Q2 is often a booming period for job hunting, particularly among corporate executives and in-house counsel. Overcoming the post-holiday blues, receiving end-of-year bonuses (nicknamed Flight 331), and seeing off the Q1 maelstrom, many find this an opportune time to eye a career move. Prior to accelerating the job search engine, however, it is essential to ponder key aspects of your strategy.
Firstly, acknowledging the company or industries you’re targeting is crucial. This requires not only making a list of prospective companies and industries, but also understanding the broader industry trends. This involves a comprehensive examination of industry performance, news coverage, thought leaders’ insights, and specific company executives’ discussions. Important factors like recent layoffs, departures among legal professionals, and both short-term and long-term industry forecasts should not be overlooked.
McKinsey provides useful reports for various industries such as Aerospace and Defense, which offer insightful analysis on industry performance. Such resources come in handy when preparing for interviews, where an informed grasp of industry insights, company updates, and an ability to discuss these confidently is key.
Secondly, the financial performance and future projections of the company or industry in question should not be overlooked. For those venturing into a public company or an in-house counsel role for the first time, understanding the company’s Q1 performance and upcoming three-quarter projections is vital. This involves a thorough rummage through the earnings releases and thoughtful consideration of the company’s vision. Private sector professionals could consider insights published by McKinsey on sector news, trends, and market changes.
Thirdly, consolidating your personal profile by updating your resume and LinkedIn profile is of great importance. Both components must stay current, given the constant flux of the legal market and economy. Moreover, your personal brand should be showcased prominently, allowing recruiters or hiring executives to comprehend the impact you may bring as a legal and business executive.
Last but not least, engaging in executive coaching or an external leadership program could provide significant career enhancement. As previously mentioned in this ATL article, an executive coach offers a broad perspective of your career, aiding in identifying career roadblocks and strategizing for positive action.
In conclusion, job hunting is not about a short win, but more of a long game. Considering all the strategies, Q2 job search could lead to career growth and beyond.
Author info: The Writing Guru, founded by Attorney, Career Expert, and well-established writer Wendi Weiner, is a reputable executive resume writing services company. She frequently comments on alternative careers for lawyers, personal branding and career strategy, offering professional insights across major publications. You can reach her at wendi@writingguru.net or connect on LinkedIn.