Please keep in mind that CDO does not endorse the services of any career assistance providers.
Career consultants or counselors offer a range of services, including:
- self-assessment
- resume and cover letter review
- interview and networking coaching
- tips on office politics, salary negotiations, and other career-related issues.
They do not usually engage in placement of attorneys. Counselors work individually, as a group, or in affiliation with an outplacement firm.
When evaluating counselors, determine the type of services that they offer, whether the services meet your needs, and whether you feel comfortable talking to them. Learn how they work with clients, their background and experience, and their fee structure. The best way to find a counselor is by referral. Another suggestion is to contact your local bar association which may maintain a list of counselors.
Legal search firms provide placement services for full-time and temporary employment. They may provide some resume and interviewing advice, but usually not in-depth career counseling. Unlike career consultants who help you assess your personal goals, search firms owe their allegiance to the employer that pays them a placement fee.
Here are some additional things to consider when utilizing search firms:
- Some employers utilize the services of search firms on a regular basis while others do not. Talk to colleagues in your area to get a sense of the prevalence of search firms in the industry in which you seek work.
- Work with a limited number of search firms that understand the type of position you are seeking and will always ask your consent before forwarding your resume to an employer. This allows you to control the distribution of your resume and maintain the confidentiality of your search.
- Don't utilize more than one search firm for the same prospective employer. This will avoid confusion about the rightful recipient of the search firm fee.
- If your other job search efforts (e.g., networking, responding to ads) lead you to an employer that already received your resume from a search firm, the employer will likely still be responsible for paying the search firm's fee.
The following sites contain listings of legal search firms: