What was your initial approach to finding a job in the UK after moving from the US?
My initial approach was to apply directly to law firms and I had applied for roughly 60 to 70 roles. However, this approach was unsuccessful and any responses that I received tended to be the standardised mass volume rejection emails with no feedback.
How did your approach change?
My success in finding new roles both externally and internally whilst in New York had come from networking and so I turned to this approach again. I was advised to post my CV on a job board and speak to recruiters, which I had refrained from doing due to my past experiences in not finding them particularly helpful when in New York
What was the result of being more open with recruiters?
I was sceptical of speaking to recruiters and, unfortunately, my first experience in London was much the same. I met with an agency and was introduced to multiple recruiters who I spent 5-10 minutes with and I left slightly deflated as my previous experience was downplayed and I was told to re-adjust my expectations in the calibre of role and salary I was seeking. In the subsequent weeks there was little to no contact from the agency, which made the whole process seem very transactional in nature. I then spoke to two other agencies who both specialised in the legal sector and met with a consultant from Totum the next day. Despite my initial scepticism I was pleasantly surprised.

Totum Talks
Growth marks Totum’s 20 years in business
2023 marks Totum’s 20th anniversary – and a journey that has taken us from a recruitment business of just four people to 30 today. We