Lean into Your Job Search

by | May 2013

The article titled “Lean In to Your Job Search” was published in the Spring 2013 issue of the Chicago Bar Association “YLS Careers Update” newsletter.

After being very accomplished and well established in her career, Sheryl Sandberg became a public figure by publishing Lean In:  Women, Work and the Will to Lead (“Lean In”).  Ms. Sandberg theorizes that women hold themselves back from reaching high power positions because of gender bias, lack of self-confidence, and the difficult choices women must make when balancing family and career.  Throughout her book, Ms. Sandberg encourages women to “lean in” to their professional lives.  In fact, the “book makes the case for leaning in, for being ambitious in any pursuit.”[i]  I contend that both women and men should apply some of the principles set forth in Ms. Sandberg’s book Lean In to their job search.

Searching for a new position or career is the time to lean in.  If you lean back, i.e., wait for the perfect job or time to make the change, you could unnecessarily limit your options and opportunities could be gone.

Sit at the Table

First, as you search for a new position, you should be an active participant rather than a spectator.  In Lean In, Ms. Sandberg observed that women physically and emotionally separated themselves from men in a team meeting because they sat in chairs off to the side of the room rather than at the table, which was comprised mostly of men.  Those women held themselves back by choosing to watch from the sidelines.[ii] Similarly, you should actively participate in your job search by engaging in informational meetings and networking/connecting with people in the field in which you seek employment.  Just talking to people is networking/connecting – getting out and socializing, meeting new people and expanding your social groups is networking.  You could meet people for coffee or lunch and/or attend a conference in the area of your expertise or interests.  When you network/connect with new and established colleagues, you may learn about jobs that are available but not publicly posted.

Unfortunately, in this difficult economic time, the job opportunities are not going to magically come to you.  You need to seek them out and leverage your experience and contacts for assistance.  As stated by Ms. Sandberg “[c]areer progression often depends upon taking risks and advocating for oneself…”[iii]   Be ambitious in your job search rather than tentative and discouraged.

Create and/or Join a Lean In Circle

Second, you should look for or create a group of peers with similar career interests and goals.  Ms. Sandberg advocates forming a Lean In Circle.  She states, “[w]e often achieve more in groups than we do as individuals.[iv]”  Lean In Circles put this idea into practice.  She describes Lean In Circles as “small groups that meet regularly to share and learn together – like a book club focused on helping members achieve their goals.[v]”  Accordingly, men and women should create or join a Lean In Circle to further their job search.  A Lean In Circle could be comprised of 4-10 peers who are committed to Lean In together.  A Lean In Circle will allow you to:  (1) practice interviewing skills; (2) network; (3) learn about working in a range of work environments – e.g. private vs. public sector; small, medium or large law firms; and educational and nonprofit institutions.  This would be a powerful tool to help you focus your job search with respect to what type of position fits your needs, interests, and values.  It is very valuable to both the interviewer and interviewee to practice answering interview questions about your education, experience and qualifications during a mock interview.  Moreover, it provides an opportunity to handle potential challenging questions and/or situations, such as blanking on a good response during an interview.  This forum is ideal to discuss the dos and don’ts of interviewing, as well as share and learn from others’ interview experiences.

Overall, Lean In Circles can expedite your job search.  Good luck on your career path!  If you would like further information about this subject matter, please contact me at susan@susanbsilvermanconsulting.com.


[i] Sandberg, Sheryl.  Lean In:  Women, Work, and the Will to Lead.  New York:  Alfred A. Knopf, 2013. Print. (10)

[ii] Sandberg, Sheryl.  Lean In:  Women, Work, and the Will to Lead.  New York:  Alfred A. Knopf, 2013. Print. (28)

[iii] Sandberg, Sheryl.  Lean In:  Women, Work, and the Will to Lead.  New York:  Alfred A. Knopf, 2013. Print. (15)

[iv] “Circles – Lean In.” Lean In Circles Comments. N.p., n.d. Web. 01 May 2013.

[v] Id.

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