Unveiling The True Role Of A Paralegal: Debunking Inaccurate Job Description(s)

"It's a different world from where I came from" - Aretha Franklin

There is a trend these days and it's noticeable concerning this current job market. The recent job market (2024) has now turned into game of thrones. As I find myself back into the pool of job candidates, I must admit I didn't realize how challenging it has become to find employment even if you are a seasoned veteran that has been in the game for awhile. Typically I find a new job simply when I'm ready to return to work. This has not been the case in this season. To be fair, I have also had to walk away from a few job offers because it was just not going to be a good fit whatsoever as the expectations and change of duties, I found it to be deceptive and I refuse to work with any company who shows this up front before I officially start. Nope, not happening !

While I am easing my way back into the workforce, I am in slow motion. At least I have project work. This last week, I had several interviews. Piece of advice : Employers are definitely taking advantage in this market. Adding insult to injury, some employers require you to sign non compete clauses binding your work product , that you give for 5 years. They want to double up on job duties meant for two people or more but pay you what they would pay 1 person which translates to low pay. If you find yourself in this job market, it's definitely not the best it's been, it's the opposite.

As I've read through hundreds of job descriptions and have met with about 20 plus requiters, I can share that it's official, the world has gone bird box.

This job market will be memorable one for generations to come.

In watching countless videos, reading articles and now even my own experiences the job market can be discouraging. But it's time you change your prospective. You shift this by operating only within what you can control and that's yourself and your outlook.

I'm sure that most people are not aware that being a paralegal is probably one of those professions that has this caveat that I am about to share.

Here goes:

If we do not check off one (1) or two (2) bullet point(s) within a job description, we can figure out how to do the task.

Being a paralegal requires of you to figure out one-off situations , unusual request, people, unique situations , strategize, review and process complicated documents and be a mind reader while still managing our daily work task.

None of this is compensated for within these new school job descriptions.

Recruiters and hiring managers do not seem to understand this whatsoever, so... it is up to you talk yourself up well trained, adaptable person that I know you are! I know you probably are wondering have I lost my mind but no, I have not! This will require of you to know the industry that you are in very intimately. If you can impress the recruiter enough to even get noticed. You have to roll the buckeye on this one.

In your job search, by-passing these inaccurate job descriptions take skill so it's up to you to craft a way to at least get noticed by recruiters. I have been very fortunate in this area to get noticed.

Why?

Because I am very clear when applying within the industry that I have experience, I am not applying just for the sake of applying as it's a major time waster for you and the recruiter and it puts you on their nuisance radar for future opportunities if you are actually qualified. They will remember your name, trust me. I've done this before so I"m telling you not to do this, ever! It's not a strategy it only shows that you are lazy and lack substance and among other things that I will refrain from expressing.

In order to understand this new normal, you will have to use your critical thinking skills.

Make sure your resume is in alignment with the JD - job description and then when you talk to the recruiter mention other task that go in tandem with that job that you are applying for and understand the recruiter will not know however, you've most likely showed the recruiter that you are indeed a quality candidate and you know what you are doing which means you get to the next round within the process, you are one step closer.

Keep in mind recruiters will want you to confirm your salary. My response to this is always, if I accept the offer of the salary ," Based off the JD provided, the pay is acceptable". I can tell you this is tricky because in most cases, the hiring manager will confirm the additional you ask is indeed apart of this role but you will not find it on the JD and guess what, sometimes it's a deal breaker.

It's important to know the industry you are in, ask the tough questions and know that everything is negotiable regardless. Walk away from the table with something you can show for it. Remain human as you deserve to be treated with respect, kindness and admiration.

Don't give up, stay the course and learn the game vs complain about it.