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Q: Why should I use a recruiter anyway? Many firms and corporations advertise their searches. Wouldn't they be more interested in me if I didn't use a headhunter? Also, my friend works at a top law firm and said he would give my resume to the hiring partner. Why shouldn't he?
A: In today's competitive legal market, many law firms and corporate law departments are using all the resources available to them to help recruit the talent they need, and wisely so. These resources include direct advertising, posting job listings at area law schools, word of mouth, offering bonuses for bringing friends to the firm, and other methods. And of course, most employers rely heavily on the services of legal search firms. It is no surprise that our business is booming! In fact, in today's market, most of our employers actually prefer to receive resumes from their recruiter. When they receive a resume from their recruiter, they know from experience that the candidate has been screened for experience, academic credential requirements, personality fit and more. Firms and corporations receive literally hundreds of unsolicited resumes each year; we send our employers only a handful of carefully recruited and selected candidates. When our employers see the Wooldridge + Associates letterhead, they immediately know they have a candidate worthy of serious attention. Good recruiters can do much more for you than just pass your resume along to potential employers - they can, and should, be a valuable partner in your search process. Experienced recruiters are extremely knowledgeable. They are in tune with current market conditions and provide meaningful, specific information on opportunities presented to you. When you work with an experienced recruiter, you have the unique opportunity to thoroughly understand a particular position and an organization's culture. If you do choose to pursue a given opportunity, you will have the assurance that you meet the basic criteria, your resume will be placed in the right hands, and all information and communication with the hiring organization will be handled with utmost confidentiality. Once the organization expresses an interest and you start the actual interview process, the work of a good recruiter really begins! Prior to your initial interview, a good recruiter will work closely with you to make sure you put your best foot forward.
A good recruiter works with you throughout the entire interview process to facilitate communication, convey concerns and questions, and lets you know where you stand. If you don't get an offer, you'll know why. If you do get an offer, you'll be able to discuss financial, practical and emotional issues associated with your career move with a professional who has coached you throughout the entire process. There is really no downside to working with an experienced, reputable recruiter.
Q: Search firms often have the same employers and searches. Why should I use Wooldridge + Associates?
A: If you haven't done so already, click on "All About Us" to find out more about who we are. You will discover we are experienced professionals and good people, too. You won't find anyone in Texas with more knowledge of the marketplace or with more insight into what our employers are looking for. Our employer relationships are strong, solid and long-standing. When you work with Wooldridge + Associates, you know you will be working with professionals whose employers consider them a class above other headhunters. We are also experts in partnering with you to help you get the job you want and deserve. We are especially known for our "pre-interview prep" sessions that help you prepare for the interview process - so you'll know how to respond confidently to almost any situation or question. At Wooldridge + Associates, we take special care to protect your confidentiality. We will always treat you with dignity and respect (even if we can't assist you). You can be confident that we will put your best interests ahead of ours. We sincerely want you to make the very best career move possible, period. And if that's not enough, we're fun to work with! (We think that's important.)
Q: Can I work with more than one recruiter?
A: Certainly. In fact, be wary of any recruiter who insists you work with them exclusively. Of course, you are free to work with just one search firm, but make sure it's a firm you trust and feel comfortable with. Many of our candidates prefer to work with Wooldridge + Associates exclusively, but they are never in any way prohibited from working with others. Should you choose to work with other recruiters, here's the protocol: Be sure to keep a detailed, accurate listing of all the positions for which you have authorized presentation by a recruiter (or friend or anyone else, including yourself). Do not allow recruiters to duplicate each other's or your own efforts; be clear on who has been authorized to submit your resume to whom. Keep all information confidential and avoid sharing information conveyed by recruiters to others. Exercise caution in working with recruiters from out of state who want to send your resume to a "laundry list" of Texas firms or companies they don't even know or work with! Last, if you sense that your recruiter does not have your very best interests at heart, you should consider choosing another recruiter.
Q: Why are law school rankings and grades still important once I have graduated from law school and proven myself?
A: Our employers have developed hiring standards which they believe maintain their image and culture and ensure their long term success. When they hire us, we agree to abide by their standards as long as they do not legally discriminate in any way. We regularly meet excellent, very accomplished attorneys who may not meet those standards; yet we must abide by our agreement nonetheless.
Q: How can I make my relationship with Wooldridge + Associates most productive?
A: First and foremost, be honest and open about your current situation and your long-range career goals. While it's important to have a clear picture of what you want, be flexible, realistic and open to different opportunities. The "perfect" opportunity may not exist. Then again, that opportunity may indeed arise when you don't think you're quite ready for it. Experience tells us great opportunities arise on their own time frames, and not necessarily on yours. Keep us informed of all changes in your situation before, during or after the interview process. We're the professionals - let us do what we do best!
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