LinkedIn Research & Outreach VA – Legal Recruitment

Job Title LinkedIn Research & Outreach VA – Legal Recruitment Job Description I run a UK-based legal recruitment business focused on placing mid-level lawyers at top City and US law firms. I am looking for a Virtual Assistant to support the recruitment business by identifying suitable candidates on LinkedIn and initiating first-touch outreach conversations in a controlled, professional way. This is a research-driven role with a defined outreach component. The focus is on accuracy, consistency, and following precise instructions. This is not an executive assistant or general admin role. The role does not involve inbox management, calendar scheduling, content creation, or client-facing support. The role is suitable for someone who enjoys structured research, working to clear criteria, and producing clean, reliable outputs rather than exercising creativity or independent judgement. What you will be doing Your core responsibility will be LinkedIn research and candidate mapping. You will search LinkedIn and Sales Navigator to identify lawyers who meet specific criteria relating to practice area, seniority, firm background, and location. You will assess profiles carefully to determine suitability, including estimating post-qualification experience using graduation dates, qualification timelines, and career history, with guidance provided. You will map suitable candidates into structured spreadsheets, ensuring data is accurate, complete, and consistently formatted. Once candidates are identified, you will send initial outreach messages via LinkedIn or Sales Navigator using strict, pre-approved templates. These messages are designed only to initiate a conversation and gauge openness to a confidential discussion. You will not personalise messages beyond instructed variables, and you will not improvise language or messaging. You will log responses clearly, categorising candidates as interested, neutral, not interested, or no response, and flag interested candidates for handover. All follow-up conversations, qualification, and relationship management will be handled by me. You will work from clear written instructions, examples, and criteria, and will be expected to ask for clarification rather than guess if anything is unclear. What you will not be doing You will not manage inboxes, calendars, bookings, or reminders. You will not communicate with clients or law firms. You will not sell roles, discuss mandates, name clients or firms unless expressly authorised, or answer questions about salary, structure, or strategy. You will not book calls or manage conversations beyond the initial response. You will not create content, use Canva, manage social media, or exercise independent judgement outside defined criteria. What I am looking for Strong written English and the ability to communicate professionally and clearly. High attention to detail and accuracy, particularly when working with names, titles, dates, and career history. Comfort spending extended periods conducting structured LinkedIn research. The ability to follow instructions exactly and work methodically without improvisation. A calm, disciplined working style with a focus on consistency rather than speed alone. Willingness to ask questions when unsure rather than make assumptions. Partial overlap with UK working hours is preferred. Experience with LinkedIn research, candidate sourcing, recruitment support, or data mapping is an advantage, but not required if you can demonstrate precision, discipline, and reliability. Hours and pay 20–30 hours per week to start, with potential to increase over time. This is intended to be a long-term role for the right person. Hourly rate dependent on experience; please include your rate in your application. How to apply Please briefly confirm any experience you have with LinkedIn research or candidate sourcing, and confirm that you are comfortable with a role focused primarily on research, structured outreach, and data accuracy rather than general admin or executive support.