The legal field is a highly competitive job market, which can make it difficult to find a job that aligns with your long-term goals. Even if you find a potential job, it may not be the right fit. This may be because the firm does not have the same values as you, the company culture is lacking, or they may not be able to offer you the full amount of compensation or benefits that you require. Working with a legal recruiter may seem like it may make the job search easier, but that is only the case if you find a legal recruiter that understands you and your goals.
From law school graduates to lawyers in between jobs, there are many candidates in the legal field searching for a job with the right firm. Using the right tools and having the knowledge of what the field may offer can help you find a firm that will value the skills you bring to the table.
Understanding the Legal Recruiting Industry
A legal recruiter’s goal is to help fill a position for a company or to find the right job for a candidate that has retained his or her services. Finding a legal recruiter that is the right fit for the candidate or company is the first and most important step. Not all legal recruiters have the expertise or experience that will benefit all of their clients. Meeting a potential legal recruiter in person can be the best way to see if his or her goals, skills, and attitude align with your criteria. Outlining your long term goals and needs can impact what job opportunities the recruiter may find for you.
How Legal Recruiters Handle Job Applications and Interviews
Legal recruiters use their connections and networking skills to find job opportunities for candidates and help make sure that candidates’ resumes highlight the appropriate skill set for the job. They can also gather information that may not be available on the candidate’s resume to help secure an interview with potential employers. This information can help the firm or company decide if the candidate is the right fit, or help narrow down the type of questions that may be asked during the interview. When working with a legal recruiter, it is important to keep in regular contact with him or her to get updates on the job placement process. It is recommended to speak to your legal recruiter at least once a week.
Once an interview has been scheduled, the recruiter may help prep for the interview by preparing a mock interview. This allows the candidate to receive feedback and make adjustments to responses before the actual interview to help increase his or her chances of employment.
What Are Some Costs Associated With Using a Legal Recruiter?
The biggest cost that can be associated with working with a legal recruiter is the time it takes in the initial process. It is important for the recruiter to understand your skills, experience, and goals for job placement before he or she can begin to find the right job for you. This may take longer than expected, which can be stressful if you have been searching for a job for an extended period of time.
Recruiters are paid a commission after successful job placement, typically by the hiring law firm. This commission is made up of a percentage of the starting salary of the job position that the candidate fills. This percentage will usually be in between 20%-30%.
Alternatives to Using a Legal Recruiter
It is possible to find a job without a legal recruiter, although it may take more time and effort to find the job that is the right fit for you. This will mean that you may have to go on several interviews that may not be the right fit for you or end in a job offer.
Tools That Can Be Utilized to Search for Legal Jobs
Networking is one of the best resources for both companies looking to hire and for candidates seeking a job. Keeping good relationships with law school or programs can help facilitate interviews after graduation. Companies can offer internships that may also lead to employment, or put on conferences to meet new people or make new connections. Another good tool to use are online websites such as Indeed, which allow jobseekers to outline their experiences and skills for potential employers to initiate contact.
Benefits of Using a Legal Recruiter
Time-Saving and Efficient
When searching for a job, finding the right match that aligns with your skill set and long-term goals can be time-consuming. It is important to find the right job, not just any job, as the wrong fit can cause the candidate to start job searching again. A legal recruiter can help weed through all the job opportunities that may seem too good to be true and search using their connections and networking skills to find a good long-term match.
Access to Hidden Job Opportunities
Most legal recruiters keep an extensive list of professionals which they network and communicate with on a regular basis. This allows them to be informed about potential jobs and requirements that may fit one of their candidates.
Expertise
Good legal recruiters have also gone through law school and have experience practicing law themselves. This allows them to understand what firms are looking for when they place an ad for a job. It is important to always check the credentials of any recruiters that you may wish to work for, as not all are honest about their previous experience and qualifications. This may include stating they have more experience in the legal field, or in the recruiting field, than they actually have.
Negotiation
Legal recruiters may be able to use their knowledge about the current trends in the legal field to negotiate a compensation package. This may include not only a higher salary than first anticipated, but also bonuses and potentially non-monetary benefits.
Without a Chicago legal recruiter, jobseekers in the legal field can find a job, but it may not be with the right company, or it may not pay the proper compensation for a candidate’s abilities. By working with a recruiter, it is easier to find long term employment with an employer that values the skills and abilities of employees to help retain employment.
