Klein Hamilton

Here are ten points to bear in mind in order to excel when attending networking events. Do your research Before attending a networking event, you should not only make yourself aware of the focus of it, but also take the opportunity to consider the attendance list, if there’s one available. Peruse any online profiles of the people with whom you’ll be networking, while bearing in mind the next tip. Don’t stay glued to your phone   It’s acceptable to take it out to check the contact details of someone who doesn’t have a business card, but not to talk, text or check messages. By focusing on your phone, you’ll seem too busy to engage with and may be considered disrespectful. Do remain subtle   Don’t come on too strong. Whether you’re discussing legal matters or simply chatting on a personal level, avoid going overboard on what or how much you know. Avoid forcing your opinions on anyone, even if you hear something you don’t agree with. Don’t be late ...

Although coming to the decision that you’re ready to change jobs is a big step, translating that decision into the reality of finding a new role with a new employer can still seem a frustratingly long way off. But to give you the reassurance that things are moving in the right direction, there are actually lots of things you can be doing – starting from now... Write your ideal job description You know you want to move on… but move on to what? Have a go at drafting a job description for your ideal role. Factor in your strengths and areas of interest, and think about the areas you like or dislike about your current role. Use this ideal description to inform your job search. Draw up a timetable Break down your job search into a series of manageable phases – such as Research, Selection, Applications, Interview Preparation – with a realistic timeframe against each phase. Work out what you need to do at each phase – e.g. for the Application phase, you’ll need your CV ready, for the ...

We spend around a third of our adult lives at work, according to the World Health Organisation. Of course, many of us work primarily to provide a stable home for ourselves and our families and to enable us to pursue our hobbies, interests and passions. But with so much of our precious time devoted to our work, shouldn’t it carry some greater meaning too? Certainly the research suggests so. For example, some 83 per cent of millennials (and 80 per cent of Gen Z-ers) believe that business success should be measured not just in terms of financial performance, but also by a broad mix of goals that includes making a positive impact on society and the environment; improving people’s lives; and an emphasis on inclusion and diversity in the workplace, according to the 2018 Deloitte Millennial Survey. In their quest for meaningful employment, some will look to work in the not-for-profit sector. But meaningful work doesn’t have to mean charity work, and it does not even have to mean a car...

Commercial awareness Legal recruiters cite commercial awareness as one of the most important attributes a candidate can have. It basically means possessing knowledge of current developments in local, national and world business, particularly any issues that may impact a law firm and its clients. Firms expect employees to market their services to prospective clients, as well as develop trusting relationships with existing ones. Ultimately, law firms are businesses, so lawyers must appreciate the commercial importance of meeting deadlines, keeping costs low and handling information confidentially. A client, meanwhile, will expect their lawyer to fully understand how their business is run, and which wider social, political and economic issues may affect them. If applicable, lawyers must also appreciate the short, medium and long-term implications of their client's business proposal, and think strategically about the organisation's strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and th...

Read your application or CV and covering letter through the night before – you will be questioned on the content. Make sure you have some new examples to hand – months may have passed since you submitted the form. Dress smartly – unless you are specifically told otherwise, it’s wise to wear a suit. Always make sure you have planned your journey and know exactly what's required of you on the day. Give yourself enough time to get to the interview or assessment centre and make sure you’re familiar with the route. Have a healthy breakfast or lunch before you arrive so you have lots of energy. Greet everyone with a firm, but not bone-crunching, handshake and make good eye contact. ‘Not having a firm handshake won’t lose you the job, but little things add up to how you’re perceived,’ advises Katie Makey, graduate recruitment officer at Shearman & Sterling. Equally, leave people with a lasting, positive impression by shaking hands at the end of the interview. Assume that you ...

Reed recently asked over 300 employers from across the UK for insight on what they are really looking for when it comes down to reading your CV, and what turns them off. Do you want to know what it is that will set your CV on to the top of employer’s lists? Or would you like to know their secret dislikes and ensure that you do not make these mistakes? Keep reading to see what Reed found out... Most important things on a CV 1. A Logical order of presentation  - Having a logical order to your CV will allow employees to read through it more easily and proficiently. It also shows that you have spent time and thought on your layout and the contents in-between. 2. Formatting - You can use different formats in your CV to shine a light on what you think is important. You can draw attention to your strengths, make a clear statement as to what your career aims are, and use it to help you target a specific job. You should always use the format that best suits your aims and shows you...