How ''Consistency'' and ''Relationship Building'' Will Aid You in Your Job Search

This informational equity is leading to an increased number of mistakes by candidates seeking new job opportunities. For example, rather than building a relationship with one recruiter whom a candidate believes does an effective job advocating for them, many candidates now work with multiple recruiters, often allowing the first recruiter who mentions a firm to submit them (regardless of the recruiter's methodology, reputation, or success rate). Some candidates make things even worse by also randomly submitting themselves to additional law firms and then even having friends or family members submit them to other firms. Moreover, a number of candidates further exacerbate the situation by applying to positions that are not good fits for their backgrounds and in some instances by applying to law firms that do not have active job openings. While a few candidates will meet with success following this ''see what sticks'' strategy, it most often backfires, resulting in either no interviews or a handful of ''informational'' interviews that yield no actual job offer. ¹

What many candidates seem to be forgetting these days is that an effective and successful job search involves much more than just firing off your resume to every law firm advertising a prospective job opening. Generally speaking, good candidates will have the most success when they have a trusted recruiter advocating on their behalf and when they adhere to a consistent system of applying to jobs. In fact, the candidates who have the most success are those who consistently adhere to the same method of searching for jobs. Either self-submit ²or work with a recruiter, but be constant in your approach. If you work with a recruiter, work with one recruiter rather than multiple recruiters, and take the time to build that relationship!


Here are some key reasons why consistency in one's job search methodology and effective relationship building with a trusted recruiter will assist candidates in securing new jobs.
 

• As mentioned above, people generally have access to the same job openings due to the informational equity established by improvements in law firm websites, search engine capabilities and various software programs used to gather data about available job listings. So, with rare exception, you will not be missing out on opportunities if you work with just one recruiter!
   
• Working with just one recruiter allows you to select the person whom you believe can most effectively advocate for you. Be wary of the recruiter who does not take the time to ask you questions and who is only interested in getting their hands on your resume. Good and effective advocacy involves much more than simply sending a copy of a candidate's resume to a law firm.
   
• Relatedly, when you consistently work with one recruiter, that person gets to know you, the breadth of your work experience and what your long-term interests and career goals are. Remember, the idea is not just to get you any job, but to get you the best possible job for your interests and overall career objectives.
   
• Often recruiters have relationships with law firms, and agreements in place with them, even when a law firm website or specific job posting states that no search firm submissions will be accepted. In today's job market, law firms often get inundated with hundreds of resumes for any given job opening. Thus, recruiting coordinators have learned that it pays to build discreet relationships with select recruiters, both to ensure that they receive quality applicants and to prevent being spammed with resumes from less discerning recruiters. Your recruiter should be able to tell you whether or not a particular firm will accept recruiter submissions (and any reputable recruiter should willingly disclose this information to you).
   
• When you consistently work with one recruiter, there will be clear information flow in both directions. You will be fully aware of the firms which you have been submitted to and of the available job opportunities and your recruiter will be fully appraised regarding the firms you have applied to and the status of each submission.
   
• Accidents can happen when multiple recruiters are used. This can result in the submission of a candidate to a firm multiple times by different recruiters - which law firms do not at all like and which sometimes even results in the candidate's application being rejected. Similarly, candidates who aren't consistent in their job search methodology often lose track of which firms they've applied to, which can also result in multiple submissions to the same firm.
   
• Finally, when you establish a relationship with one recruiter, that recruiter can and often will go above and beyond for you. Loyalty to a good recruiter tends to generate better quality advocacy and results in return loyalty³. A loyal candidate will be the priority to a recruiter over a non-loyal candidate, which can make a large difference when multiple people are vying for the same position.

Finally, keep in mind that, in most instances, a candidate who selects one recruiter and follows a consistent approach to his or her job search gets placed more quickly at a firm that is an overall good fit. So, although you may be tempted to deviate from this approach given the current job market and the scarcity of job openings, hang in there! You will eventually reap the rewards.

¹What's worse, candidates who adhere to this hodgepodge methodology often eventually have the startling realization that they have applied to just about every law firm in the city and have thus (ineffectively) exercised every available option.

²Not every candidate will benefit from using a recruiter, especially in this job market. Recent law school graduates, those who are looking to transition practice areas, and those who have made multiple law firm moves in a short period of time should consider applying to firms directly.

³Some candidates believe they should be ''loyal'' to the first recruiter who happens to call them with a prospective job listing. Alternatively, it makes more sense to build a relationship with a recruiter who works hard on your behalf and who represents you well. Remember, you do not have to sit around waiting for your phone to ring. So be proactive, pick up the phone and seek out the recruiter whom you believe will best represent you!

About Harrison Barnes

Harrison Barnes is a prominent figure in the legal placement industry, known for his expertise in attorney placements and his extensive knowledge of the legal profession.

With over 25 years of experience, he has established himself as a leading voice in the field and has helped thousands of lawyers and law students find their ideal career paths.

Barnes is a former federal law clerk and associate at Quinn Emanuel and a graduate of the University of Chicago College and the University of Virginia Law School. He was a Rhodes Scholar Finalist at the University of Chicago and a member of the University of Virginia Law Review. Early in his legal career, he enrolled in Stanford Business School but dropped out because he missed legal recruiting too much.

Barnes' approach to the legal industry is rooted in his commitment to helping lawyers achieve their full potential. He believes that the key to success in the legal profession is to be proactive, persistent, and disciplined in one's approach to work and life. He encourages lawyers to take ownership of their careers and to focus on developing their skills and expertise in a way that aligns with their passions and interests.

One of how Barnes provides support to lawyers is through his writing. On his blog, HarrisonBarnes.com, and BCGSearch.com, he regularly shares his insights and advice on a range of topics related to the legal profession. Through his writing, he aims to empower lawyers to control their careers and make informed decisions about their professional development.

One of Barnes's fundamental philosophies in his writing is the importance of networking. He believes that networking is a critical component of career success and that it is essential for lawyers to establish relationships with others in their field. He encourages lawyers to attend events, join organizations, and connect with others in the legal community to build their professional networks.

Another central theme in Barnes' writing is the importance of personal and professional development. He believes that lawyers should continuously strive to improve themselves and develop their skills to succeed in their careers. He encourages lawyers to pursue ongoing education and training actively, read widely, and seek new opportunities for growth and development.

In addition to his work in the legal industry, Barnes is also a fitness and lifestyle enthusiast. He sees fitness and wellness as integral to his personal and professional development and encourages others to adopt a similar mindset. He starts his day at 4:00 am and dedicates several daily hours to running, weightlifting, and pursuing spiritual disciplines.

Finally, Barnes is a strong advocate for community service and giving back. He volunteers for the University of Chicago, where he is the former area chair of Los Angeles for the University of Chicago Admissions Office. He also serves as the President of the Young Presidents Organization's Century City Los Angeles Chapter, where he works to support and connect young business leaders.

In conclusion, Harrison Barnes is a visionary legal industry leader committed to helping lawyers achieve their full potential. Through his work at BCG Attorney Search, writing, and community involvement, he empowers lawyers to take control of their careers, develop their skills continuously, and lead fulfilling and successful lives. His philosophy of being proactive, persistent, and disciplined, combined with his focus on personal and professional development, makes him a valuable resource for anyone looking to succeed in the legal profession.

About BCG Attorney Search

BCG Attorney Search matches attorneys and law firms with unparalleled expertise and drive, while achieving results. Known globally for its success in locating and placing attorneys in law firms of all sizes, BCG Attorney Search has placed thousands of attorneys in law firms in thousands of different law firms around the country. Unlike other legal placement firms, BCG Attorney Search brings massive resources of over 150 employees to its placement efforts locating positions and opportunities its competitors simply cannot. Every legal recruiter at BCG Attorney Search is a former successful attorney who attended a top law school, worked in top law firms and brought massive drive and commitment to their work. BCG Attorney Search legal recruiters take your legal career seriously and understand attorneys. For more information, please visit www.BCGSearch.com.