Background:
Buchanan recently faced a challenging but rewarding situation while working with a candidate in the legal sector who had already resigned from her previous position. The candidate, a highly skilled lawyer, was in the middle of completing a three-month project with an international organisation and had received an offer from a leading US law firm. However, she was not entirely satisfied with how the process was unfolding, particularly as the US firm was unwilling to be flexible with her start date. The candidate needed a firm that would not only offer her the right career opportunities but also accommodate her existing commitments. This created a delicate balancing act as she navigated her options while still completing her project abroad.
The Challenge:
The main challenge in this case stemmed from the candidate’s unique set of circumstances. She was in a transitional phase, having already resigned from her current firm and committed to a short-term project overseas. While this meant the resignation process had already been dealt with smoothly, it left her in a vulnerable position. The offer from the US firm was enticing, but it came with a rigid start date that conflicted with her project. Furthermore, the candidate had concerns about the overall process with the US firm, feeling that her needs were not being prioritised. She was hesitant to accept an offer that would force her to cut short her project or compromise on her career preferences.
There were no major legal considerations to address, but the timing and flexibility required were crucial. She also needed to find a firm that aligned with her long-term goals without rushing her into a decision. With another offer already on the table, the candidate was looking for reassurance that she could find a firm willing to prioritise her individual needs and support her in the way she needed.
Buchanan’s Solution:
From the outset, Buchanan’s approach was to provide the candidate with the clarity and confidence she needed to make the right decision for her career. We were the first headhunting firm to engage with her, and during our initial conversations, we were able to put her mind at ease. She had previously felt boxed in by the offer from the US firm and had not considered the full range of options available in the market. Our role was to show her that there were other firms that could not only match but exceed her expectations.
We provided detailed market insights, guiding her through the available opportunities and encouraging her to consider multiple firms before making a final decision. This was an eye-opening process for the candidate, who had previously been inclined to accept the first offer she received. We also worked closely with her to prepare for interviews, helping her understand the process, anticipate the types of questions that would likely arise, and present herself in a way that highlighted her unique skills and experiences.
Most importantly, we negotiated on her behalf to secure the flexibility she needed with the start date. While the competing US firm had been unwilling to accommodate her request, we successfully arranged a start date that allowed her to complete her project and begin her new role without unnecessary pressure.
The Outcome:
Thanks to our support, the candidate ultimately secured a position with a firm that not only met her professional expectations but exceeded them. She was thrilled to find a firm that aligned with both her career ambitions and personal needs, providing a level of flexibility and understanding she hadn’t experienced in her previous negotiations.
In her new role, the candidate is thriving, working on high-quality legal matters while maintaining a balanced lifestyle — something she had feared might be impossible to find. This move has allowed her to continue advancing her career without sacrificing her personal commitments, and she is now on a path that offers both professional fulfilment and a work-life balance that suits her needs. The outcome of this case highlights Buchanan’s commitment to not just finding candidates any role, but finding them the right role — one that fits both their current circumstances and their long-term goals.
Background:
Buchanan recently faced a challenging but rewarding situation while working with a candidate in the legal sector who had already resigned from her previous position. The candidate, a highly skilled lawyer, was in the middle of completing a three-month project with an international organisation and had received an offer from a leading US law firm. However, she was not entirely satisfied with how the process was unfolding, particularly as the US firm was unwilling to be flexible with her start date. The candidate needed a firm that would not only offer her the right career opportunities but also accommodate her existing commitments. This created a delicate balancing act as she navigated her options while still completing her project abroad.
The Challenge:
The main challenge in this case stemmed from the candidate’s unique set of circumstances. She was in a transitional phase, having already resigned from her current firm and committed to a short-term project overseas. While this meant the resignation process had already been dealt with smoothly, it left her in a vulnerable position. The offer from the US firm was enticing, but it came with a rigid start date that conflicted with her project. Furthermore, the candidate had concerns about the overall process with the US firm, feeling that her needs were not being prioritised. She was hesitant to accept an offer that would force her to cut short her project or compromise on her career preferences.
There were no major legal considerations to address, but the timing and flexibility required were crucial. She also needed to find a firm that aligned with her long-term goals without rushing her into a decision. With another offer already on the table, the candidate was looking for reassurance that she could find a firm willing to prioritise her individual needs and support her in the way she needed.
Buchanan’s Solution:
From the outset, Buchanan’s approach was to provide the candidate with the clarity and confidence she needed to make the right decision for her career. We were the first headhunting firm to engage with her, and during our initial conversations, we were able to put her mind at ease. She had previously felt boxed in by the offer from the US firm and had not considered the full range of options available in the market. Our role was to show her that there were other firms that could not only match but exceed her expectations.
We provided detailed market insights, guiding her through the available opportunities and encouraging her to consider multiple firms before making a final decision. This was an eye-opening process for the candidate, who had previously been inclined to accept the first offer she received. We also worked closely with her to prepare for interviews, helping her understand the process, anticipate the types of questions that would likely arise, and present herself in a way that highlighted her unique skills and experiences.
Most importantly, we negotiated on her behalf to secure the flexibility she needed with the start date. While the competing US firm had been unwilling to accommodate her request, we successfully arranged a start date that allowed her to complete her project and begin her new role without unnecessary pressure.
The Outcome:
Thanks to our support, the candidate ultimately secured a position with a firm that not only met her professional expectations but exceeded them. She was thrilled to find a firm that aligned with both her career ambitions and personal needs, providing a level of flexibility and understanding she hadn’t experienced in her previous negotiations.
In her new role, the candidate is thriving, working on high-quality legal matters while maintaining a balanced lifestyle — something she had feared might be impossible to find. This move has allowed her to continue advancing her career without sacrificing her personal commitments, and she is now on a path that offers both professional fulfilment and a work-life balance that suits her needs. The outcome of this case highlights Buchanan’s commitment to not just finding candidates any role, but finding them the right role — one that fits both their current circumstances and their long-term goals.
