How Long is Too Long?

 

Over the past week, I've had several friends of mine (all of whom are either attorneys or investment bankers) ask me, "Is it normal to not hear from my recruiter for several weeks?"  "Is it normal that my recruiter did not call me back in 24 hours?"  They are asking me this because, quite simply, I am a recruiter, and I should know.  However, the answer to that question is not as simple as it sounds.

 

First, it depends on your recruiter and his/her time pressures, client needs, and other typical daily work demands.  Typically, a 24-72 hour turnaround time is normal.  If it goes longer, that may be odd; however, it will all depend on that recruiter's workload.

 

Second, it may depend on how many new calls your recruiter is getting every day.  If he/she is getting 30-50 new candidate calls per day--on top of their typical workload--that is a high volume of calls to handle and return.  Thus, you may wish to give them a little more time to get back to you.

 

Third, it depends on your relationship with your recruiter.  If your recruiter is engaged in a process with you already and/or they have you out for an interview and/or already submitted you for an active position, the turnaround time for a return call should be shorter (within 24 hours) as your relationsihp has already been established.

 

At the end of the day, however, there is no rhyme or reason relative to "timing" for a return call.  The best case scenario would be 24 hours but that may be a utopian viewpoint, especially in this economy.  However, the fact that I am fielding these questions from my friends tells me that others may be wondering the same thing relative to their job process.    Thus, I will give you the advice I give to my friends:  "You don't know why there is a delay, and there may be good reason for it.  As such, try to look at your relationship as a partnership and give your recruiter the benefit of the doubt...especially if you have already established a friendship.  If, however, this is a new recruiter, and you are not feeling taken care of, you may wish to interview other recruiters before choosing this person.  It's a personal decision based on your own comfort level.  The market has definitely had an effect on timing because recruiters are being inundated with phone calls at all levels and/or sometimes won't have feedback from interviews right away as firms/in-house delay their own responses to recruiters' inquiries.  Knowing this, try to be patient.  If patience is not your virtue, move on.  First, however, I would urge you to leave a few messages (just like you would for a distracted friend) and see if you get a response.  If that response doesn't come in a timely fashion, you may do well to choose a new recruiter.  These relationships are about trust and either you trust your recruiter enough to know that he/she will get back to you when they have some news -- or you don't.  If you don't, move on.  If, however, you have not yet established a relationship with a recruiter enough to say that trust exists but rather can't even seem to get a new recruiter on the phone, give it a few weeks and ring again.  That recruiter may not have any options to offer you at the current time, but that can change -- and does change -- daily.  A call three weeks from now may prompt a response and an opportunity."

 

I, myself, struggle to stay on top of phone calls, with some weeks being more successful than others.   Still, I try.  I hope that helps!   In the meantime, keep the faith that 2010 will bring a smoothing out of the process and things will start moving at a "normal" pace again.

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.