Job Hops or Career Gaps? How to Beat the Red Flags in Law Firm Interviews

Description

In this Q&A video, Harrison Barnes addresses how job changes and gaps in employment can raise red flags for law firms when reviewing candidates. He advises that the best approach is to emphasize the experience gained in each position, particularly if the candidate has moved from smaller to larger law firms, as it demonstrates upward mobility. Barnes cautions against explaining job moves in cover letters, as firms evaluate resumes based on the skills and experience listed. He also explains that while frequent job changes may make it harder to get an interview, once a candidate is in an interview, firms often focus more on the candidate's enthusiasm and fit, rather than just their employment history.

Question:
You talked about how firms sometimes see red flags on a candidate's history, like for job changes or gaps in employment. What's the best way to proactively address these concerns in interviews or cover letters? Are there specific phrases or framing techniques that might help mitigate these issues?

Answer:
The most important thing you can do on your resume after frequent job changes is to emphasize the experience you gained in each practice area. It looks good if you're moving from smaller law firms to larger law firms, as it shows a period of upward mobility. You should never explain in cover letters why you moved to a different firm, because law firms will evaluate your resume based on the experience you’ve accumulated. If other attorneys have fewer job moves, they’re more likely to get interviews than you. However, when you do get interviews, law firms may not be as concerned about your job changes. They will assess whether they like you and if you seem enthusiastic. But ultimately, they’ll still check your background thoroughly before making a final decision, as I experienced just last week.