In all instances I have received neither an acknowledgment from any of the recruiters that they received my letter of interest, nor any phone calls or emails following up on my requests.
Is this the normal practice for handling such classified ads? If so, am I wasting my time reading and responding to them?
Answer: I don't blame you for being frustrated and I certainly can understand why you might feel as if you are wasting your time with reading and responding to online classified ad job postings. I may have some answers for you, but first I need to ask a few questions.
The ads that you are reading and to which you are responding, are they for specific positions that require very specific qualifications? For example, the ad might ask for candidates with two to three years of commercial litigation experience along with a clerkship, a J.D. from a top ten law school and a minimum of two years' practice experience within a major law firm. You certainly fit into the major law firm qualification, but perhaps you graduated from a third tier law school, did not have a clerkship after law school and you have not quite yet hit the two year mark in your practice experience. In a recruiter's world, you would not be a viable candidate for the advertised position.
Let's take a moment to understand what the recruiter's role is. The recruiter does not do the hiring, but rather acts as an intermediary between the client and the candidate. However, if the client is adamant about the qualifications for a viable candidate and you do not fit within those parameters, it would not do anyone much good to present you as a candidate. In fact, the recruiter's credibility would diminish tremendously.
And what about you? You will have been told about a job, and are perhaps genuinely excited over the prospect of this job, for which you don't have a chance to be hired, much less interviewed. This does not seem as if it would be very fair to you, does it?
I have heard from many readers over the years that legal recruiters are snobs and will only work with candidates possessing certain credentials instead of with a broad spectrum of candidates, many of whom are better attorneys even though they may have graduated from lesser law schools. Over the years I have met many brilliant attorneys who did not graduate from top tier law schools. I wouldn't hesitate to hire them myself and would love to have the chance to find good opportunities for them. Unfortunately, I do not have this luxury. My clients determine who I may or may not represent, and if I don't listen to their needs, and work within their framework, I will be left without any clients.
Some of you have suggested that I refuse to work with clients who are so close-minded to candidates with credentials that are different from their own. If we did that, we would not have any clients. Just remember that it is the major law firms that typically are serviced by recruiters. Recruiters are in a business that dictates that they must satisfy the clients' wishes, because that is the entity that pays our fee. If we continue to present candidates that the client will not see, or if we refuse to work with these firms, we are doing a disservice to not only the client but to our own firm as well. This just doesn't make any sense.
So, before you respond to an ad, make sure that you come as close as possible to what is being asked for. I often wonder why people send their resumes out to an ad and a name in the paper. Don't you want to speak with the advertiser first and, even more important, have a face-to-face meeting with the recruiter prior to submitting your resume and transcript? Do you really just want to send off your resume without any previous contact with the intended recipient? Before you send your resume to some unknown entity, pick up the phone and speak with the person. Check to make sure that they really are interested in receiving your resume before you send it out.
This does not excuse the fact that no one is responding to your resume submission. It really is frustrating to take the time and effort to write a cover letter, prepare your resume and then mail out the package to a number of different potential employers. However, again I ask you to think about what is happening at the recruiter's end of all of this. Literally dozens and dozens and sometimes hundreds of people are sending their resume each week to the recruiter for this very same opening. More than likely, quite a high percentage of these resumes are completely off-track for the client's specific requirements. If a search firm responded to each of those resumes that were not a fit, most of the day would be spent writing "thanks but no thanks" notes and very little else would get done. The candidates who are being marketed and are interviewing and are waiting to hear if they are about to get an offer are going to be put on the back burner, while the "thanks but no thanks" notes are being composed and mailed out or e-mailed. It is a question of prioritizing on the part of the recruiter. Unfortunately, this seems to be an unhappy by-product of the electronic age. So many more people can send their resume to an ad thanks to e-mail, but that makes it impossible for the recruiter, or any potential employer for that matter, to respond to every single one.
- See Coping with the Process of Applying for a Position in a Law Firm for more information.
What doesn't make sense to me is that no one is responding to the resumes you are sending out. Something is wrong here and I have to believe that you are not being selective as to where you are sending your resume. Or it could just be as simple as the fact that you have only sent your resume out to several search firms and you haven't covered enough ground to get a true sense of whether or not the recruiters are interested in your background.
You asked if this non-response is standard operating procedure for recruiters. I suppose it is, especially in light of the reasons I mentioned above. In fact, many recruiting firms will state in their ads that they will only be responding to those resumes that are on target for their client.
You also asked if you are wasting your time by reading the ads and responding to the recruiters. I hope you are not serious, because I don't know how it could ever be a waste of time to read the classified ads, whether they are in print or on the Internet. This is one of the best ways to see what is out there on the job market. However, I would suggest that you change one thing when you are responding to recruitment firm advertising. Instead of sending in an unsolicited resume to someone you have never met, take the time to properly market yourself. Pick up the telephone and, as I said above, speak with the recruiter. Make sure that your background is on target for the advertised opportunity. Whether or not that job is the right one for you, set up an appointment with the recruiter before you submit any paperwork.
If you take this extra step you will find that it is well worth your time. Speak with the recruiter before you send your resume. In this way you will not have to worry whether or not the recruiter has received your resume and you will know whether or not the advertised opportunity is something you should pursue.
See the following articles for more information:
- Is Your Networking Working?
- How to Tell if a Recruiting Firm Stands Behind Its Message
- Something Most Recruiters Will Never Tell You: The Way Most Recruiters Recruit
About Harrison Barnes
No legal recruiter in the United States has placed more attorneys at top law firms across every practice area than Harrison Barnes. His unmatched expertise, industry connections, and proven placement strategies have made him the most influential legal career advisor for attorneys seeking success in Big Law, elite boutiques, mid-sized firms, small firms, firms in the largest and smallest markets, and in over 350 separate practice areas.
A Reach Unlike Any Other Legal Recruiter
Most legal recruiters focus only on placing attorneys in large markets or specific practice areas, but Harrison places attorneys at all levels, in all practice areas, and in all locations-from the most prestigious firms in New York, Los Angeles, and Washington, D.C., to small and mid-sized firms in rural markets. Every week, he successfully places attorneys not only in high-demand practice areas like corporate and litigation but also in niche and less commonly recruited areas such as:
- Immigration Law
- Workers Compensation
- Insurance
- Family Law
- Trust and Estate
- Municipal law
- And many more...
This breadth of placements is unheard of in the legal recruiting industry and is a testament to his extraordinary ability to connect attorneys with the right firms, regardless of market size or practice area.
Proven Success at All Levels
With over 25 years of experience, Harrison has successfully placed attorneys at over 1,000 law firms, including:
- Top Am Law 100 firms such including Sullivan and Cromwell, and almost every AmLaw 100 and AmLaw 200 law firm.
- Elite boutique firms with specialized practices
- Mid-sized firms looking to expand their practice areas
- Growing firms in small and rural markets
He has also placed hundreds of law firm partners and has worked on firm and practice area mergers, helping law firms strategically grow their teams.
Unmatched Commitment to Attorney Success - The Story of BCG Attorney Search
Harrison Barnes is not just the most effective legal recruiter in the country, he is also the founder of BCG Attorney Search, a recruiting powerhouse that has helped thousands of attorneys transform their careers. His vision for BCG goes beyond just job placement; it is built on a mission to provide attorneys with opportunities they would never have access to otherwise. Unlike traditional recruiting firms, BCG Attorney Search operates as a career partner, not just a placement service. The firm's unparalleled resources, including a team of over 150 employees, enable it to offer customized job searches, direct outreach to firms, and market intelligence that no other legal recruiting service provides. Attorneys working with Harrison and BCG gain access to hidden opportunities, real-time insights on firm hiring trends, and guidance from a team that truly understands the legal market. You can read more about how BCG Attorney Search revolutionizes legal recruiting here: The Story of BCG Attorney Search and What We Do for You.
The Most Trusted Career Advisor for Attorneys
Harrison's legal career insights are the most widely followed in the profession.
- His articles on BCG Search alone are read by over 150,000 attorneys per month, making his guidance the most sought-after in the legal field. Read his latest insights here.
- He has conducted hundreds of hours of career development webinars, available here: Harrison Barnes Webinar Replays.
- His placement success is unmatched-see examples here: Harrison Barnes' Attorney Placements.
- He has created numerous comprehensive career development courses, including BigLaw Breakthrough, designed to help attorneys land positions at elite law firms.
Submit Your Resume to Work with Harrison Barnes
If you are serious about advancing your legal career and want access to the most sought-after law firm opportunities, Harrison Barnes is the most powerful recruiter to have on your side.
Submit your resume today to start working with him: Submit Resume Here
With an unmatched track record of success, a vast team of over 150 dedicated employees, and a reach into every market and practice area, Harrison Barnes is the recruiter who makes career transformations happen and has the talent and resources behind him to make this happen.
A Relentless Commitment to Attorney Success
Unlike most recruiters who work with only a narrow subset of attorneys, Harrison Barnes works with lawyers at all stages of their careers, from junior associates to senior partners, in every practice area imaginable. His placements are not limited to only those with "elite" credentials-he has helped thousands of attorneys, including those who thought it was impossible to move firms, find their next great opportunity.
Harrison's work is backed by a team of over 150 professionals who work around the clock to uncover hidden job opportunities at law firms across the country. His team:
- Finds and creates job openings that aren't publicly listed, giving attorneys access to exclusive opportunities.
- Works closely with candidates to ensure their resumes and applications stand out.
- Provides ongoing guidance and career coaching to help attorneys navigate interviews, negotiations, and transitions successfully.
This level of dedicated support is unmatched in the legal recruiting industry.
A Legal Recruiter Who Changes Lives
Harrison believes that every attorney-no matter their background, law school, or previous experience-has the potential to find success in the right law firm environment. Many attorneys come to him feeling stuck in their careers, underpaid, or unsure of their next steps. Through his unique ability to identify the right opportunities, he helps attorneys transform their careers in ways they never thought possible.
He has worked with:
- Attorneys making below-market salaries who went on to double or triple their earnings at new firms.
- Senior attorneys who believed they were "too experienced" to make a move and found better roles with firms eager for their expertise.
- Attorneys in small or remote markets who assumed they had no options-only to be placed at strong firms they never knew existed.
- Partners looking for a better platform or more autonomy who successfully transitioned to firms where they could grow their practice.
For attorneys who think their options are limited, Harrison Barnes has proven time and time again that opportunities exist-often in places they never expected.
Submit Your Resume Today - Start Your Career Transformation
If you want to explore new career opportunities, Harrison Barnes and BCG Attorney Search are your best resources. Whether you are looking for a BigLaw position, a boutique firm, or a move to a better work environment, Harrison's expertise will help you take control of your future.
Submit Your Resume Here to get started with Harrison Barnes today.
Harrison's reach, experience, and proven results make him the best legal recruiter in the industry. Don't settle for an average recruiter-work with the one who has changed the careers of thousands of attorneys and can do the same for you.
BCG Attorney Search matches attorneys and law firms with unparalleled expertise and drive, while achieving results. Known globally for its success in locating and placing attorneys in law firms of all sizes, BCG Attorney Search has placed thousands of attorneys in law firms in thousands of different law firms around the country. Unlike other legal placement firms, BCG Attorney Search brings massive resources of over 150 employees to its placement efforts locating positions and opportunities its competitors simply cannot. Every legal recruiter at BCG Attorney Search is a former successful attorney who attended a top law school, worked in top law firms and brought massive drive and commitment to their work. BCG Attorney Search legal recruiters take your legal career seriously and understand attorneys. For more information, please visit www.BCGSearch.com.
Harrison Barnes does a weekly free webinar with live Q&A for attorneys and law students each Wednesday at 10:00 am PST. You can attend anonymously and ask questions about your career, this article, or any other legal career-related topics. You can sign up for the weekly webinar here: Register on Zoom
Harrison also does a weekly free webinar with live Q&A for law firms, companies, and others who hire attorneys each Wednesday at 10:00 am PST. You can sign up for the weekly webinar here: Register on Zoom
You can browse a list of past webinars here: Webinar Replays
You can also listen to Harrison Barnes Podcasts here: Attorney Career Advice Podcasts
You can also read Harrison Barnes' articles and books here: Harrison's Perspectives
Harrison Barnes is the legal profession's mentor and may be the only person in your legal career who will tell you why you are not reaching your full potential and what you really need to do to grow as an attorney--regardless of how much it hurts. If you prefer truth to stagnation, growth to comfort, and actionable ideas instead of fluffy concepts, you and Harrison will get along just fine. If, however, you want to stay where you are, talk about your past successes, and feel comfortable, Harrison is not for you.
Truly great mentors are like parents, doctors, therapists, spiritual figures, and others because in order to help you they need to expose you to pain and expose your weaknesses. But suppose you act on the advice and pain created by a mentor. In that case, you will become better: a better attorney, better employees, a better boss, know where you are going, and appreciate where you have been--you will hopefully also become a happier and better person. As you learn from Harrison, he hopes he will become your mentor.
To read more career and life advice articles visit Harrison's personal blog.
