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Yesterday I submitted applications to a few biglaw firms in a smaller market (looking to lateral from NY as a 2nd year). The apps are for postings through the job portal on each firm's website. Does it make sense to follow up separately with the recruiting director at each firm just letting them I know I applied and stuff? The obvious answer seems like it's yes, but was just wondering if anyone sees any downside to this. Do firms get annoyed by this type of stuff? TIA!

There are people that are literally paid to review applications. If you’re going to email them, at least wait 2 weeks. In my experience, firms will reach out fairly quickly if they have any interest (within a week) and emailing them is probably not going to help your chances.

Do you have contacts at any of the firms? Better reaching out through them, asking if they would be willing to reach out on your behalf.

albanach wrote:Do you have contacts at any of the firms? Better reaching out through them, asking if they would be willing to reach out on your behalf.

Not really. For firms where I have contacts, I've just submitted my resume to my contact and asked them to pass along. My question is really only in reference to firms where I don't know anyone and have just applied through the online portal.

Anonymous User wrote:

albanach wrote:Do you have contacts at any of the firms? Better reaching out through them, asking if they would be willing to reach out on your behalf.

Not really. For firms where I have contacts, I've just submitted my resume to my contact and asked them to pass along. My question is really only in reference to firms where I don't know anyone and have just applied through the online portal.

Then I'd go with 2013's recommendation.

That said, if there's alumni from your school at the firm, now might be a good time to reach out and see if they'd grab a coffee with you.