How to Network, Virtually.

This year, OCIs (On Campus Interviews) and the networking events leading up to them, will be virtual in many cities. For the Vancouver market, nearly all firms have transitioned to an entirely virtual recruitment process, a markedly large change from recent years.

As I have discussed in a previous article, it can be difficult to communicate and connect with others during COVID-19. For many law students, entering into a recruitment cycle during this time poses clear challenges, understandably.

I’ve collected 3 tips to better assist you in making a lasting, positive impression with those in the legal field during your next Zoom meet & greet, firm tour, or informational interview.

1. Prepare as you would for an in-person networking session.

Before each networking event, I reach for my leather notebook that has all of my notes from previous connections, events I have attended, and my own personal research. After an event, I am sure to enter this information into an Excel file to keep things organized, but I enjoy having the physical notebook to take notes during the event.

Prior to the event, I will identify what firms and representatives I will be meeting. I take notes of their practice area, any interesting experiences I wish to ask about, and if they are alumni of TRU Law. Having this information ready beforehand allows me to focus all of my energy and attention on being an attentive listener, and not having to do a quick Google search in the midst of conversation.

2. Stay engaged.

It can be difficult to maintain focus during long video calls. Without the excitement of physically being in a room with other people, our thoughts can easily drift off if we are not careful.

To combat this, I keep my notebook close throughout the event. If I ask a question, I am sure to write down the response, and who I posed the question to. I also like to keep track of the flow of the conversation to look back on later. This information can be helpful when meeting a large number of firms in one sitting. Many of the representatives will be calling in from similar-looking offices and may have similar-sounding explanations of their firm’s culture, or recruitment process. Despite these seemingly-similar responses and interactions, all firms do have their distinctive qualities and attributes.

Keeping track of interesting comments, or unique answers to questions will assist you in keeping firms separate in your mind. Not having the ability to physically be in a distinct space for interactions with each firm can make the act of differentiating tough. But, working to identify keywords and tidbits from those interactions will work in your favour. This will also pay off in spades when preparing to make important decisions further in the recruitment process.

Another important concept to remember during a virtual networking event is maintaining energy and connection with the visiting representatives. Unlike an in-person event, one cannot rely as heavily on body language and more subtle cues to demonstrate engagement in a conversation. Often, virtual technology limits a smooth flow of conversation, and the opportunity for additions of agreement or further comment. As well, virtual events completely remove the ability to cement a new connection with a physical action, such as a handshake.

In light of this, it is key to work hard and maintain your composure and focus. If you are in agreement with a comment or find an idea particularly interesting, nod. If you have a question, be confident, and ask when a pause occurs. Thank the previous speaker for their thoughts or add an idea to the conversation. Do not be afraid to add the kinds of personal touches of communication one would in an in-person context. Crack a joke, or two! Above all, thank the attendees for their time and information, and speak genuinely. Be sincere in your words, and smile.

3. Ace the follow-up.

Early in my law school journey, I spent hours painstakingly reviewing each follow up email. I worried that I would be tossed aside if I used the wrong adverb, or if my language was too flowery. Due to this stress and anxiety, I would sometimes stop short of sending them altogether.

One afternoon, in a conversation with my Career Services Officer, I realized that it was not the format, syntax, or word choice of my email that would make the difference, rather it was the content of the message. Referring to Tip 1, this is where those notes come in handy.

A follow up email, as I understand it, should achieve three things:

1) Your email should demonstrate that you were engaged during the presentation from the representative and that there was something in the content of the conversation that resonated with you. A ‘nugget’, as I call it.

2) It should also demonstrate how this ‘nugget’ resonates with you and has further informed your process of learning more about the firm in a specific way. It may be that the ‘nugget’ assists in your understanding of an aspect of the firm, or its ethos. Or, it may heighten your interest in working there.

3) Finally, it is key to communicate that this ‘nugget’ and the way it is has better informed your understanding of the firm, has driven you to desire more information. This is your ask — to continue the conversion and further the discussion between you and the lawyer or representative. This may be achieved through another email exchange, or it may warrant an additional conversation over the phone or through Zoom. As always, be gracious and respectful of time.

Make sure to send this email sooner, rather than later. There are many professionals who recommend sending within a 24hr window, but I believe there is some deference to certain situations (weekends, holidays, etc).

A computer screen does not have to be an insurmountable barrier to creating a meaningful connection between you and law firms. With proper preparation, energy, and enthusiasm (and maybe an extra cup of coffee) it is possible to be an exceptional candidate, even in a virtual setting.