6 Things You Can Do When A Recruiter Can’t Help You

SLG takes pride in being a candidate-focused firm that applies expert knowledge and discretion at the highest industry levels. Visit: www.SchneiderLegalGroup.com

August 18, 2014 Most executive recruiters got into the field of recruiting because they thrive on helping people; they are closet nurturers who receive a great deal of satisfaction when helping candidates attain a position that will change their life. Recruiters also possess a wide variety of skill sets needed to match candidates with the right law firms or companies. However, good recruiters will avoid making poor matches at all costs, as matching a candidate with an opportunity that he or she is not right for will not serve anyone. It reflects poorly on the recruiter, and it could result in disaster for the candidate as well as the organization.

Firms and organizations that recruiters work with are very specific as to what they are looking for in a lawyer. Sometimes, the firm’s focus is on certain academics, they may be looking for a candidate who attended a particular law school, or perhaps they require a certain GPA, or a candidate who was on a Law Journal or Moot Court. An organization may be searching for someone who possesses a specific skill set, such as the ability to take or defend a deposition, or someone skilled in construction litigation, mergers and acquisitions, or who has a securities background.

So, what’s a candidate to do when a recruiter can’t help you?

1. Use your recruiter as a resource. Pick your recruiter’s brain for ideas and options. Recruiters are research experts who enjoy giving helpful advice – they are an infinite source to mine from. Staying in contact with your recruiter will also keep you at the top of their list for future opportunities that arise where they may a help.
2. NETWORK, NETWORK, NETWORK. Join the various local Bar Associations in your area where you can meet and get to know lots of lawyers – some who may be in decision-making roles within their respective firms. Join Bar Associations that specialize in specific areas of law, like a tax attorney group, real estate attorney group, or a labor and employment lawyers group.
3. Beef up your online presence. Your LinkedIn profile should be professional and INCLUDE A PICTURE. Many lawyers are reluctant to post pictures of themselves. Get over it! Post a professionally photographed picture. Detail your experience and your biography, and include where you attended college, law school, and other graduate education. The more of your story you tell, the better! Finally, make sure there is nothing detrimental posted online about you, like in your Facebook profile or on other social media.
4. Check all of the job posting websites you can find. Many law firms and companies post ads on those sites. If the posting does not name the firm or organization, it is most like a recruiter’s posting.
5. DO NOT, if at all possible, submit a resume in response to a posting directly through the ‘black hole’ of the Internet. If it is a direct posting by a law firm in which the law firm is named, do some research and determine who handles recruiting at the firm and deal directly with that person. If it is an in-house position directly posted by the company – try to determine who is the General Counsel, and talk directly to that person rather than sending a resume through HR. it may not be possible, you may still have to go through HR, but try not to. Here is another circumstance where you may want to contact your recruiter for advice.
6. Not all recruiters are the same, or work for the same clients. So, if one recruiter cannot help you, maybe another one can!

Schneider Legal Group strives to provide excellence in recruiting, with the focus always on the candidate. If we are unable to provide you with the assistance you need and the service you deserve, we will be upfront and honest, and will direct you to a better path where you can achieve success through other avenues and resources. Visit www.SchneiderLegalGroup.com for opportunities or call or email SLG today at: (954) 306 – 6313, or Sherry@SchneiderLegalGroup.com and learn how we can aid you in attaining the position you’ve been working so hard toward, today!