Looking for a New Legal Job? Things to Tell Your Recruiter
If you have recently completed your Bar exam and are starting your search for employment in the legal field, you may find yourself feeling overwhelmed. While there are some things that you can do personally to increase your chances of finding a job, you might be considering reaching out to a legal recruiting service for more help and networking. Here's a look at some of the things that you need to be prepared to provide to the legal recruiter that you choose to work with.
Why You're Looking For Another Role
One of the first conversations you should have with your attorney recruiter is to explain why you're looking for another position. This is an important consideration because it directly affects the types of open positions the recruiter considers you for.
For example, if you're looking to leave the firm that you're with because you are responsible for client generation and that is challenging for you, the recruiter needs to know this to ensure that he or she doesn't send you for interviews in other roles that require the same. Additionally, if you're looking to change your specialty, that's another important factor.
If there's something specific that you're looking for in your new role, share this information with the recruiter as well. The more information you can provide about why you're looking for another position, the easier it will be for your recruiter to find you the right fit in a new position.
Where You Have Already Applied
If you have already applied to some job listings with firms on your own, you should make sure that the recruiter knows which ones those are. Sharing this information will eliminate the risk of duplicate applications, which can reflect poorly on the receiving firm.
It's important to address this because, if you didn't get a call back from applying on your own, it could be a waste of the recruiter's time and resources to pursue that opening for you a second time. Gather a list of all of the positions you have already applied to so that your recruiter can eliminate those from your list of potential opportunities.
All Of Your Relevant Experience
When a legal recruiter is looking for opportunities for you, he or she needs to know what roles you've had in the past, what your legal background is, and any fields you specialize in. If you've litigated any notable cases, you should also share that information.
Your resume will detail firms you've worked with, but won't really give a clear picture of the experience that came with those positions. While you're discussing your experience, share what you truly enjoyed about each role and the things that you disliked.
If there are any specific fields or disciplines of law that you are passionate about, share this with the recruiter too. This is important for ensuring that he or she can find a role that best fits your background, experience, and interests.
Your Career Plan
Finally, while you're discussing your job search with the legal recruiter, you also need to be clear about what your plan is. That means letting the recruiter know the timeline you're looking at for finding this new position. If you have to give a two-week or 30-day notice to the firm that you're with based on the contract you signed, make sure that the recruiter is aware of that.
Similarly, if you're interested in the possibility of moving. If you are willing to relocate, share that with the recruiter along with details about which areas you are open to considering. This ensures that your recruiter doesn't spend time looking into positions that are in areas where you wouldn't be happy or comfortable.