How to Judge a Good Contingent Shortlist vs a Bad One in Legal Support Hiring

Overview:

A contingent shortlist is only as good as the thinking behind it. Some impress instantly. Others create more work than they solve.

Here’s how to tell the difference:

we are hiring flyers

1. A Good Shortlist Shows Relevance, Not Volume

You don’t need 10 CVs you need 3 that genuinely fit. A good recruiter filters heavily. A poor recruiter throws CVs at you hoping something sticks.

2. Experience Is Matched to Your Specific Role, Not a Generic One

Strong shortlists reflect:

• your practice area
• your systems
• your team style
• your workload

Weak shortlists ignore these.

3. The CVs Have Been Pre-Qualified Properly

This is the game-changer. A good recruiter checks:

• salary
• availability
• hybrid expectations
• accuracy & formatting experience
• PA/secretarial exposure
• software skills

A weak shortlist leaves you to figure this out yourself.

4. You Can See the Recruiter Has Actually Spoken to the Candidates

A proper shortlist has notes, context and commentary. A poor one has nothing but CVs pulled from a database.

5. Candidates Are Prepped and Motivated

You’ll feel it in their interviews. Good recruiters brief candidates properly meaning better interviews and fewer surprises.

Bottom Line

A strong contingent shortlist saves time, improves hiring decisions and leads to better long-term outcomes. A weak one does the opposite.

About Us

At HST Hiring Group, our contingent shortlists are built on relevance, accuracy and real pre-qualification saving NW firms time and reducing hiring risks.

About The HST Group

We find the best talent, across all sectors

Hiring well is simply a process, which can span a whole range of sectors. This winning process is  one we like to think we’re very good at!

We have unique technology offerings

Our bespoke technology enables us to get your job ads in front of the very best talent out there, which in turn enables us to give brilliant ROI to our clients.

We have an excellent track record

We’re incredibly proud of our track record, and the fact that 80% of our clients are repeat or ongoing customers!