Get yourself back up to speed after 6-9 months of redundancy

This recession will be remembered for its severity and its length: the longest in the post-war period. Amongst the large number of lawyers that lost their jobs, many are enduring an unwanted period of limbo whilst looking for their next position. This poses a new set of problems for them once 6 months have elapsed.

Aside from the impression it can give employers with gaps on the CV, there are practical issues revolving around keeping up to date with professional developments and having skills sharp enough to thrive in a working landscape that is becoming ever more competitive.

Employers’ greatest fear will be that you have lost touch and many interviews will specifically quiz you on recent developments to see how focused you have been.

So what can be done? Firstly try and remain as ‘connected’ as possible and secondly use the time in a manner that can be viewed as ‘constructive’.

There are numerous ways to stay connected: Make sure you read the business sections of the broadsheets religiously; the FT and the economist would also be recommended for keeping a perspective of wider issues. Legal press should be your next port of call, both online and in print. Make sure you know what is happening in your area of specialism. For some legal areas, especially those governed by case law, it is imperative that you monitor precedents to stay fresh and shorten the time it might take you to get to ‘full speed’ once back in employment.

Employers’ greatest fear will be that you have lost touch and many interviews will specifically quiz you on recent developments to see how focused you have been. If you can afford to attend CPD events they are also recommended. It is important that you proactively keep in touch with former colleagues and contacts. Networking and reminding them of your presence will not only open up more job possibilities but will help you to re-integrate into work networks at a later point in time.

In regards to having a ‘constructive’ story to tell about your period of unemployment this could cover a host of different activities. From learning a language, to completing a course or developing other projects, it is not the nature of your activity that is important, but more your ability to demonstrate you have been keeping yourself busy and focused. It may be a cliché, but the interviewee who claims to be a dynamic, driven individual will hold little credibility with a future employer if they have nothing to show for the last 9 months of their time.

In conclusion the integration back into work after a prolonged absence is difficult for everyone, and for legal professionals there are some unique challenges that need to be met. Small actions can have a drastic result when there is intense competition for roles so anything you can do to stand out from the group and demonstrate your commitment to your future career could just make the difference.