Jobseekers must be persuasive.

Persuasion: Tool of the Trade

In the legal industry persuasion is an integral skill to the practice. Whether it’s a persuasive letter to opposing counsel, persuasive marketing materials to attract new clients, or persuasive submissions made to a master or judge – lawyers are required to flex their persuasion muscles on a regular basis. The American Bar published an article elucidating and discussing various techniques for trial lawyers and mock trial coaches to be more persuasive in the real or mock courtroom. It should come as no surprise, that persuasiveness is equally, if not, more important, during the recruitment and job seeking process.

 Job Seekers are Salespersons too

As a prospective candidate, the purpose of your existence – of your preparation, your nuanced cover letter, your carefully crafted resume, and of course, your opportunity to interview with your potential employer – is all oriented towards the single goal of persuading someone to give you a chance, and to ultimately, give you a job.

Salespersons might be the quintessential stereotype of persuasive people, but make no mistake job candidates: you must be a salesperson. You are selling a product – your specific package of talent, skills, and experience – and presenting it in the most persuasive manner will increase your chances of success.

How to be persuasive? It’s a skill.

Some people are born with the innate ability to be persuasive; others must learn and hone it, like any other skill. Next week, learn how to develop your powers of persuasion.