Three Pitfalls to Avoid if you want to land your dream legal job

It’s an exciting time with some great opportunities available nationally so don’t let your dream job slip through your fingers. Having gone to the effort of researching a new potential employer, applying, interviewing with the firm, ensuring that the organisation, team and role tick all your boxes, you have resigned from your current role and you’re ready to start your dream job. There are a few things to avoid though on this journey:

Firstly, make sure that your resume is truthful. Whilst lying on your resume is not illegal in itself, if your new employer discovers after you are on payroll that you lied, you can be fired. Many organisations undertake background checks as part of the employment offer. Make sure your educational details, qualifications and employment history are correct. Don’t make changes to make your resume look more impressive. Our experienced recruiters are here to offer advice and help you navigate through any concerns you may have about time gaps or issues with your resume.

Secondly, be prepared to provide genuine references. Phone your referees and ask for their permission to be contacted. Most future employers will value honesty and integrity over a perfect reference. We encourage you to discuss any potential problem areas with us at the beginning of the recruitment process. Be upfront, show how you have developed personally or expanded your skillset if, for example, you have been performance managed in a previous role. Provide alternative references.

A third tip - beware the counter-offer ! You’ve been offered your dream job, resigned and now your current employer has made you a counter-offer. Remember why you looked for a new opportunity in the first place. In my experience, and supported by research, the main reason people resign is not about money. The legal support sector is talent short and you possess a valuable skillset! It’s unlikely your original reasons for seeking a new role would be resolved based on increased remuneration. There will be some exceptions but be cautious as accepting a counter-offer may not be in your best interests. Research shows that most people that accept a counter-offer and stay, end up leaving within 12 – 18 months.

So, take the plunge, don’t miss out on your dream role due to lack of detail, decision or transparency.