Amanda Haverstick

Prepare a creative, handwritten thank you note that will make their day and be memorable. Go the extra mile by adding some new tidbit that links individually with the interviewer or teaches them something or makes them chuckle in delight. You might even send a clip of an article or photo or something you’re now working on as a result of the interview or in otherwise that you’d only do for that specific employer. Write a letter that is so uniquely you and and so clearly meant exclusively for the recipient that it makes them feel special. Make it a thank you letter that the recipient will enjoy and not be able to forget for all the best reasons.

LEGAL WRITING: Try writing publicly. It will make you a better legal writer, too. Nothing like public scrutiny with instant feedback can get you as motivated to communicate your ideas clearly, simply, and concisely, in a way that’s pleasurable for your reader to consume. That should be the number 1 goal in everything you write for work. And the more time you spend writing with those as your goals, the better you’ll become at doing it habitually in your legal writing. And if you typically dread legal writing or it scares you, you’ll find it’s a piece of cake compared to trying to write posts. Your confidence and facility with words will have improved exponentially, and that will translate into everything you create. Good luck to all!

LEGAL WRITERS: Become an active writer. Don’t rearrange words or rephrase because you don’t know how to punctuate or use a word you heard that perfectly expresses what to want to say. Go look it up and learn! If you want to become a better legal writer, you need to take affirmative steps and own the process. It’s a career-long journey, but it’s so worth it. Good luck!!

LEGAL WRITING: You need to do the mid-writing stretch every couple hours. GO BACK TO YOUR OUTLINE. Start with a clear head and see the big picture. Only then can you start up writing again with a clear, forward moving mindset.

LEGAL WRITING: Why not teach the interviewer about a new writing technique you’ve learned, demonstrate how it works, and show them how to do it? Anytime I learn something new from someone, I think they’re so clever, and I’d be inclined to keep them around!

I am new to this whole “personal branding” thing but want to make this clear: Lacking confidence does NOT mean you lack emotional intelligence, nor anything at all pejorative, and it shouldn’t mean you have to do some soul-searching introspection to get “better.” In fact, what has helped me most is to get OUT of my own head and surround myself with positive people who will boost me up. Building a personal brand is HARD work. Don’t put yourself down by attacking your lack of confidence. Go be helpful to other people. They will come back and GIVE you confidence.