There are over 300 legal recruitment companies in the UK. They range from large, high-profile, multi-office, multi-sector contingent agencies, to niche, one-man band consultancies specialising in a particular legal discipline or location. There are also search agencies, who ‘headhunt’ candidates for a select few clients and there are hybrids of these too.
Agencies are instructed by law firms or companies to introduce to them lawyers who meet their particular job specifications. In some cases, this may prompt an agency to run a specific ad campaign in the legal press to attract interested applicants. Agencies are paid by the employer on a contingency fee basis - they get an agreed percentage of the candidate’s first-year salary but as a candidate, you don’t have to pay anything.
Do:
Keep a record of the firms who’ve been sent your CV and when it was sent; many firms log CV applications on a database. Repeat applications do not look good.
Be honest - agencies can only help you fully if they’re completely in the picture. Keep them advised of your thoughts and intentions.
Speak up if you are unhappy - if you’re not getting the service expected, or are unsatisfied in any other way, you can always move on.
Build rapport - working as a team with your agency will make your job search so much easier.
Go with your gut feeling - trust your own instincts and remember, it’s you who has to work in the new firm.
Put yourself first - many candidates miss out on good job opportunities because they are too busy. Successful candidates manage to juggle their professional time with their job search campaign.
Do not:
Register with too many agencies - wires will get crossed and you won’t know whether you are coming or going.
Allow your CV to be sent out without your knowledge - double applications are frowned upon.
Send your CV to a firm which isn’t right - don’t feel pressurised by your consultant. If you need more time to think or research, say no for now.
Delay - it’s competitive out there, being prompt in CV preparation, deciding whether to apply for a position, arranging an interview and preparing business plans reflects well on you.