Career Corner: March-April 2008

After six years in corporate law, I have decided to go into business. I'm having a hard time getting my foot in the door. What do you advise?

The old adage that law is good preparation for any career may be true, but a legal background is not an obvious advantage to a hiring manager who's looking for a track record in a particular industry. Plus, he or she may think you'll be too expensive. You have to go out of your way to make the case why the employer should hire you.

Does the way you're presenting yourself shout "law"? If it does, consider a "functional" résumé format that allows you to demonstrate your managerial, financial, and strategic-planning skills. You'll still need to list your employment history, but it will come at the end of your résumé, where it will be secondary to your relevant experiences.

Use your cover letter to articulate why you want the advertised position and downplay your desire to exit the legal profession. Make it easy for the employer to see how the skills you've developed can add value. Your volunteer work on boards of directors or organizing philanthropic events for your PTA may be more relevant than your legal work.

Your applications will always be more successful if you have a champion in the organization who can endorse your candidacy. Build your base of professional colleagues online and through associations. Request informational interviews with executives to better understand a particular business and what it takes to be successful.

You may identify "competence gaps"—a lack of key knowledge or skills that make you less competitive than other candidates. If this is the case, consider the interim step of becoming an in-house counsel. Many lawyers have found this an excellent step toward senior management.

— Curran is the Fannie Mitchell Executive Director of the Career Center, and coauthor of Smart Moves for Liberal Arts Grads: Finding a Path to Your Perfect Career.

Send questions to career-alumni@studentaffairs.duke.edu. The Career Center, in association with the Duke Alumni Association, provides career advice to alumni. Call 919.660.1050 for more information or an appointment.