In the highly competitive legal market, your job application is your chance to make a strong first impression and stand apart from other strong candidates. Planning your approach is key – as it could determine your success.
As a strong legal candidate who sees a role of interest, applying directly might seem like a logical choice. However, have you considered whether collaborating with a recruiter might give you that extra competitive advantage? With firms hiring discreetly and negotiations becoming more complex, understanding both options can help you make the right decision for you.
Is a Direct Application the Right Move?
Applying directly will allow you to manage your own job search with full independence. You can decide how to position your experience, approach hirers, and structure your negotiations.
This can be a strong option if you have a particular connection at the relevant law firm, or where the role is publicly advertised.
When Might a Direct Application Work in Your Favour?
• You control your positioning – You can use your own, personal approach to define your own career narrative, so you decide how to present your skills and achievements.
• You negotiate directly – You have the chance to lead discussions on salary, benefits, and career progression.
• You have an established relationship with the firm – If you have previously met the employer (e.g. through networking or professional circles) a direct application may work well or even be appreciated, especially where they already know you.
How Can a Recruiter Add Value to Your Application?
A recruiter can offer strategic advantages – such as facilitating access to exclusive roles, positioning your experience effectively and helping you tackle negotiations with strong leverage.
How Can a Recruiter Strengthen Your Application?
- Access to wider roles – Many firms fill vacancies exclusively through recruiters rather than advertising them publicly. With a recruiter’s support, you may be able to find positions that better suit your skills and long-term aspirations.
- Stronger market positioning – Recruiters can help advocate for your candidacy, helping the relevant hiring managers see the commercial value you can bring. If you have had a career break or are seeking retraining, they can explain your background and motivations, which could make the difference between your CV being considered or dismissed.
- Market intelligence for informed decision-making and salary negotiation – A good recruiter will get to know you and what you want and then offer valuable insights into salary benchmarks, hiring trends, and firm expansion plans – thereby helping you make an informed career move. They also help you negotiate your desired pay package, ensuring it is competitive and aligns with your expectations.
- A streamlined job search – Balancing a job search with a demanding legal career can be stressful and time-consuming. A recruiter can help you handle this and take some of the work off your hands e.g. manage introductions, applications, interview coordination, and follow-ups, allowing you to focus on interview preparation. They also act as a valuable intermediary – helping you ask questions (such as about flexible working) that you may not feel comfortable raising with a firm directly.
- Genuine knowledge of what the firm wants – Recruiters will discuss the role directly with hiring managers and understand their priorities. They will provide honest feedback on whether a role is the right fit and can save you time, by ensuring your application is aligned with what the employer is looking for or helping you look elsewhere if not.
- Interview preparation support – A recruiter can brief you on the firm’s expectations, the interview format, and key points to highlight, which can give you a better chance for success.
Which Approach Is Best for You?
Ultimately, this decision is your call – no approach is right or wrong and your application strategy will depend on your goals and preferences and what you feel most comfortable with.
If you have a strong connection within a firm or a clear target in mind, applying directly may feel best. However, if you want to explore a broader range of opportunities, gain market insights, or need support in ensuring financial package is competitive, a recruiter may be able to afford you strategic advantages.
Given recruiters typically offer free support to candidates, discussing your career strategy with a reputable recruiter carries no risk—particularly if you are early on in your search.
How Can Ohana Legal Recruitment Support Your Job Search?
Ohana Legal Recruitment has built long-standing relationships with law firms and in-house legal teams across the UK, with over 20 years of experience. Our team includes recruiters with strong industry knowledge and a proven track record in legal hiring, offering a focused and tailored approach.
We introduce candidates to firms that match their skills and career goals, provide insight into hiring trends, and help negotiate competitive compensation packages.
If you are considering your next move and want support, you can contact Ohana Legal Recruitment for confidential and trustworthy advice.