Top Ten Tips for Maximizing Transition Time (United States)

Elizabeth Wall, President, Elizabeth Wall Partners International LLC

Finding the perfect new role is a full time job; devote serious time and effort to this important project adopting a structured approach

1. Create a framework

for your job-hunting efforts by utilizing your in-house experience. Substitute action for endless empty days stretching out ahead.

• Draw up a strategy plan, underpinned by a business plan and measurable, short and longer term objectives Establish a search budget Develop a balanced schedule of activities - resist temptation to browse job search and networking sites for hours on end Set up a calendar with time off for R & R Use the office facilities provided by an outsourcing service paid by your former employer or create a dedicated, private work space in your home Familiarize yourself with the key business players, issues and transactions in your business sector

2.Be flexible and pragmatic.

If you need to work, but there are no suitable job opportunities, change your ideal "job template"

• Research part-time or temporary assignments Investigate agency work or employment opportunities with one of the new law firm models

3. Re-invent yourself!

• Take a critical look at your resume and identify alternatives you may not yet have considered; it may reveal a number of different roles you might pursue - corporate governance, corporate social responsibility, a compliance or regulatory position in your special practice area. Research business sectors offering more job opportunities than where you are looking Study within your current practice area or embark on a different course Teach classes in your specialty practice area

4. Dealing with recruiters

 tough times call for innovative approaches:

• As a job seeker, you have to make your own luck With rare exceptions - recruiters don't work for candidates, their role is to serve clients. Be pleasant, it's not their fault that the economy is bad. After you post your resume on a website, don't sit back and wait for calls - get out and promote yourself in key communities Meet recruiters, in person, with a list of focused questions to assist you in comparing their feedback. Decide on the best resources for your needs and cultivate a "relationship". It's OK to be promiscuous in this context!

5.Should you post your resume with a recruiter in the first place?

• It depends! If your experience is not extraordinary; it may be stuck in a databank of thousands and you could be "typecast" like an actor in a TV soap. Let you personality speak for you if your experience, while perfectly sound, doesn't make you stand out in a crowd

6.Memorize a number of 3/5 minute elevator speeches to catch peoples' attention.

• These are invaluable - speed-dating' tools for networking socials, brief business encounters and short - phone calls with senior business types.

7.Network

• Follow-up on every contact and thank people for their assistance, reserving an opportunity to speak/meet with the same individual at a future date Develop your social skills - share something with your contacts- identify a common interest you can discuss rather than just calling them for a job or an introduction Develop a format for tracking contacts and referrals Be flexible, don't limit your contacts to your specialist practice area Create or join a group to share market intelligence and opportunities Arrange non-work orientated networking opportunities - picnics, pro bono activities, children's parties

8.Brush up on your presentation skills

• Arrange a workshop, seminar or a webcast, Chair a meeting Make presentations at ACC conferences and other professional events

9.Look to Online Social Media

• Start a blog on your specialist practice area Post your profile on the social networking sites, but don't let that dominate all your job-seeking activities

10. ACC and your local ACC Chapter need your help and support.

• Participate Volunteer Check out ACC Jobline