First and foremost, it is okay to feel up and down during these extremely difficult times and if you feel that you need to take extra time for yourself to rest and adjust to the various changes that have occurred then that’s okay too. Or, if you’ve found you have extra time on your hands and are looking for ways to make the most of it, then we’ve got you covered.

Not only has COVID-19 had a tremendous effect on our livelihoods, it has severely impacted most industries and legal is no exception to this. If you were planning on making a career move in 2020 and those plans have been put on hold, there are still many things you can do to be proactive during this time.

Research

Now is a great time to research different areas of law and firms to determine which interests you the most. This is particularly important if you have been unhappy in your most recent role. Often candidates are so keen to move on that they don’t actually go into the area of law that interests them the most. So, do your research, work out which area interests you the most and which firms you like the sound of. This will ensure that when the pandemic passes and more roles become available, you will know exactly what you want to do and where you want to be.

Learn Something New

Having spare time is a blessing in disguise for those who had been wanting to learn new skills but never seemed to have the time. Why not take up an online course and upskill – it’s great for your mind and your CV!

Think Positively

Whether you have recently been made redundant or had your hours cut back, it’s easy to get into a negative way of thinking. Whilst it can be annoying when people tell you to count your blessings and be positive, practicing gratitude during these uncertain times can be really beneficial to your mental health. Try writing down 5 things you are grateful for each day and you will be surprised at the change this can make to your mindset.

Reach Out to Others

Want to know more about a particular area of law? Whilst our consultants are happy to answer any questions you may have, it’s also a great time to reach out to friends and family who work in the industry and ask them any questions you may have. It’s also a great way to socialise and get in touch with others!

Work on Your CV & Online Presence

Often candidates are in a fluster to send through their most recent CV because they haven’t had time to update it. Why not use this time to update your CV and have it ready to go for when more roles become available. It’s also a great time to go through your LinkedIn page and ensure it has all been updated to reflect your most recent positions and interests.

We hope these tips can assist you during these unprecedented times and remember, if you require any information about the legal industry or are unsure of what your legal career may look like on the other side of this pandemic, please get in touch with one of our consultants to ensure you are on the front foot when the market returns to normal.