I used your name?

You will find that the name of a referral in your letter and in your meeting-scheduling call is a great door opener. Friends of friends will readily see you.

3. Resume

Because there is little danger now of a mixed-message, offer your resume as you leave:

By the way, in case some other referrals come to mind, my resume has my phone number and e-mail address.

Final Note

Send your contact an e-mail or drop them a brief line thanking them for their time and the advice you received from their meeting. And after you move on to your new direction, set some time aside, now and then, to help others along the way. You've benefited from the kindness of others; it's only right to return the favor.




Facebook comments:



Related Articles

The Interviewing Process: A Survival Guide for Recent Law School Graduates

Graduating from law school is certainly a job in itself. Now it's time to take the next step: landing that dream position! The interviewing process can be an extremely daunting task; while being ab...

Academic Positions

Yes… you can be a college professor if you are already a lawyer. Your law degree provides you entry into academic life beyond just the teaching of law. Your degree provides you with sufficient acade...

What's Your Story?-How To Sell Yourself During An Interview

SEVERAL YEARS AGO, lawyer and legal consultant Brian Howard was asked to address a group of Washington attorneys on a very sensitive subject: the quality of life in law firms. Howard spoke for about h...

Marketing yourself

Corporate folklore abounds with stories about the catastrophic failures of some once well-advertised products, such as the Ford Edsel, New Coke, and Japanese Pampers. New product introductions aren't ...

First Contact - How to Take Control of Your Job Search from the Start

MANY PEOPLE VIEW the ad-answering phase of a job search too narrowly, as if it were only a two-step process: 1) You answer the advertisement, and then 2) you interview with your potential employer. Th...

A way to prepare for most job interviewing questions without remembering 101 different answers.

ANDY CORELLI NEVER DREAMED that one day his medium-sized litigation firm, Holmes & Watson, would go under. As the senior associate and, by everyone's estimation, the firm's best litigator, Corelli was...

Mastering The Interview

ANDY CORELLI NEVER DREAMED that one day his mid-sized litigation firm, Holmes & Watson, would go under. As the senior associate and, by everyone's estimation, the firm's best litigator, Corelli was on...

Interviewing: the advanced course

Many lawyers think they know everything they need to know about interviewing. After all, how hard can it be to answer an interviewer's questions when you're thinking on your feet all day in court and ...

How to handle the interview scheduling call

Many people view the ad-answering phase of a job search too narrowly, as if it were only a two-step process: 1) You answer the advertisement, and then 2) you interview with your potential employer. Th...

The Art Of Networking - A Guide To A Networking Meeting

IT IS TIME TO BEGIN YOUR MARKETING RESEARCH. You have identified the names of people you would like to contact, carefully composed a letter, and followed up with a phone call scheduling a time for you...



"Show us you are alive! We want to hear your thoughts. Please comment on this article (below)!"

Article ID:  70028  www.legalauthority.com

Article Title:  A guide to networking meetings

Be the first to comment on this article!

Add Comment


  • Share this story:


  • BlinkList
  • blogmarks
  • del.icio.us
  • Digg
  • Facebook
  • Google
  • Sphinn
  • MySpace
  • NewsVine
  • Simpy
  • StumbleUpon
  • Technorati
  • E-mail this story to a friend!
  • Print this article!
  • Faves
  • Furl
  • Netvouz
  • Slashdot
  • Spurl
  • Yahoo! Buzz





Sign up for a "Free, No Obligation Resume Critique" and "Free Market Evaluation". Let us tell you how much potential you have!
 
WE ARE VERY DISCRETE IN ALL CALLS.
Reviews
What Our Clients Are Saying
I didn't go to a great law school and my GPA didn't make up for it. Legal Authority helped me send out more than 700 letters, and thanks to you guys, I got four interviews in a city a thousand miles a...
- Lauren T.

I tried my own mailing, but marketing myself did not work. The counselor I spoke with explained how sending out 20 or 30 letters randomly isn't even worth my time. I turned the reins over to Legal Aut...
- Jennifer R.

I just wanted to let you know that I am exceedingly pleased with the service. I sent the resumes out last week, and I already have four interviews scheduled. I'll keep you posted on the outcome. T...
- Jennifer

 MORE
Options
Your Options
Getting an In-House Position
Myth Versus Reality for Law Firm Jobs
Myth Versus Reality for In-House Jobs
Myth versus Reality: Law School Professor Jobs
Myth Versus Reality: Federal Clerkships, State &...
Myth versus Reality: Prosecutor Jobs
Pro Bono Legal Work and Your Legal Career
Give Yourself the Most Options
Major Practice Areas Analyzed
Starting a Career as a Real Estate Lawyer
Featured Advice
Featured Advice
New York Versus London Firms
Law School for Mature Students
The First Born Phenomenon
The Story Doesn't End There
Economics and ''Mean'' Law Firms
How to Acquire the Best Legal Jobs
The Art Of Networking - A Guide To A Networking...
How To Use Job Boards And Advertisements To Jump...
Finding Your Niche - The Smart Way To Market Yourself
Be an Effective Negotiator - How to Get the...
Legal Authority Is Not for Everyone
Self-Initiated Employer Contact Works
Which is Better A Federal or State Clerkship?
Tips for the Legal Informational Interview
OPTIMIZING YOUR LINKEDIN®: LEGAL AUTHORITY’S GUIDING PRINCIPLES
From the Legal Authority Blog
The Practice of Law: To Stay or Go
+ Click here to read more
The Story Doesn’t End There
+ Click here to read more
Will an LL.M. help my legal career
+ Click here to read more
5 Biggest Attorney Job Search Mistakes
Attorneys and law students are one of the most ill-informed groups of people there are when it comes to conducting a job search. MORE
Legal Authority Outplacement Program
Give your attorneys the most opportunities.
Making economic or strategic adjustments in personnel can be a tough decision for any firm... MORE
Law Student Wins with Legal Authority
How a highly successful Manhattan law firm associate auctioned himself off to the highest bidder... MORE
For Employers
Legal Authority's Comprehensive Employee Outplacement Program.
Give your attorneys the most opportunities. MORE
Our Database and Technology
Legal Authority's Comprehensive Database and Advanced
Search Engine.
 MORE
National Advertisement
Legal Authority and National Media
Take a sneak peek at the marketing strategies of Legal Authority. MORE
Get the best legal jobs through Legal Authority.
Click here to understand the simple process and utilize our services to the maximum.
Download Now
Get on Track
Get on Track
Legal Authority Core Values
How Do You Work With Employer Data at Legal...
Why Legal Authority Works: Myth versus Reality
What Legal Authority Does
Legal Authority and Law Students
What Is Legal Authority?
Using Legal Authority for Law Student Jobs
Legal Authority Works!
Legal Authority Is a Great Way for Law Students...
What Legal Authority Does For You
Choose Legal Authority
Choose Legal Authority for Your Job Search
Legal Authority Outplacement Program
Legal Authority Is the Smartest Way for Law Students to Find Jobs. Period.
If You Can Register on Legal Authority You Can Get a Legal Job
Why Legal Authority Will Transform You and Your Career
Do Not Let Your School Control the Recruiting Process
Who Can Legal Authority Help
Legal Authority Is Not for Everyone
An Advocate for Attorneys and Law Students to Get Jobs
What Legal Authority Does Works
Why I Started Legal Authority
Some Things You Probably Did Not Know about Legal Authority
Legal Authority Can Get You Your Next Law Firm Job
On-Campus Interviewing or Legal Authority
How Legal Authority Started: You Need to Have Desire to Achieve Your Goals
Legal Authority Works for Law Students
Legal Authority assists more attorneys and law students, at more law schools, get jobs than any other source.
Request More Info
Learn more about Legal Authority
First Name:*
Email Address:*
Phone Number:*
FOUNDER HARRISON BARNES' BLOG

SIGN UP  |   HOME  |   ABOUT US  |   FAQ  |   CONTACT US  |   HISTORY  |   REVIEWS  |   TELL A FRIEND  |   LEGAL SPECIALTY AREAS  |   PRESS ROOM
LEGAL AUTHORITY JOB SEARCH TIPS  |   SITE MAP  |   SEE WHY LEGAL AUTHORITY IS THE MOST EFFECTIVE WAY TO FIND A LEGAL JOB  |   TERMS OF MEMBERSHIP  |   PRIVACY POLICY
DAILY JOB SEARCH ADVICE  |   DAILY JOB SEARCH VIDEO  |   FOXES AND HEDGEHOGS  |   OUR SITES
© 2024 LEGAL AUTHORITY INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.