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Why does this feel so personal??
Hello FGBers! I need to let off some steam...
I know it's not personal, but it's hard to separate that. I'm a fairly new attorney (I'm less than five years out of law school, which is a second career for me) and always saw myself working for a nonprofit or a government agency. Over the summer (just before a fellowship ended), I was getting multiple interviews (though never made it to the 'you're hired!' stage). Having no offers after my fellowship ended, and still wanting to do the same type of work, I struck out on my own three months ago. I'm still applying for jobs, but have not gotten a single interview from any potential employers. It's so frustrating to have even more experience in my field and have hiring managers show less interest.
How are others dealing with these frustrations? I'd appreciate any tips on maintaining a positive self image in the face of rejection (particularly during COVID). Thanks for reading!
23 Comments
Kim RoffeyExperienced strategist and consultant
98
12/02/20 at 5:12PM UTC
Hang in there. This is not a normal year and so much hiring has been either on hold or there are dozens more applicants to existing roles. Don't lose faith in yourself. It's been a frustrating year is a multitude of ways. I think surrounding yourself with people you trust and who support you is your best first step. Talking with them regularly will help vent your frustrations. Those two things alone will help so much. And then I think it's keeping at it. Don't lose faith -- just focus on putting one foot in front of the other when you're feeling frustrated. Your continued momentum will pay off, the right role will come!
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1 Reply
Jessica ChristyNew Law Firm Owner
74
12/02/20 at 5:17PM UTC
Thank you for the reminder about who I surround myself with!
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Kristen Rock Star Administrator
56
12/02/20 at 5:20PM UTC
I feel your frustration for sure-and totally sympathize with you. I was laid off from a long term position that I loved due to COVID. As I make my way back out into the interviewing world, I could cut my frustration and eat it for dinner. One thing I have noticed when applying for jobs posted on Indeed or LinkedIn is that there will mostly be an approximate number of applicants listed. One job I applied to ended up having over 600 applications before the posting was closed. It's a tough time for everyone! I don't know that I have any worthwhile tips for you-I'm kind of muddling through. However, I do think it's important to remember how the world is impacted right now, try to keep a sense of humor-find joy in little things, remind yourself daily of how awesome you are and try to stay busy. Almost every little project around my house that I could afford to tackle while only receiving unemployment compensation has been tackled. At some point, hopefully in the not too distant future, the world will right itself again and you will come through all the better for having toughed it out. All the best!
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Jessica ChristyNew Law Firm Owner
74
12/03/20 at 5:24PM UTC
Thank you for the heartfelt response
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Denise FletcherHR Manager/HR Business Partner in metro Detroit
13
12/04/20 at 4:18PM UTC
I hear you. I have reorganized and cleared out my basement, garage and every closet in the house. It feels good to tackle tasks I had put off for a long time. Plus I donated many, many items that hopefully will be helpful to someone in need.
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Michele Burling
186
12/02/20 at 6:38PM UTC
Jessica, OF COURSE IT'S PERSONAL! (please pardon all caps, don't see way here to bold or italicize)...[hint to FGB mgt]
You are the one affected.
But as with anything in life, it's about how you handle it. And your willingness to start your own business shows you have the stuff to succeed.
So, if on LinkedIn - start posting and commenting and connecting.
Check on the web for your local Alignable small business interaction site. Build your connections there or with local Chamber of Commerce with local small businesses and probably some charities will be represented there as well.
Attend charitable events, volunteer, share your business card and story as appropriate...it may take time, but it will be worth it. Perhaps volunteer to serve on the board or provide pro-bono guidance for a local mission.
As to your self-care, come here for inspiration. On LinkedIn you can follow Leadership First and Emotional Intelligence for more inspiration and guidance. On Facebook, there is a group called The Champion Inside - members only - women only - need invite, message me if interested.
Make yourself a schedule, create time for learning, reading, hobbies, exercise...eat, sleep, breathe. Not 24/7 job search - it will drive you insane [been there, done that!].
Good luck & keep us posted!
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1 Reply
Annabelle Pereira
62
12/03/20 at 3:30AM UTC
I think Michele’s advice is really spot-on! I would add trying to become more involved in the local, state and national bar association sections for the legal areas you’re focused on. It may help to make connections, be a more effective platform for your thought leadership and of course help connect you to more job opportunities.
I also wonder if there might be an opportunity for you to supervise law students at a non-profit legal clinic. That could be an option to showcase your leadership skills and continue to build your reputation in the nonprofit space.
Best of luck!
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1 Reply
Jessica ChristyNew Law Firm Owner
74
12/03/20 at 5:25PM UTC
Thank you both!
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Cyndy TrivellaManaging Partner, Media & Marketing Consultancy
74
12/03/20 at 1:53PM UTC
I can understand your frustration, and yes, it definitely is personal.
You're an individual who has a lot of value to offer, but if people don't know that value aside from what they read on a resume, they likely won't take the time to find out on their own, so you need to show them.
Even though these are crazy times and networking in person is difficult if not impossible, there are venues such as specific LinkedIn groups that have people you can interact with and show them your value. Rule of thumb when interacting in LinkedIn groups, it is best to give before you expect to get. Interact for a time with people who you believe could be a resource for you and you for them. Give them a chance to see your value.
Also, have you tapped into the career center at the school where you graduated? They can serve as another resource for you.
And, do you have a mentor who you can bounce ideas of off and collaborate with to help in your job search? Someone working in your profession would probably serve you best as they are close to the topic.
A friend of mine who was out of work for a long time, used to contact hiring managers at the companies on his target list. He would invite them out for coffee or breakfast. Again, very difficult right now because of the times in which we're living. A potential workaround here is to contact these key people and ask for 20-30 minutes of their time for a call, then send them a small token of your appreciation (e.g. $5 Starbucks gift card).
Good luck and let us know what ultimately happens for you.
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Jessica ChristyNew Law Firm Owner
74
12/03/20 at 5:25PM UTC
Thank you!
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Tami NelsonEntertainment & Media Portfolio Leader
127
12/04/20 at 2:12PM UTC
Jessica I agree with everyone’s advice and I so admire your courage in starting a firm. Do you realize how monumental that is?! Keep going. I don’t have additional advice, simply an anecdote. I had lunch with one of my favorite recruiters last week who’s also become a friend. Her prediction is the job market will be on fire come Jan/Feb as most companies are laying in wait for freezes to be released. Of course this is not fact, but instinct. However, I hope in a small way it offers hope. Take care xx
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Pamela (Princess Amela) G. JohnsonAMPAS Screenwriting Studio EIC, Multi-Trade-Jill
29
12/04/20 at 2:30PM UTC
For years I had a Private Attorney "Usually available to review Business & Misc Contracts for Individuals." He handled a few matters-including a nasty Divorce that dragged on more than a year. I asked him how he got into this: A lot of Law Students find they don't get support in getting into a Corporate job with a Partner track, so we usually end up in private practice a few years until we have enough proven survival skills in Business and Charitable Incorporations to be viewed as Desirable by larger, more secure Law Corporations. It's a Sink or Swim technique Law Schools have to teach Personal Resilience.
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JoAnne McClure Raatz
45
12/04/20 at 3:05PM UTC
I suggest volunteering somewhere where you interact with people. This will boost your spirits and your self confidence - you may end up networking too!
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Anonymous
12/04/20 at 3:41PM UTC
It’s definitely not personal. Last month alone 400,000 people dropped out of the labor force. So by staying in the game you’re doing a lot better than many others. As others have pointed out this market is not normal. We have only recovered roughly fifty percent of the jobs lost during the pandemic. As an experienced recruiter I’m going to get real with you. It might be best to get a contract job, any job, to keep your finances healthy while continuing to search for your dream job and the economy improves. Many more people are going to drop out of the workforce and the best way to prevent yourself from getting discouraged is to stay connected to the workforce. Better days are ahead, we know that! You just need to hang in there until the tide turns.
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Tiasha Stevenson
89
12/04/20 at 4:09PM UTC
I'm pretty good at getting call backs from recruiters and hiring managers, even if the job doesn't represent a good fit. I'd love to share some of my tips with you one on one, if you're open to it. I believe you can message me via this website, then we can set up a time to connect.
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Anonymous
12/04/20 at 4:35PM UTC
You mention that this is a second career. After being laid off 8 months ago, after a very successful career, and not being able to find a job (yes recognizing that it has been a strange year) I can attest that ageism is real! Could that be playing a part? From my perspective, that is VERY personal!
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Joanna Jiang
40
12/04/20 at 5:01PM UTC
Hi Jessica, this is a very bold suggestion: if monetary concern is not a huge priority right now, would you ever consider starting something on your own? Yes job opportunities are scarce, but I do see places that can benefit from your expertise and interests in non-profits. Such as: small businesses looking for economic relief, underprivileged residents can make use of second-hand-goods and the donors receive a tax receipt in return? I myself have been thinking over these ideas, but unaware of any legal boundaries. We can keep chatting if this is something you are interested in :)
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Genevieve Sheridan
41
12/04/20 at 5:47PM UTC
Right now creating your own opportunity is the right thing to do. I was a nonprofit Executive Director (second career) who left my job to have a baby because my state offered no paid family leave and my husband got a job out of state. In March, I started a business out of necessity, realizing how tough the job market would be. Never underestimate the power of MicroEnterprise. It’s what drives our entire economy. If you think you will stick with your own business, How to Manage a Law Firm provides business consulting to make it profitable. In the meantime, I recommend volunteering for Legal Aid. It’s the one place that low income families can get legal help for evictions, which are still happening. A wave of mass evictions are possible on Jan 1st. I recently found LeanIn.org which coordinates circles of professional women that convene virtually. One of my attorney friends said that sexism is still all too real, not only for jobs but in her private practice. individuals tend to want to work with male attorneys, so she doesn’t post her photo on her website. That just floored me. I personally would want a female attorney. Right now, we need to go where we never thought we would set foot, try something we never would have dreamed of, find unexpected allies, serve causes that would have seemed crazy if it weren’t for an even crazier world that we are now in. I wish you the best in your journey.
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Anonymous
12/04/20 at 6:46PM UTC
Hi, Ms. Christy: Interviewing during COVID-19 crisis is only going to exacerbate trends that occur in better, and even is expansion, times. That is, the number of e-applicants for any single job is utterly astonishing (600 one of your commenters cited; that's on the low-side!). Secondly, I found-out late in life that "people hire people who remind themselves of themselves", a hugely unfortunate possibility, given that you are on a second career, and many current hiring managers are 20-somethings or 30-somethings. These are real barriers to even landing an interview, for which there is no real remedy. That said, job-prospecting, where you're reaching=out to not-for-profits, stating precisely how you can reduce their "pain" --- help them achieve a near-term goal, will probably work better. There is a great interest among not-for-profits this year on health-equity and environmental-justice for communities underserved or environmentally-assaulted. So, if you'd consider a law career in poverty-law, that might help?
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Jessica ChristyNew Law Firm Owner
74
12/07/20 at 4:27PM UTC
I am certainly focused on providing cost-effective services to low-income clients, which has proved to be quite rewarding thus far. Thank you!
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Anonymous
12/04/20 at 8:11PM UTC
Hi! I’m so sorry it’s such a tough time. Quick advice from a recruiter (and you may already be doing these things, so if so - ignore!);
1) Find an advocate, and network - always whole bringing value to the table for the other person (just saying “I want to talk to you” is never enough reason for someone else to give up their valuable time to meet/chat.
2) If you are not asking for feedback from each interview, make that a habit. If you don’t know what you could have done/said/presented better (and know how you compared to whoever DID get the job in those areas instead of you) you are doing yourself a disservice!
3) Don’t eliminate other possible avenues of interest for yourself other than nonprofit, etc. If you’re not seeing any luck down one lane, that’s okay! It doesn’t mean you can’t come back to it. Explore other avenues/spaces and just get started on that journey!
You’re asking all the right questions. All will work out how it should! Trust yourself and your smarts :)
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Cindy Wilson
27
12/04/20 at 9:28PM UTC
I, as well as many others, hear your frustration. It is great that you struck it out on your own. It can sometimes be a matter of the right place and right time. I've been looking for another job since July 2020. Looking for a job is in itself a full-time job. I can't stand to be unemployed so I took on a temporary job with the election this year which was a great experience and very interesting too. I have occupied my time with seeking out job search groups and did connect with one in my area in Houston, TX and they provided me with a ton of resources. Maybe there is something like that in your area?
Also, as a result of this job search group which is led through a ministry-Between Jobs Ministry (but does not beat you over the head with it), they suggested that job searchers have a business card with your name, phone number, email address, link to LinkedIn and list your skills, credentials and what type of job you are looking for. There are websites out there that offer affordable rates on business cards such as hotcards.com.
Volunteering is a great idea as well if you can afford to. Continue to educate yourself to keep your mind stimulated and current with the issues related to your field of work and field of interest. There are websites out there as well. If you are unemployed and receiving unemployment, continue researching what trainings are available because they can assist with the expense or cover the entire expense for training.
Keep your head up and keep PUSHing (Praying Until Something Happens). This is only a temporary state of being and something better is coming. Also, dreams don't work unless you do.
Best wishes to you and to many others of us struggling to find employment during a critical time in our nation.
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Laura Ann Klein
109
12/05/20 at 1:22AM UTC
I need an attorney to do estate planning and a pre nup type of document so hit me up if you can practice in Colorado and practice this type of law.
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