The Law Recruiters: December 2015

Tuesday, December 29, 2015

Happy New Year!

Our Warmest Wishes for a Healthy, Happy

and Prosperous 2016

All of us at

McCormack Schreiber

Monday, December 21, 2015

Don't Find Yourself "Surprised" in the Interview Process

Some job seekers may remember a time when the interview process was pretty simple - send in a resume, interview for the position, receive an offer.........

For better or worse, those days are by in large over. The search process often includes a plethora of steps, stages, and hoops through which you must jump, and it is best to know what may be coming before entering this process.

If working with a good recruiter, you should know every step of the process before authorizing submission to a particular opportunity. If you are pursuing a position directly, you will need to ask questions about the process in your first interview.

Some parts of the process that may surprise candidates include:

Drug testing

If a candidate has recently sampled the newest Colorado "recreational" industry, he or she may be unpleasantly surprised when a job offer is made contingent on a drug test. Many legal professionals do not realize that many corporations require drug tests for ALL employees (not just those operating dangerous equipment, etc.) - so it is a good idea to stick to skiing in Colorado if in the midst of a job search.

Background check

Most lawyers are not particularly nervous about a background check, but bear in mind that a long ago conviction could come back to haunt you depending on the position. If you were convicted of a financial misdemeanor during college, for example (even if the state Bar found you fit for membership), a potential employer that is a bank or financial institution may not be able to get past this issue.

Personality/behavioral tests

There is not much that one can do to "prepare" for these aspects of the interview process, but you should know that they exist and sometimes are strongly relied upon by employers in deciding whether or not to pursue a candidate. So, even if your interviews were spectacular, do not count on an offer until moving past this sometimes important hurdle/step.

While you can only prepare in advance for some of the above aspects (i.e. drug testing), it is important to understand the requirements and know your vulnerabilities before investing time in a lengthy interview process.

McCormack Schreiber Legal Search, Chicago's premier attorney search firm, places experienced attorneys of all levels at large, midsize and boutique law firms, as well as at regional, national and international corporations. We are confident that we provide unparalleled knowledge, service and results. We welcome the opportunity to assist you with your search and placement process, and invite you to contact us, in strict confidence, at info@thelawrecruiters.com, or visit our website at www.thelawrecruiters.com to learn more about McCormack Schreiber.

McCormack Schreiber Legal Search Inc.

303 West Madison Street, Suite 1725

Chicago, Illinois 60606

Tel: 312.377.2000

Toll Free: 866.819.4091

info@thelawrecruiters.com

www.thelawrecruiters.com

All inquiries to McCormack Schreiber are kept strictly confidential

Tuesday, December 8, 2015

Career Timeline: When to Start Looking for a New Position

Sometimes it’s difficult to know when to cut bait and fish in another lake, especially when it comes to your career. You don’t want to leave too soon and look like you’re a risky hire or a “hopper”, but you don’t want to wait too long and be left with limited options.

The average job search takes about 6-9 months, and it can sometimes take more than a year for certain types of positions. You want to leave yourself plenty of time so you can take a job that you want to take, and not a job you have to take.

Between your second to fifth year

For associates, the sweet spot to start looking is between your second and fifth year. You’ve gained enough experience by your second year that you have some marketable skills, and you won’t be seen as a risky investment because you looked for a new job too soon.

Once you get beyond your fifth year, things get a little trickier. You’re closer to being considered for partnership, and starting over at a new firm might delay your partnership aspirations.

Five years or beyond for in-house

However, if your goal is to go in-house, fifth year and beyond is the perfect timing. The general rule for in-house jobs is at least five years of experience, but we have seen some exceptions in recent years, particularly for transactional positions.

Don’t wait too long however, and as many in-house positions will require prior in-house experience, it is great to get in on the ground floor as early in your career as possible.

Your last review stung

If you’re being honest with yourself, that last performance review was not ideal. The writing is on the wall. If you at all suspect your position is vulnerable, it’s time to start looking around. Perhaps it’s a situation you can turn around, but it’s still smart to investigate your other options.

It’s also important not to let the review kill your confidence. Maybe this firm or position simply isn’t the right fit. If the assessment was fair, however, make a conscious effort to work on the areas of criticism as this will benefit your professional future whether it’s at this or another firm.

You’re scrounging for billable hours

Is your practice area work load down at your firm? Do you constantly find yourself having to go door-to-door to find work so that your billable hours don’t suffer?

It might be time to find a new job. Where there’s smoke, there’s usually fire. You might not be privy to the reasons why your practice group is slowing down, but if your gut is telling you things aren’t very busy, you may want to start looking around. It doesn’t mean you have to leave, but it means you’ll have options if things do indeed go south and it becomes necessary to look for another position.

An important partner departed

Maybe you do know the reason your practice group is suffering: a key partner has departed the firm. Even if you didn’t work directly with this partner, he/she might have been supplying the bulk of your group’s work.

If a major partner in your group leaves and you notice that the work is starting to dry up, start looking for something new. Sometimes it becomes an every-man-for-himself type of environment, so be prepared so you are not the one left out in the cold.

It’s just not the right fit

Sometimes your current firm simply isn’t the right fit. Maybe the firm hasn’t developed clients in the area you were really hoping to practice, or perhaps it doesn’t encourage associates to market or bring in new clients, but you’re naturally entrepreneurial and want that type of environment.

Whatever the reason, there’s nothing wrong with wanting to move on and find the right situation for you. If your gut is telling you this isn’t the place, then listen to it.

The sooner you start looking, the sooner you can find a better professional fit and begin the next chapter of your legal career.