Graduation may feel like the end of an era, but it is just the beginning of your adventure as a professional lawyer – an adventure that starts during your job search. You have invested years of your life and thousands of dollars into your education, so your next step is crucial to ensure the pay off is everything you hoped it would be. One of the best resources for new law school grads is a recruiting firm, also known as “headhunters”; when talking to a headhunter for the first time keep in mind the following tips to make sure this experience is a success.
Understand Why You Need A Headhunter
Recruiting firms are established to operate as a middleman between job seekers and employers, offering tips for getting hired, as well as helping you match up with a great firm. The headhunter does a lot of the research on law school grads so that the employer can make a faster and more efficient decision in the hiring process. A headhunting firm will also assist you in finding an employer that would be the best fit for you personally and professionally.
Deal With a Reputable Group
There are plenty of recruiting agencies that are not on the up and up – these groups often front for other services, which seek to charge the job applicant for extra services, which you are not seeking. Do some research to make sure you speak with a legal recruiter that is professional, reputable and well reviewed, one that represents jobseekers fairly and will work to prepare you for both the interview and the job at hand.
Take the Process Seriously
According to Forbes author Liz Ryan, recruiters work for their clients, which are the employers; for this reason, job seekers should understand that the headhunter is providing them a service, a very valuable service that could impact their future. Any communication with the headhunter should be taken very seriously and the job seeker should also take seriously any advice that is offered.
Consider Headhunter Interviews A Practice Run
Meeting with a headhunter is a great opportunity to hone your interview skills. These interviews are just as crucial to your future employment as the interviews with a potential law firm would be, so take advantage of this time to get your nerves in check, and take notes on aspects of your interview skills that still need work. You can find great tips for law firm interviews and tips for getting hired from the Chicago School of Law.
Know What You Are Looking For
Although a headhunter is going to have a great amount of information for you and advice concerning your future employment, at the end of the day you are the one who truly understands what it is you want in your career. Before speaking with a headhunter make sure your vision and goal is clear; this will ensure that you do not agree to take on a job you wind up hating. Know what you want and stick to your vision.
With these five considerations in mind, you’re ready to throw your graduation cap in the air and trade it for a snazzy new suit. Talk to a legal recruiter to get a head start on what will likely be a long and profitable career.