In this Q&A clip, Harrison discusses strategies for highlighting transferable skills and passion for a new industry on your resume.
He specifically addresses the challenges faced by individuals looking to transition into a new practice area within the legal field. Harrison explains that law firms often wonder if hiring candidates from different practice areas may lack the necessary experience. He suggests that highlighting transferable skills and showing passion for the new industry can help to alleviate these concerns and increase the likelihood of securing a job.
Harrison also notes that it is essential, to be honest about one's motivation to transition into a new practice area and to be realistic about the challenges applicants may face.
Transcript
Transcript:
So law firms are very nervous about hiring people that aren't from a particular practice area. To do that, you typically need to move down in prestige, whereas you can move from one firm to a two-firm and a two-firm to a three-firm. You might have to move from a four-firm to a two-firm to get and do another practice area. The reason is it creates all sorts of doubts in the firm.
The way to think about it is through this matrix.
Can you do the job? They only know if you have the experience, right? They need to find out if you can do the job.
Can you be managed? If they're doubtful, maybe you won't commit to that practice area or have any reason to commit.
Do you want the job? You may want the job, but they need to know if you'll stick around.
And then, do we like you? They may like you, but they have no incentives. You can move to other areas, but it's much more difficult.
