Articles From the Team
I’ve got a final interview for my dream legal job, should I cancel the others?
With NQ season well underway, it’s a question I’ve been asked several times. I understand the rationale: given the preparation that can go into an interview, you may question whether it’s worth investing all of that time into roles that don’t compete with your preferred choice. Not to mention other factors: you have a limited amount of annual leave, pressures at work, a social life and you really want the job you’re at the final stage with.
Ultimately, until an offer is in your hand, nothing is a done deal.
Looking at legal job search motivators
So, what is the best way to go about this? Ultimately, until an offer is in your hand, nothing is a done deal. A good legal recruiter works hard to ensure you feel supported throughout your legal jobs search, but sometimes, this means we have to play Devil’s Advocate. The answer to the question above comes down to what’s motivating your search. If you’re an NQ who hasn’t been retained – what do you have to lose? Think of the experience as good interview practice, and it may be that you find out more about the law firm, deeming it more interesting or appealing.
Sourcing valuable information
If you’re in a role but want to improve your position, it’s worth speaking to a legal recruitment consultant about the reasons why certain opportunities are less interesting than others. It may be that you need some more information ahead of any interviews you’re unsure about. Remember, a good legal recruitment consultant is in a unique position as they act for both you the lawyer and the client. This means they’re a valuable source of information (free information).
Give it time and consider professional process
Just a word of caution though – don’t be too hasty! Pulling out of an interview at short notice can be viewed negatively by a law firm. If you’re going to do it, make sure you speak to the legal recruitment consultant who’s representing you; about the messages you want to convey. Speaking from personal experience, pulling out of an interview doesn’t necessarily mean you’re closing the door on future opportunities; as long as it’s managed properly.
Speaking from personal experience, pulling out of an interview doesn’t necessarily mean you’re closing the door on future opportunities; as long as it’s managed properly.
If you find yourself in this situation, my best advice to you is to speak to your legal recruitment consultant! Don’t be put off by our questioning you as to why you’re pulling out of the process and maybe take this opportunity to ask what else we know about the recruitment process in order to land your dream legal job.
Ultimately, we want to make sure you’ve had the opportunity to find out what the NQ market looks like for you - the best way for us to ensure we’ve done so is to keep asking you about roles (and scheduling interviews for you) until you’ve accepted one you’re really happy with!
When you’re considering your next career move, please get in touch with BCL Legal. We’re specialists across locations and practice areas and we work our hardest to provide you with a clear picture of what the job market looks like for you.