It is 2012 and the economy has not completely recovered—particularly in the legal sector. As a legal recruiter, I’m in the tough position of placing a select few candidates from a highly-saturated, highly-qualified pool of available attorneys.  There are more attorneys available than there are available seats on projects. Law firms remain cautious about hiring; many attorneys continue to experience layoffs; and, new attorneys continue to churn out of law schools each May and December, seemingly faster than the chocolates that went down the conveyor-belt past Lucy and Ethel in the candy factory… But that does not have be the case for every candidate!

All great attorneys who are candidates for contract/temporary assignments know timing is everything—staying instantly in touch with recruiters and project managers is critical to gain placement on projects.  That is ideally achieved with instant access to important data with a mobile device. Years ago, that device was simply a cell phone.

Cell phones have evolved over the last 20 years, from a novel luxury to an essential life-line in our modern society. It is no longer sufficient to have a cell phone; Smartphones with up-to-date technology are indispensable. For the purposes of finding work and getting hired, it does not matter if a candidate uses a Blackberry, Droid, iPhone, iPad or any other device. The ability to send and receive data, at any point in time, is what initially determines who may get hired.  If a candidate responds too late to a recruiting email or job posting, their chances for selection are gone. The old adage holds true: “If you snooze, you lose”—so, better luck next time.

Using a Smartphone, well-prepared candidates can: store and send cover letters and updated resumes, as well, retain contact information for professional references. The beauty of it all is that this can be done ANYWHERE—while standing in line to buy movie tickets, while enjoying a baseball game, or even while lounging at the beach. The possibilities are endless, as Smartphones enable candidates to seek work from ANYWHERE.

Smartphones provide a number of specific benefits, which represent the top reasons all candidates should carry one. SMARTPHONES THRIVE:

• Timely:  Incoming updates (after hours) can be received quicker—and be less invasive than a phone call, voice message or text message from a recruiter.
• Helpful:  Communication of arrival updates is easier, if candidate is delayed in rush-hour or mass transit, etc.
• Responsive:  Ensures ability to receive AND respond quickly to new opportunities.
• Intelligent: Candidates can research company current events/news, while waiting for an interview to begin.
• Versatile:  At its core, it is a cell phone, but with enhanced data capabilities.
• Empowering:  Provides mobile connectivity, virtually anywhere.

I also recommend that all job seekers obtain 2 extra chargers (for a total of 3 chargers— for home, car, and a spare to carry everywhere).  Although the market is still in a tough cycle, work IS available, and top candidates are utilizing the tools available to secure that work.  I encourage our candidates to be one of them!  All candidates who have not yet upgraded to a Smartphone should investigate available options to do so. Getting hired is the best return on that investment!