The difference between the search for newly qualified solicitor jobs and trainee solicitor jobs is that they are advertised as and when they come up and many firms use recruitment agencies to manage the advertising and recruitment process for them.
It is advisable to register with a selection of recruitment agencies so as to get a better feel for the job market and to get some feedback about how you are approaching the job search. Some people get frustrated with agencies because they either have no positions at the newly qualified level or because they turn around after a while of having you on their books and say it’s down to a lack of experience or something else on your CV.
This doesn’t happen to everyone but you should go into it with your eyes open. Some positions are handled exclusively by an agency so sometimes you have no choice to go through their filtering process if you want to be considered for that job.
Our tips for getting the most out of a recruitment agency are:
- Spend time working on and updating your CV before submitting it to any agencies
- Remember that the recruitment consultant is part of the recruitment filter of the firms it represents so ensure that you seek to impress in all initial dealings on the phone and by email
- Approach any meetings or phone interviews with the recruitment consultant in the same way you would an actual job interview. Do some preparation and research beforehand and rehearse what you would like to convey to them about yourself and your abilities
- Beware being too matey and letting your guard down with recruitment consultants. They are usually very friendly characters who want to put you at ease but ensure you keep a professional approach at all times
Professional One to One Careers Advice for Newly Qualifieds
Get help with your career decisions, job search, applications and interviews from our resident legal career coach, Matt Oliver LLB (Solicitor).
