We are currently more connected than ever to technology and social media is a fantastic way to keep in touch, stay up to date and share great memories.
But how can you use social media to get ahead in your legal profession?
As a Legal Recruitment Consultant in the South East of England, I understand it can be tough to stand out or make a name for yourself when the competition is so ferocious for places in local law firms.
Here are my best suggestions for using Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn to get well known in your profession and stand out from the crowd.
Are you on Facebook? Almost everyone is and this is a wonderful platform to stay connected with friends and family whilst keeping up to date with the latest cat videos. But how can you use Facebook to stand out in the world of legal?
Facebook Tip: Add Timeline Review to Your Profile
According to Facebook, the Timeline review option allows you to do the following:
“When people you’re not friends with tag you in a post, they automatically go to Timeline review. If you’d also like to review tags by friends, you can turn on Timeline review for tags from anyone. To turn on Timeline review:
1. Click at the top right of any Facebook page and select Settings
2. In the left column, click Timeline and Tagging
3. Look for the setting Review posts friends tag you in before they appear on your Timeline? and click Edit to the far right
4. Select Enabled from the dropdown menu”
Visit: https://www.facebook.com/help/168229546579373 for more information on the Timeline Review
Why This is Important
Facebook provides your friends (and even non-friends) with the ability to tag you in certain posts. More often than not, once you are tagged in a post it will show up on your timeline, news feed and search.
The Timeline review lets you screen any posts, photos or videos that you have been tagged in before they go live on your Facebook account. Adding the Timeline review screening option can be a great way to prevent any potential employers finding you tagged in inappropriate videos, photos or posts.
Sometimes Twitter feels as though there is just too much going on but it does have some often overlooked features which can really help propel you forward in your bid to stand out from other potential legal candidates.
Twitter’s hashtag feature is misunderstood by many but it can give you a great insight into what news and information is currently trending within your industry, niche or local area.
Twitter Tip: Search Hashtags in Your Industry
If, for instance you are a Conveyancing Solicitor looking to get a better understanding of what is currently happening within the world of conveyancing, then a simple hashtag search of: ‘#conveyancing’ will bring up a specifically built Twitter feed which will show you all of the relevant articles, thoughts and posts that have most recently been posted regarding conveyancing.
Similarly, if you’re a Residential Property Lawyer then a simple hashtag search for #propertylaw will bring up the latest news regarding any changes, developments or updates in property law.
You can see how easy it is to stay up to date with latest developments in your area so you can be 100% prepared for any potential interviews which may ask for your thoughts on current affairs in your relevant profession.
LinkedIn is all about connecting. Essentially a form of business networking, LinkedIn can help you make connections with the right people at the right time in your industry.
LinkedIn Tip: Engage with Influencers and Ask for Advice
LinkedIn has a wonderful selection of professionals who are labelled as ‘Influencers’ in their respective fields. Influencers on LinkedIn are individuals who provide thought-leading and valuable content whilst also sharing their experiences.
Engaging with their content, sharing it and adding valuable comments can help connect you organically with people in your field. Even a personal message to an influential connection asking for advice in your career can create a business relationship that can last a lifetime.
Always take into account people’s time when they respond back to you but remember that one connection could take you a very long way in your career.
So just remember that social media offers you a great opportunity to connect, understand and progress within the legal profession and I hope these tips help you in your next career move.
If you are looking to make a move in your legal career, make sure it’s the best one by contacting ryan@tsr-legal.co.uk and we can discuss your options or alternatively check out our latest vacancies at tsr-legal.co.uk.
