Job Search Strategies
Work Experience
Learning more about the realities of practising law can help you with your study and give you an idea of which practice area you would like to focus on. Seasonal clerkships are a fantastic opportunity to develop your skills and network for the future.
The LIV has developed guidelines that you should address when considering seasonal clerkships. While the larger city firms have annual programs, accessible through their websites, these require you to be organised in advance.
When researching firms for seasonal clerkship positions, make sure you think outside the square and consider regional Victoria too. Opportunities can be maximised by physically visiting legal practices in your preferred location and if you have left your run late, offering assistance over the holiday period. Opportunities frequently become available if the practice is very busy and looking for another pair of hands, so don't be put off by initial refusals. Keep checking in to demonstrate your enthusiasm.
Many regional practices value the opportunity to ‘try before they buy' and it enables you to form a relationship with the local professionals before you join the search for a traineeship or employment as a solicitor. Some firms may offer payment while others regard the donation of their time to your supervision as their gift to the future of the profession.
In Person
Through word of mouth
Networking can be one of the most effective ways to find employment. Many jobs are never advertised but are filled by personal referrals. Let people know discreetly that you are looking for work. Don't be afraid to follow up leads directly with firms.
Cold-calling
Posting out resumes to prospective employers can sometimes work. Researching a firm and tailoring your cover letter to suit the firm is the best way to maximise your potential for success. Try and refer to a unique point about that firm. Always check your spelling and ensure your application is correctly addressed.
Be inventive
If the firm or organisation you would like to work for is not in a position to hire someone on a full-time permanent basis, think of other strategies. For example, consider suggesting part-time or casual work. Another option is to suggest a contract role for a defined period. You could also negotiate a base salary with increments based on performance. These options are all designed to give you an opportunity to get a foot in the door and demonstrate your capabilities, without the employer having to carry any great risk. Naturally you need to be comfortable with any non-standard arrangement.
Advertised Positions
Internet
Many organisations now use online methods of attracting candidates. Our job search service is unique in its specialised focus on the legal profession. Other sites tend to be generalist.
The internet makes it easy to apply for jobs. As with cold-calling, make sure your information is in order and avoid the temptation of applying for a job just because it is easy to hit a button. Always have a genuine interest in the role and the organisation.
Print media
Many jobs continue to be advertised in newspapers. The key ones are The Age (Saturday), Financial Review (Friday) and the Australian. You may find that your local papers are also a good resource.
Attract Employers
Build your CV online
When an employer is looking for new staff, they are able to advertise a position or ask for a candidate list from our CV database. This list is made up of candidates who have completed our online CV and whose details match the employer’s specific search criteria. Login or create a new account to complete your online CV.
To build your online CV requires specific information that is used to facilitate an employer search, which makes it distinct from the normal process of uploading your own CV for a specific job application.
Locum service
For short-term placements an employer will usually look for a locum. Our online locum service provides you with the opportunity to advertise your availability alongside your experience. The locum registry is made up of practising solicitors representing a variety of expertise areas and experience.
The objectives of the service are to give:
- practising solicitors, looking for work, the chance to secure short-to-medium term placements in a variety of areas within the legal sector;
- sole practitioners and small firms the chance to keep their firm operative while they are taking a break or trying to manage a peak in workload.
Build your CV using our Locum Registry Service.
Recruitment Agencies
Recruitment agencies generally work as a matchmaker between employer and job seeker and offer valuable job search assistance. The more specific you can be about the type of job you are looking for the better. With hundreds of candidates and multiple jobs on the go at any one time it may be difficult to get personal service. Be active and make sure you keep in contact with the agency.
Employment at the LIV
The LIV offers a broad range of legal and non-legal positions. There are excellent opportunities for people commencing their careers, but also for those seeking new challenges.