Recruiting Industry 101
When should I move?
February through May is historically the busiest season for associate lateral movement. Some openings are new positions based on an increase in work; many are the result of attrition. Often, associates wait to collect their year-end bonuses Dec. through Feb. and then look to lateral. Their departures create openings, which are filled by associates, whose own departures create additional openings. This cycle continues, typically through May.
How long does it take?
An individual application process typically takes 2-3 months from application to offer acceptance. A job search can take much longer. The process begins with a cover letter, resume, and transcript submission. An initial interview “screen” typically follows 2-3 weeks later. A second round or “call-back” typically follows 2-3 weeks after that. Any offer would typically follow 2-3 weeks after the call-back. Most offers are extended, contingent on conflicts clearing and references checking-out, which can take another week. Tack on a couple weeks to give notice to your current employer and you’re looking at 2-3 months before you would actually start.
How are recruiters compensated?
Recruiters are paid by the firm, not the candidate. The fee is typically equal to a % of the base salary. For associate openings, recruiters almost always work on a contingent basis, meaning the firm only pays the recruiter if the firm hires a candidate that the recruiter presented. Law firms typically work with more than one recruiter.
How do recruiters get job leads?
Recruiters subscribe to services that scan law firm websites for openings. Many law firm openings presented to you through cold-calls are public knowledge. You will often get calls from multiple recruiters about the same openings. Some firms do not post their openings; others post some openings and not all. Occasionally, firms will give a heads-up on a position to a select group of recruiters before an opening goes public.
What are the benefits of working with a recruiter?
A good recruiter can assist your search in many ways. Perhaps, the most important is making sure your resume stands out among the pile of resumes an employer receives. Other benefits include sharing general market knowledge; sharing law firm and practice group specific information; preparing your resume and cover letter; following-up on your behalf; prepping you for interviews; offering guidance in evaluating and/or negotiating offers; offering advice on giving notice, etc.
Should I work with just one recruiter?
For a law firm search, you should find a good recruiter and work with just one. A well-established recruiter will have access to most of the law firm jobs in a region. For an in-house search, you should not limit yourself to one recruiter. The in-house recruiting industry is fragmented, and no recruiter will have even 25% of the jobs in a given market.
Importantly, a recruiter cannot help you with a particular opportunity if you have already submitted a resume on your own or through another recruiter.
