By Adam Turteltaub

What should you ask when first approached about a job by a recruiter? What should you ask during the interview to ensure that there is a cultural fit, and that the compliance program has management support? What skills do hiring managers want in compliance officers? And what’s the overall market like?

To get answers to these questions we sat down with a professional recruiter who specializes in compliance positions, Jamie Browne, Managing Director, Corporate Governance, Leonid Group.

He had good news: there is strong demand for compliance professionals, especially in hot areas like export controls. But there is also strong demand for a broad range of knowledge, with compliance teams globally being asked to oversee directly or indirectly a wide range of legal and regulatory risk areas.

For a compliance officer looking to test the waters or approached by a recruiter, he recommends by asking for as many details about the compliance program as possible right at the start. That includes understanding why there is an opening.  Is this a new position?  Is it a replacement, and if so, why is there now an opening?

Be sure not to be shy and to ask early about the sometimes awkward but important practical considerations: what is the salary range, is the job in office, remoter or hybrid and will they pay for relocation? You don’t want to go down the road just to have one of these potential deal breakers get in the way.

Once you are in the door and talking to the organization, he also encourages candidates to ask about the compliance culture to determine how strong it is. Also, ask about the overall culture so you can get a better feel for the company and the people you will be working with.

He also advises asking about the travel budget. For one, the ability to see things firsthand and build rapport is crucial. Second, it can be a sign of the organization’s commitment to the compliance program.

Listen in to learn more about these topics and the value of a legal degree in the current market.

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To hear Jamie’s advice to employers on recruiting the best candidate, click here.