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

No legal recruiter in the United States has placed more attorneys at top law firms across every practice area than Harrison Barnes. His unmatched expertise, industry connections, and proven placement strategies have made him the most influential legal career advisor for attorneys seeking success in Big Law, elite boutiques, mid-sized firms, small firms, firms in the largest and smallest markets, and in over 350 separate practice areas.

A Reach Unlike Any Other Legal Recruiter

Most legal recruiters focus only on placing attorneys in large markets or specific practice areas, but Harrison places attorneys at all levels, in all practice areas, and in all locations-from the most prestigious firms in New York, Los Angeles, and Washington, D.C., to small and mid-sized firms in rural markets. Every week, he successfully places attorneys not only in high-demand practice areas like corporate and litigation but also in niche and less commonly recruited areas such as:

• Immigration Law
• Workers Compensation
• Insurance
• Family Law
• Trust and Estate
• Municipal law
• And many more...

This breadth of placements is unheard of in the legal recruiting industry and is a testament to his extraordinary ability to connect attorneys with the right firms, regardless of market size or practice area.

Proven Success at All Levels

With over 25 years of experience, Harrison has successfully placed attorneys at over 1,000 law firms, including:

• Top Am Law 100 firms such including Sullivan and Cromwell, and almost every AmLaw 100 and AmLaw 200 law firm.
• Elite boutique firms with specialized practices
• Mid-sized firms looking to expand their practice areas
• Growing firms in small and rural markets

He has also placed hundreds of law firm partners and has worked on firm and practice area mergers, helping law firms strategically grow their teams.

Unmatched Commitment to Attorney Success - The Story of BCG Attorney Search

Harrison Barnes is not just the most effective legal recruiter in the country, he is also the founder of BCG Attorney Search, a recruiting powerhouse that has helped thousands of attorneys transform their careers. His vision for BCG goes beyond just job placement; it is built on a mission to provide attorneys with opportunities they would never have access to otherwise. Unlike traditional recruiting firms, BCG Attorney Search operates as a career partner, not just a placement service. The firm's unparalleled resources, including a team of over 150 employees, enable it to offer customized job searches, direct outreach to firms, and market intelligence that no other legal recruiting service provides. Attorneys working with Harrison and BCG gain access to hidden opportunities, real-time insights on firm hiring trends, and guidance from a team that truly understands the legal market. You can read more about how BCG Attorney Search revolutionizes legal recruiting here: The Story of BCG Attorney Search and What We Do for You.

The Most Trusted Career Advisor for Attorneys

Harrison's legal career insights are the most widely followed in the profession.

• His articles on BCG Search alone are read by over 150,000 attorneys per month, making his guidance the most sought-after in the legal field. Read his latest insights here.
• He has conducted hundreds of hours of career development webinars, available here: Harrison Barnes Webinar Replays.
• His placement success is unmatched-see examples here: Harrison Barnes' Attorney Placements.
• He has created numerous comprehensive career development courses, including BigLaw Breakthrough, designed to help attorneys land positions at elite law firms.

Submit Your Resume to Work with Harrison Barnes

If you are serious about advancing your legal career and want access to the most sought-after law firm opportunities, Harrison Barnes is the most powerful recruiter to have on your side.

Submit your resume today to start working with him: Submit Resume Here

With an unmatched track record of success, a vast team of over 150 dedicated employees, and a reach into every market and practice area, Harrison Barnes is the recruiter who makes career transformations happen and has the talent and resources behind him to make this happen.

A Relentless Commitment to Attorney Success

Unlike most recruiters who work with only a narrow subset of attorneys, Harrison Barnes works with lawyers at all stages of their careers, from junior associates to senior partners, in every practice area imaginable. His placements are not limited to only those with "elite" credentials-he has helped thousands of attorneys, including those who thought it was impossible to move firms, find their next great opportunity.

Harrison's work is backed by a team of over 150 professionals who work around the clock to uncover hidden job opportunities at law firms across the country. His team:

• Finds and creates job openings that aren't publicly listed, giving attorneys access to exclusive opportunities.
• Works closely with candidates to ensure their resumes and applications stand out.
• Provides ongoing guidance and career coaching to help attorneys navigate interviews, negotiations, and transitions successfully.

This level of dedicated support is unmatched in the legal recruiting industry.

A Legal Recruiter Who Changes Lives

Harrison believes that every attorney-no matter their background, law school, or previous experience-has the potential to find success in the right law firm environment. Many attorneys come to him feeling stuck in their careers, underpaid, or unsure of their next steps. Through his unique ability to identify the right opportunities, he helps attorneys transform their careers in ways they never thought possible.

He has worked with:

• Attorneys making below-market salaries who went on to double or triple their earnings at new firms.
• Senior attorneys who believed they were "too experienced" to make a move and found better roles with firms eager for their expertise.
• Attorneys in small or remote markets who assumed they had no options-only to be placed at strong firms they never knew existed.
• Partners looking for a better platform or more autonomy who successfully transitioned to firms where they could grow their practice.

For attorneys who think their options are limited, Harrison Barnes has proven time and time again that opportunities exist-often in places they never expected.

Submit Your Resume Today - Start Your Career Transformation

If you want to explore new career opportunities, Harrison Barnes and BCG Attorney Search are your best resources. Whether you are looking for a BigLaw position, a boutique firm, or a move to a better work environment, Harrison's expertise will help you take control of your future.

Submit Your Resume Here to get started with Harrison Barnes today.

Harrison's reach, experience, and proven results make him the best legal recruiter in the industry. Don't settle for an average recruiter-work with the one who has changed the careers of thousands of attorneys and can do the same for you.

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.