November 14, 2008 11:00 AM

Letter to Fall Recruits: An Offer You Might Have to Refuse

Posted by Ed Shanahan

By Lynne Traverse

It's the economy, stupid!

Coined during Bill Clinton's first presidential campaign, this phrase emphasized concerns about a recent--and at the time, seemingly severe--recession. Following a dramatic (22%) stock market collapse, that economic crisis affected several countries as well as the U.S. Those were very tough times for law firms, and many law students and young lawyers were forced to reinvent themselves as layoffs became common and previously secured jobs disappeared.

Sound familiar? Actually, that era seems like a walk in the park compared to what is happening right now. Law firms with long histories that appeared safe and solid have folded, stranding staff, potential summer associates, new associates, and partners and flooding markets with job-seekers. News of law firm layoffs has become an almost daily ritual.

On the employer side, we're also nervous and unsure. Remember, this crisis hit in the middle of our recruiting season, leaving us no time to prepare for or plan on contingencies we now face. An overloaded summer program, especially in a down economy, is the last thing any of us want to experience. The consequences? A lack of good work for interns, not enough offers to extend to otherwise qualified candidates, and a 2009 recruiting season flooded with desperate 3Ls without offers and dwindling prospects.

I have offered lots of advice this year on removing small mistakes and missteps from your professional presentation so that employers can see you for the great candidate you are. Beyond these tips, it's time now to raise the bar on your professionalism and do the best for you and others now.

Let Go of Offers You Don't Want

Are you holding onto an offer, or offers? Many of you probably have completed your call back interviews by now, and ideally you have offers to consider. The minute you have more than one in hand is the time to sit down, analyze your options, and start making decisions. At a minimum you should be able to quickly narrow your choices as you compare firms after each interview. The 45-day limit for responding to offers is the maximum amount of time. Quickly releasing offers allows employers to move on to students who may be on hold. In addition to harming other students, holding/hoarding offers at this point conveys a sense of indecision and less than total enthusiasm about the employer's opportunity.   This is not the way you want to begin your relationship with an employer.   

Wait-listed?

The firm you want has placed you on a "wait" or "hold" list. Frankly, at this late date, you may have to face the fact that your first choice will not extend an offer to you. In the meantime, other summer programs are filling up. Call the firm and talk to the recruiting professional to better assess your chances of getting off the list. That person should be sympathetic to honest and open questions. Let him or her know you are holding on to other offers but would prefer to work for them. Or, let them know your initial process is complete and you would like to understand what the timing of their process will be. You need the information, and recruiters and firms understand that. Hopefully, they will be honest with you about where things stand. Then, carefully review other options and choose an alternative you can live with.

Act Fast.

Firms are quickly reaching their targets for next summer and many are warning 2Ls that their acceptance may negatively impact the summer experience. This common (and accepted) practice is a very kind way of notifying students they would best be served by accepting elsewhere, but that the firm will honor their offer if absolutely necessary. Some firms have even been forced to rescind offers in the face of unusually high acceptance rates. If you have not received one of these calls, lucky you! But make a decision now to accept or decline an offer, and don't wait for the offer to disappear while you belabor your choices. Again, 45 days is the maximum--you're better served getting back to a firm within two weeks.

Communicate.

Even if you feel overwhelmed, respect the process by returning calls and e-mails from employers extending offers. This signals your interest in and enthusiasm for the firm.They will maintain a positive impression of you, which may be useful in the future. The firm has expended resources to recruit you, and it is flat out rude and unprofessional not to respond, to say nothing of the impact your delay has on fellow students waiting for an answer. This is particularly true of previously employed students whose deadline is November 15th. Many employers agree these students have been the worst offenders among the communication drop-outs.

While this advice won't guarantee success, maintaining your professional demeanor at all times is always the best path to follow. The image of integrity you create for yourself will benefit you throughout your career. These challenging times will pass, but perceptions about your character will remain and be remembered.

Lynne Traverse is recruiting and professional development manager at Bryan Cave.

Previous Columns:

Letter to Fall Recruits: Clean Up Your (Cyber) Space

Letter to the Summers: One Recruiter's Strategies for Success

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