publication of the International Legal Technology Association
Issue link: https://epubs.iltanet.org/i/535467
ILTA WHITE PAPER: JUNE 2015 WWW.ILTANET.ORG 7 KEEPING THE CAREER SHIP AFLOAT Many forces make staying with one firm, company or industry difficult. The economic downturn of 2008 and increased technology efficiencies affected most industries, and legal faces additional pressures from mergers and staffing model changes. If these challenges are affecting your ability to keep a career ship afloat, you might be navigating tough waters when charting the course for your next move. Having been through career transitions, we have learned that in legal IT, there is an incredible network of supportive, resourceful colleagues willing to help. Over the years, we have collaborated with many colleagues who faced similar challenges, and we have seen a great desire among these professionals to pay it forward and help others. We have gathered that collective energy to form a team, and our first order of business was to name it: Employment Change Opportunities (ECO). Now we are focusing on sharing ideas about the group and how interested parties can get involved. Whether you are on the giving or receiving end of the ECO group, there are many ways to participate, learn and grow. NAVIGATING THE WATERS Thinking back on our own transitional experiences, a few common themes emerged about what is most valuable to those facing a job change. In the days and weeks following "the news,'" your head can be flooded with uncertainties: • Will my skills translate to other places? • Do I expand my search outside legal? • When should I consider changing my search criteria? • When do I contact others for help? (if too soon, I might appear unorganized; if too late, I might miss opportunities) If you have been in the same job for many years, this experience can be even scarier. You might ask yourself: • How out of date is my resume? • Do I contact a recruiter? Do I know any recruiters? • When I start interviewing… oh my, I have not been on an interview in years! The answers to these questions will vary based on things such as how much transition time you have, where you are in your career, relocation flexibility, salary requirements, your own personal network and more. As your head floods with questions and doubts, you will want to structure your search — and that is where ECO can help! NAVIGATING THE WATERS OF A JOB CHANGE