Why Legal Recruiters Can Be A Great Asset In Your Job Search

You have reached the point where it is time to change your legal job. Is it best to apply directly to employers or use a recruiter to handle your job search? This article will explain three major benefits a top legal search firm can offer in your job search.

The first major benefit of using a top-notch legal recruiter is they will help you maintain focus on your professional goals. When a candidate contacts my legal search firm I ask them why they want to leave their current employer and what they hope to gain professionally moving forward in their next position. This might seem straightforward but many candidates have not thoroughly thought this through. A thorough recruiter will help crystalize the professional growth you seek. I have seen too many candidates over the 14+ years who move laterally from one firm to another and realize they are no more satisfied with their latest job because they did not map out what they needed professionally.

The second major benefit is the recruiter will help you target specific law firms or companies that may be the best potential fit for your professional goals. Most recruiters have business relationships with a number of employers and from that relationship comes a deeper knowledge of those opportunities. A proactive recruiter will go the extra mile and contact employers anonymously before submitting you to confirm that the position is still open and a potential match.

The third major benefit of using a legal search firm is you will have a professional guide you through the entire hiring process. This benefit is worthy of a very detailed stand-alone blog article but in essence, a seasoned recruiter will prepare you for each interview; debrief you after each interview; assist you with lateral questionnaires; review any offers; assist with onboarding matters, and generally be there to answer any questions that arise.

There are many ways a top legal recruiter can assist you in locating your next position. Perform your own due diligence with a potential recruiter to assure they will be there for you every step of the way through the entire hiring process.

Thanks,

Mark

If I Could Change One Thing...

In my 14 years as a legal recruiter, I remain steadfast in the one thing I would like all candidates to present to me before I assist - a complete list of all the law firms they have applied to over the last 6 months.

Law firms generally will not provide a recruiter with any credit if their candidate applied for any position (directly or via another recruiter) at that firm in any location. The time frame usually is within the last 6 months although some firms extend that to 12 months.

It is important to be organized for several reasons. First, it takes a significant amount of time to prepare for your submission. If you or another recruiter re-submit to a firm you applied to within the last 6 months it will usually be for naught. Second, I believe that candidates who repeatedly send their materials to the same firms within a short time-span will present themselves as having less than optimal organizational skills. Law firms take organizational and communication skills seriously. Finally, it is important to be organized in your professional job search. You will be more efficient with your time and will have much better insight as to where you should focus your job hunting efforts.

Thanks,

Mark