Easy wins to get your job search underway

The past six years have been brutal for Hong Kong’s legal market—civil unrest, COVID, post-COVID economic strains—leaving many talented lawyers out of work, some for over a year. But the last few months has seen a remarkable shift in demand for lawyers across most practice areas. Same goes for corporate governance and legal support staff.

If your LinkedIn profile is gathering dust, it’s time for a refresh. A lifeless account with no activity won't attract recruiters or employers. It's simply a turnoff, and that's all your doing. Or lack of, rather.

Here are some easy wins to boost your visibility and get noticed in the jobs market:

✅ Killer Headline & Narrative – Don’t just list firms; say what you do!
Example: "2019 Hong Kong Qualified Lawyer | Commercial Litigation | Risk Management & Dispute Resolution Advisor"

✅ Get a Professional Profile Photo – even your smart phone is good enough! Use portrait mode (get out onto the street to take a photo) to blur the background and keep the focus on you. Or use an AI tool to help you create a dazzling corporate portrait. Stop using your graduation photo. Please. I urge you. Even if you just graduated. Banish these from social media. Forever.

✅ Engage Regularly – Comment on industry news, share insights, and join discussions. Your silence only creates missed opportunities.

✅ Write Short Articles or Create Posts...regularly – Share practical tips, case commentary, or risk management advice. If you don't show your expertise, how will people know you're....an expert?

✅ Polish Your About Section – Tell your story. What’s your niche? What value do you bring? No one hires a mystery candidate. Keep it snappy.

✅ Network Strategically – Follow firms, recruiters, and industry leaders. Engage with their content meaningfully. And speak to them offline regularly, give them a nudge or a wink from time to time to show you're alive!

A stagnant profile hurts your prospects. If you’re serious about getting back in the game, start today. The market is tough, but invisibility only creates the market tougher for you.

This is an oldie, but it rings true every day, it's a quote from Edmonton Oilers' ice hockey legend, Wayne Gretzky.

“You miss one hundred percent of the shots you don't take.”

Think about it.
 

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This article was origiinally posted on LinkedIn.