Let's All Hurry Up and...Wait

Several years ago, my colleague, Dan Binstock wrote an article called "Play the Waiting Game" that was published in the Legal Times. In his article, Dan discusses the nerve-wracking act of waiting to hear back from a firm after a second round of interviews. It's quite funny but also provides very good advice so I often pass it along to candidates who find themselves in this unbearable juncture of the hiring process. Check Dan's article out at: http://www.bcgsearch.com/crc/play_the_waiting_game.pdf

Now, three years after it was written, this article has become more relevant than ever. And, while it focuses on the waiting period after a full-round of interviews, the same principles can now be applied to ALL stages of the interview process. There is no doubt that as the market slows down, firms are being extremely cautious and deliberate in their hiring decisions. Whether you are between a phone screen and an in-office visit or between a full-round and the possibility of an offer, firms are taking their time. But, let's focus on the positive side of what I just said--there are firms out there that are interviewing for lateral attorney positions and (gasp) they are hiring! Thus, we want to encourage all of you out there who are in the lateral job market to:

1. Start your job search as soon as you know you'll need and/or want to make a move;
2. Be prepared to exercise the utmost patience throughout the process; and
3. Confer with your legal recruiter before sending any follow-ups to the firm.

Finally, keep in mind that the passing of time does not necessarily mean the response will be disappointing--it just means everyone is being careful and, in the end, careful hiring decisions result in greater job security.