You may be happy enough at your current firm. You have interesting work, the partner isn’t too demanding, you’re making a good salary. But do you think you’ll spend your entire career there? Unlike generations before us, we’re not spending 40 years at the same company, walking in green and retiring with a heartfelt thank you and a big slice of chocolate cake. A recent study conducted by LinkedIn and reported on CNN found that the average millennial changes jobs four times in their first decade out of college. You don’t want to wait to look for your next career step when you’re already miserable at your current job. The best way to plan ahead for your future is to talk to a recruiter now.
1. Not All Recruiters Are Created Equal
Just like any profession, there are great recruiters and not so great recruiters. Be open to the chance that the recruiter who’s calling/e-mailing you may be one of the good ones!
2. Good recruiters genuinely care about you.
I can tell you from personal experience that we (the good recruiters) feel such excitement for you when that offer comes in, it’s almost like we got an offer ourselves. How can you tell you’re working with a recruiter who cares? For me, it means getting to know you. Really know you, not just where you work, what you make, and how many hours you bill. It means I want to know your kids’ names, if you’re a dog person (fingers crossed), what’s going on at your current firm that you like and that you’re not as crazy about, and if you’d prefer cupcakes or margaritas to celebrate the great new job I’m going to help you get. Only by getting to know you can a good recruiter partner with you to find the right opportunity for you, not just present whatever jobs they’re currently recruiting on.
3. You’ve got nothing to lose.
Yes, you’re busy. You have to bill, the partner wanted that discovery on his desk this morning and you have to leave early to get to your dentist appointment. But take the call. Answer the email. Why? Because a two minute conversation could end up elevating your career. Even if you’re relatively happy at your current job, that doesn’t mean you might not be happier elsewhere. If you’re swamped and don’t have the time or privacy to have a conversation in that moment, answer the call and set up a time for later that day or the next to have a conversation. If you’re not interested in the opportunity or don’t click with the recruiter, say you’re not interested and end the call. Don’t let your schedule or hesitation get in the way of what has the potential to be a great contact.
4. Your current job is temporary.
Your current job won’t be your last job. Maybe this isn’t the right time for you to change jobs. Talk to a recruiter anyway. Even if this isn’t the right job opportunity or the right time, building a relationship with a good recruiter now can be helpful later in your career. Sometimes the best opportunities come when you least expect it. Start forming a friendship now, and let the recruiter know what you want and what you’re looking for. When the time comes for you to make that move – and trust me, the time will come – your recruiter will be ready to help.
5. Understand your market value.
Talking with a good recruiter can give you a better sense of how marketable you are in the current climate. Legal markets are cyclical: commercial real estate could be in high demand, and then suddenly several firms need to find trusts and estates attorneys. A conversation with a good recruiter can help you get a sense of what’s hot in your market and help you gauge your market value. Moreover, whether you’ve been at your firm for 6 months or 6 years, you should know too if your salary is commensurate with market value. Talk to a recruiter about your options, even if your best option is staying with your current firm for now.
6. You’ll always be busy at your current job: put your career goals first.
You have a trial next month. You’re taking two depositions next week. That motion for summary judgment has to be filed by Friday at 5:00pm. Guess what? None of this will ever change. You will always be preparing for the next motion, the next IPO, and if you’re waiting for that magical moment where your schedule eases up and you suddenly have massive amounts of free time, you’ll be waiting for Godot.
Aly Brookland is the Regional Director of Legal Search for Michael Aaron Staffing. Prior to joining MAS, Aly was a legal recruiter with a national search firm. She practiced law for five years before recruiting, giving her an intimate understanding of attorneys’ career goals and clients’ needs.