Should I use a recruiter? Forum

[Anonymous User]

Why don't I just submit my resume on law firms' websites myself? Or does the recruiter know openings that are not publicly posted?

[Anonymous User]

Yes, definitely use a recruiter. Law firm websites are very disorganized. Recruiters have databases of job openings and databases of email addresses to reach out directly to HR (and sometimes they have relationships that will help nudge your resume along). If you use a recruiter, you don't need to draft your own cover letter - recruiters do that for you which saves a whole headache. They can also give you information about negotiating higher offers (although associates don't have much leverage in this market).

I am speaking from experience - I used a recruiter once and I also applied directly at one point.

[Anonymous User]

Using a recruiter paid off for me because my boutique almost exclusively hired through recruiters at the time. I think a personal recommendation by somebody at the firm is better. But you won't always have one of those.

[nealric]

It depends on what employers you are targeting, who you know at the employers, and your current seniority. There is no blanket rule. But it is the case you should almost never just send off application through biglaw firm websites with the possible exception of summer associate recruiting.

If you do get a recruiter, don't just go with the first person who cold calls you. A bad recruiter can be worse than useless. Also keep in mind that you will have misaligned incentives. The recruiter's goal is to get you into a job - ANY job that will pay their fee. Your goal is a job better than your current one. Don't blindly trust the recruiter's sales pitch.

[nealric]

Yes, definitely use a recruiter. Law firm websites are very disorganized. Recruiters have databases of job openings and databases of email addresses to reach out directly to HR (and sometimes they have relationships that will help nudge your resume along). If you use a recruiter, you don't need to draft your own cover letter - recruiters do that for you which saves a whole headache. They can also give you information about negotiating higher offers (although associates don't have much leverage in this market).

I am speaking from experience - I used a recruiter once and I also applied directly at one point.

If you use a cover letter and apply blindly, you are doing it wrong.

The non-recruiter way to lateral is to call up someone you know at various employers (or a second/third order connection) and set up an informational/networking interview and let them know you are looking to make a move. It's more leg work, but you can often create openings that don't exist for any recruiter this way. A lot of firms are always hiring for the right candidate even if they haven't posted anything or told a recruiter about it, but adding a recruiter to the mix ups the cost and is considered less valuable than an insider vouching for the quality of the candidate. You can also get more insight into the personalities involved.

[gregfootball2001]

IMO, you should use a recruiter if (1) there is an unpublished opening, or (2) there is a published opening and you don't know anyone at the firm who can vouch for you. Otherwise, apply yourself and have your friend speak to HR on your behalf. That way the firm doesn't have to pay the recruiter fee, your friend gets the finder's fee, and everyone's happy.