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You’re Hired! Job Hunting Advice For Law Students and Young Lawyers
The Pros and Cons of Recruiters
First, the good news about recruiters
◗ They have relationships with the big and well paying firms.
◗ They are aware of opportunities you won’t find online.
◗ They conduct due diligence both on firms and candidates and may have a better sense than you whether you are a good fit for a given firm.
Now for the Bad News
◗ They have a financial incentive to place you, even if an opportunity isn’t the best fit for you.
◗ They’re busy. Some are slow in responding to calls and e-mails.
◗ They pay the most attention to their best candidates. If you didn’t go to a top school, get top grades, weren’t on law review or moot court and don’t have an impressive resume, you may not receive much attention from them.
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They provide advice on cover letters, e-mails, resumes, interview skills, etc.
They do some of your leg work by bringing opportunities to your attention.
They help you see and avoid the landmines.
Some are rude, some are unprofessional and some are only in it for themselves. Fortunately, there are only a few bad apples, but you owe it to yourself to make sure that you’re not dealing with one of the bad apples.
They’re not your guru, therapist, or confessor. The relationship is largely transactional.
Firms pay them, not you. Recruiters will be the first to say that doesn’t affect their loyalty and commitment to you. For some, that’s true. For others, not as much.
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