Tips for Managing the Recruiter-Candidate Relationship
In order to maximize the benefits of using a recruiter, you will need to share information with your recruiter. You must be able to trust your recruiter to be discrete and professional. Likewise, your recruiter must be able to trust that you are being candid. Below are a few tips for managing the recruiter-candidate relationship.
It’s okay to look.
Many attorneys have found a great new position, when they weren’t otherwise looking. Feel free to check-in with your recruiter from time to time to get a sense of the market. Conversely, be open to updates from the recruiter about specific openings that may be a fit.Let the recruiter know when you are ready to start your job search.
A good recruiter will have a number of candidates. The recruiter will often triage efforts, based on how serious the candidate is in moving. Make sure to let the recruiter know when/if you decide to make a move.Let the recruiter know if you lose interest.
Like you, recruiters and their law firm clients are busy. Let the recruiter know if you’ve lost interest in a conducting a search. Likewise, let the recruiter know if you’ve lost interest in a particular employer. The firm and the recruiter will appreciate your consideration of their time.
Don’t hide bad facts.
Share them with your recruiter. They will come out eventually and can torpedo your chances with a prospective employer. Think of a prospective employer like the state bar. Most bar admission committees will excuse prior indiscretions on your bar application, but they often will not excuse non-disclosure at the time of application. Armed with all of the facts, a recruiter can help package the information and manage law firm expectations.
Be candid with the recruiter about where you have been submitted.
You look sloppy when a recruiter submits your application to a firm where you are already in process. Further, the recruiter will look sloppy to their clients and will quickly lose interest in representing you.
Be candid about where you are in the process with other employers.
A recruiter can often move a particular process along, by letting the firm know that you are nearing the end with another firm. Likewise, the recruiter can set expectations with a firm, so that the firm does not feel blind-sided if you accept another offer.
Do not give the recruiter a blank check to send your resume to whichever firm they see fit.
A firm will want to know that you have actually considered applying to them. If the recruiter cannot represent to the firm that they have discussed the opening with you and that you are specifically interested because of x, y, and z, then your application will not have as much credibility with the firm.
Your selection of a recruiter and how you manage the process will have a profound effect on your short and long-term opportunities. We wish you well in your search.
