Agony Advocate

How do I prepare an effective resume?

Lawyers Weekly — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 06:16:00 GMT

Your job hunting questions answered, with Nicola Phillips, senior consultant (Vic) at Mahlab Recruitment

Mastering the behavioral interview

Lawyers Weekly — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 06:41:00 GMT

Careers Q&A with Nicola Phillips, senior consultant (Vic) at Mahlab Recruitment.

Q How can I prepare for an interview that will include behavioural questions?

A Many lawyers interview very well in a conversational style of interview, but get thrown as soon as the interviewer asks behavioural-based questions. Questions such as "Describe a time that you couldn't meet a deadline for a client. What did you do?"

Here are some tips to help you prepare:

Practice, practice, practice! This is the best way to be prepared. Before the interview get a friend or family member to ask you sample questions. You can obtain some examples of typical behavioural questions from Mahlab Recruitment. Imagine you are in the interview and try and respond to the question without stumbling.

In the days before the interview, write down specific examples you can use in the interview to demonstrate you have the key skills sought. For example, if the new role will require you to practise in a new area of law, think of a time that you have had to do this already in your career and how you went about the task. If you have written things down before the interview, it is amazing how often people can visualise that piece of paper in the interview and recall specific examples to use in their interview.

Finally, if you are asked to describe a situation you cannot recall ever being in, think laterally and tell the interviewer what you would do if you found yourself in that situation.

Managing your career in a downturn

Lawyers Weekly — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 06:40:00 GMT

There is always opportunity out there, but a slower market can provide the chance for employees to take stock of their situation and redefine direction and goals, writes Mimi Fong

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Avoiding the cut

Lawyers Weekly — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 06:38:00 GMT

The best advice we can offer young lawyers is to keep working hard and be as productive as possible.

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How to ask for a pay rise in the current economic climate

Lawyers Weekly — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 00:12:00 GMT

While the current financial crisis may present some roadblocks when it comes to bargaining for a pay increase, planning your approach may be the key, writes Maria Reid of IPA Personnel, Sydney.

We all know this is a difficult time to talk about salary increases with your employer, or to push for a good salary when going for a new role. Does this mean that you should just keep your mouth shut and be thankful with what you've got or are offered?

Realistically - yes. And no! Basically, the things which will secure you a great salary or increase are the same as ever:

1. Outline your key achievements in your current or most recent position clearly - even for a current employer. What are your highest billings, your best deals, the most valuable new clients you have secured?

2. Focus on your tenure with the company. The investment that your company has made in you is valuable to them, as is your knowledge of their processes and your relationships with their clients.

3. Convey your vision for the future of your position and your ideas for making it more profitable and valuable to the company. Demonstrate that you really "own" your role by being passionate about it and your company's success in the market and convey this to your employer with a motivated, positive attitude.

4. Demonstrate that you have mastered your position and are ready for a new challenge. Your employer will see that you need something more in your role which may open the way to renegotiating salary.

5. Do your homework properly. Research comparative salaries by way of industry surveys. Realise, too, that there are people on the market currently willing to do your role for much less than market salary. That way a reasonable compromise will be reached that makes everyone satisfied. Happy negotiating!

Improving your relationship with gen X managers

Lawyers Weekly — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 00:10:00 GMT

Generation X has long sought to understand young staff to get the best out of new recruits. With a changed market, smart Generation Ys are now seeking to better understand the motivators of Generation X to advance their careers and improve their working relationship.

Here are some tips:

Recognition and progression go hand in hand with hard work and long hours. Hard work, diligence and persistence are attributes that senior colleagues value. Yet work/life balance is important to everyone - whether you need to relax with friends or get home to the family.
Be flexible and seek to understand the needs of others.
Recognition of your skills is important. Many generation X people value brilliant IT and research skills. Use these skills in as many facets of your role as possible, but be aware that you may be required to undertake work using a different method.
Get involved in your organisation. Watch and learn from the senior associates and partners in your team.

Volunteer to kickstart your law career

Lawyers Weekly — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 03:07:00 GMT

Do you want to help save the world while studying for your law degree? Or just have some real world experience to strengthen your job application? Chris Holmes, Vice-President Education, Australian Law Students’ Association offers some tips on where to start looking for volunteering opportunities.

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New admissions rules in Victoria explained

Lawyers Weekly — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 03:02:00 GMT

Q: Who is in charge of the system replacing articles in Victoria, and are there any major changes to the rules for admission into the legal profession in Victoria that I should know about? A: Entry into the legal profession in Victoria is now regulated...(read more)

Everyone makes mistakes, even on the bench

Lawyers Weekly — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 02:57:00 GMT

The Honourable Justice Robert Benjamin, Family Court of Australia, offered a refreshingly down to earth perspective on his life in the law, speaking at the New South Wales College of Law Spring graduation ceremony. “There will be high points and...(read more)