Career Advice

During an interview there will almost inevitably come the time when the interviewer poses the inquiry, “So, do you have any questions?” This can be the point when normal interview nerves peak, while your mind starts to race through all of the information it has been presented with during the interview, searching for those magic questions that will make it evident that you are one of the most worthy candidates for the position. Being prepared for this moment by thinking through beforehand different options for suitable questions will help you to answer with confidence and make the best impression.

ILSPA’s job candidate database is an extremely valuable resource for candidates and recruiters alike. We have created a niche platform specifically designed for Legal Secretaries and recruiters to connect and form mutually beneficial relationships. Our exclusive database enables each party to easily navigate the process of job and candidate seeking, allowing for promotion of both sides, specialised searching and ease of contact. We are passionate about providing a service that encourages the interaction between worthy candidates and recruiters, allowing a better employment experience for all.

Candidates

During the job-seeking process, it is crucial that candidates understand the importance of taking advantage of every opportunity available to them to show their value to the prospective employer. Writing a covering letter is an essential part of this process.

A covering letter is a vital piece of personal professional marketing that should accompany every CV application. Its function is to give candidates the chance not only to introduce themselves but also to expand upon and strengthen their CV. By following our guide to the dos and don’ts of covering letters, you can ensure that you have made every effort to guarantee that your next job application results in obtaining that much-coveted interview.

Dos

• Explain why you have applied for the job

The job-seeking process can be a nerve-wracking time for anyone. These nerves can be further exacerbated if you’ve had a recent interview with the company of your dreams and have yet to hear back from them. Stay positive; it is important to remember that the process of job seeking doesn’t necessarily end at the interview. When looking for a new job opportunity, you should keep in mind that each step of the recruitment process is a time to be proactive and maintain interaction with the employer. Remember that companies want to hire an individual who has an ongoing interest in the position, and is both passionate and forthcoming in their communication. Following up on a job interview can have extremely advantageous results. In fact, some companies have actually cited the candidate’s incentive to send them a follow-up as being the reason that they made the decision to hire that candidate.

Career advancement is simple to achieve if you put your mind to it and have the right attitude. You need to make sure you stand out from the crowd and are recognised for your worth.

Ensure you’re noticed and credited for work

First and foremost, ensure that you take the credit for any great work you have achieved. Never be shy or humble in this respect or let others take the glory. There are sometimes people who are standing by who will do exactly that! Bring your successes to the attention of your bosses and claim that credit in your next appraisal. Prove to your boss that you actually go above and beyond your standard job description; however, be careful to find the right balance here. No-one likes overtly ambitious employees, as this can come across as arrogance when it is not sufficiently contained.

Advance your knowledge and skills

ILSPA’s Legal Secretary Jobs Board specialises in Legal Secretary jobs throughout the UK. The aim of the Jobs Board is to bring legal recruiters and top-quality candidates together, helping them to achieve their goals. ILSPA’s Members and Students are prime candidates for Legal Secretary and PA roles, as they have the knowledge, skills or experience employers are looking for. 

Whether you are new to the Jobs Board or are an existing candidate, it is vitally important that your profile contains up-to-date information. If certain information is missing, you may be prevented from securing employment or appearing within our candidate database for recruiters to search.

As we progress through the technological age, different elements of our daily lives progress with it. Procedures that were once traditional and mechanical have become modified, reconstructed and updated, and processes that took days, even weeks, can happen in a matter of seconds. The world of employment has not been immune to this evolution and continues to be significantly affected by the ongoing expansion of the modern age. It is important that we, as members of the 21st century, keep up to date with any changes in communication that may affect us so that we don’t miss any valuable opportunities. Professionals seeking employment, making connections, initiating introductions and carrying out referrals is nothing new in business. However, with the advent of social networking, the methods we use to make these connections has changed. LinkedIn is a website that is part of that change.

Agile working is becoming more and more popular in many sectors, including the legal profession. But what is it, and how could you and your firm benefit?

What is agile working?

Agile working is a form of flexible working, which allows people to work at times and in places to suit their individual needs as long as they meet defined goals. While traditional flexible working is seen as a benefit solely to the employee, agile working has been shown to be beneficial to both the employee and the employer.

How does it work?

Through making best use of modern technology, employees are able to perform their work duties from any location. When remote access to company databases and servers is enabled, employees are able to access all the information they need to complete their work wherever they are, and share it with their employer. 

Imagine that you are an employer with one vacancy to fill and an array of hopeful candidates’ CVs. What attributes would a CV have to possess to separate it from the pile? What would intrigue you about a candidate enough for you to take the next step to invite them for an interview?

You should view your CV as a marketing tool; a platform that allows the first direct contact with your prospective employer and a way to sell yourself as best you can. Remember that the first impression you make could potentially affect your progression up the career ladder or, even more so, the acquisition of your dream job.

Your first question might be – what is “employability”? Employability has been defined by the Confederation of Business and Industry as “a set of attributes, skills and knowledge that all employees should possess to ensure they have the capability of being effective in the workplace – to the benefit of themselves, their employer and the wider economy.”  Put in simple terms, employability boils down to the knowledge, personal qualities, attitudes and behaviours you need to get a job, stay in that job and be successful in your work.