Have you ever been love-bombed?
For those who aren’t familiar with the term, ‘love bombing’ is defined as “the action or practice of lavishing someone with attention or affection, especially in order to influence or manipulate them.” Generally speaking, in spite of the initially flattering sentiment, the term is associated with pretty negative connotations. This practice has trickled into the professional world over time, and the legal industry in particular is seeing a rise in love bombing when it comes to hiring new talent. But the reality is that these ‘love-bombing’ tactics can have the opposite effect and can actually do more harm than good. In this article, we’ll highlight some of the reasons firms might love-bomb you, and how best to navigate this.
Keep your wits about you
There’s no denying that the current hiring market within the legal sector is challenging, and competition for new talent is fierce, which is likely why love bombing is growing in popularity. If a firm finds a talented individual who may be interested in joining them, it’s no surprise that firms are somewhat overenthusiastic in expressing their eagerness to secure the candidate and make them a part of the team as soon as possible. But there’s a fine line between selling the opportunity and love bombing; whilst it’s hard not to get a bit of an ego boost from excess flattery on the part of a firm, it’s important to keep your wits about you and be awake to the realities of the opportunity on offer.
Assess the opportunity thoroughly
The best way to ensure you are making the right call when it comes to a new opportunity is to ensure you’re looking beyond the compliments and assessing the realities of the role properly. It’s crucial to ask the right questions in the interview process to fully comprehend the particulars of the role. Equally, take due diligence in researching the firm thoroughly and, if possible, try and get an idea of their culture, values, and EVP from their reputation within the market. All of this will put you in a good position to make a decision about the role based on its merit, as opposed to how their praise makes you feel. After all, this is in the best interest of both parties: however keen the firm may seem to get you onboard, their main priority will certainly be making a hire with longevity. The fit needs to be right for both of you.
Take time to reflect
It goes without saying that the decision to change firm is one that really shouldn’t be rushed. But, in the face of love bombing, it can become all too easy to be tempted to accept an offer without due consideration of whether it is the best move for you at this time. Ensure you are taking sufficient time to reflect on the opportunity and go with your gut: if you truly feel it is the right move for you, after assessing the particulars of the role, and you feel excited by the prospect of joining the firm, then it is likely to be the right choice.
Conclusion
It’s crucial for individuals who are in the interview process to remain vigilant and awake to the reality of the offer on the table. Ensure you are asking the right questions, doing your research, and making an informed decision. This way, both parties can truly assess whether the opportunity is the right match, and you will be investing in a more stable and genuinely committed partnership in the longer term.