Well, the end of the month is nearing and October has been the same like the last 10 months. Albeit, I was able to apply for 5 attorney positions. My last application required a letter of recommendation from an attorney or someone in the legal profession and my former supervisor was very gracious enough to write one for me. I haven't really kept in touch with my old boss but she must know it's bad considering she's aware I don't have a job.
I can't believe November will arrive. It was about this time last year I could start to feel the brevity of the approaching results. I even thought to myself if I should study now and give myself a two week head start just in case I didn't pass. All that needless studying, I figured, would be more than welcomed if I saw my name on the list. So to all you waiting, I wish the best.
Sunday, October 30, 2011
Saturday, October 22, 2011
Groundhog Day
I'm pretty sure I replied to the same job posting for the third time in 4 months. If I'm correct, I interviewed with this office in July. I'm assuming they still remember me because I haven't heard any responses from them since the other times I applied. They probably wrote down on their notes, "Do not HIRE", during the interview.
Update 10-25-11
I saw another posting from an employer to whom I previously sent my application a month ago. I know it's the same one because unlike the other craigslist postings, the email listed was not made anonymous. The domain name is registered to a law firm so it's unlikely the ad is a scam. They probably just skipped over my file or weren't even interested but I wonder why would they recycle the same ad again? If you didn't get the preferred attorneys from a pool of hundreds of applicants the first time, I don't see how a month can make a difference. I wanted to make my own ad calling out all these other employers who keep putting up the same job postings but craigslist requires payment first. That idea was shot down.
Update 10-25-11
I saw another posting from an employer to whom I previously sent my application a month ago. I know it's the same one because unlike the other craigslist postings, the email listed was not made anonymous. The domain name is registered to a law firm so it's unlikely the ad is a scam. They probably just skipped over my file or weren't even interested but I wonder why would they recycle the same ad again? If you didn't get the preferred attorneys from a pool of hundreds of applicants the first time, I don't see how a month can make a difference. I wanted to make my own ad calling out all these other employers who keep putting up the same job postings but craigslist requires payment first. That idea was shot down.
Saturday, October 15, 2011
Caller ID
I woke up early this morning because my phone was ringing. I didn't recognize the number so I initially thought it was an employer who received my application and was going to ask me to come in for an interview. I was getting excited and my heart started jumping. I haven't received a call for almost two months now and it was going to be a great wake-up call. When I said "hello", an automated voice message from my cable company informed me my internet was back online. I should have known better it was Saturday and employers aren't likely going to be at the office. I hung up and went back to dreaming about better days.
Monday, October 10, 2011
Just As Expected
Well it's been a little over four weeks since I got the reply from that government attorney position and as expected, I didn't hear anything back. I called their office to check my status and they said if I wasn't contacted already, my name will still be on their list for another 6 months. Despite that setback, October has started to be a better month than September in the job search quest for now. I was able to apply to three attorney positions, albeit nothing is guaranteed but it already totaled the number of applications I sent the previous month.
I have a feeling more applications will be available the sooner bar results come out. I suspect this to be true because firms are aware of the release date and are eager to reel in fresh attorneys who will sadly be eager to work for low paying or non paying employment. I hope I'm not one of them.
I have a feeling more applications will be available the sooner bar results come out. I suspect this to be true because firms are aware of the release date and are eager to reel in fresh attorneys who will sadly be eager to work for low paying or non paying employment. I hope I'm not one of them.
Saturday, October 8, 2011
September to Remember
[Originally posted 10-1-11. All future posts will now new.]
Well, not really. September is the first month when I wasn't able to land an interview since being licensed in December. I always had at least one interview each month since then but that streak came to an end. Overall, September was a slow month in the job search quest. I think I only applied to maybe 3 or 4 positions and most likely won't hear any replies back. I did get that notice from that government position I mentioned in an earlier post but other than that news, everything was devoid of employment prospects. On top of that pile, my fellow blogger FJD had to leave the country so the room feels emptier now. Here's to wishing October brings something anew.
Last Time Tears Fell From My Eye
[Originally posted 9-20-11]
Attorneys have a reputation for being cold, callous, and arrogant but I've been very fortunate to come across good people through my time. However, I've personally met a few lawyers who perpetuate those aforementioned stereotypes.
During my first year in law school, I clerked at the local public defender's office. I was mainly assigned to assist attorneys in the aggravated crimes division. One of my duties consisted of gathering and summarizing vasts amounts of information and composing the collected data into a notebook which the attorney would use for his case. I would sift through hundreds of documents like police reports, witness accounts collected from the office's investigators and my own efforts, crime scene and evidence photos, etc.. Since I got this information first, I would know more about the case than the attorney did. Normally, one project would take 6-7 hours to complete. In one particular homicide case, I spent a total of three days completing the task. I was so happy to be done because I completed it before my last day at the office. I was very proud, too, because I felt it was my best job. I didn't get to meet all the attorneys I made these notebooks for. I mostly worked with paralegals who taught me how to do these kinds of things. I was surprised how much of the law and the nuances of the criminal justice system these paralegals knew. It's really people behind the scenes that hold everything together. I didn't do much "lawyer work" such as writing motions or legal research. I did it a few times before I was assigned to this particular division. I didn't mind at all because this unit needed some support which I was eager to help. The paralegals were gracious I was there and my supervisor also appreciated my help.
So like I mentioned, it was my last day. There was only one paralegal and me present but she left early for her prenatal exam with her doctor. Before she left, she asked me to make copies for her in a case she was working on. I was in the supply room making copies and an attorney walked in. I introduced myself and he did as well. After some small talk, he saw me feeding the documents into the copier and asked me a question I still remember to this day, "Have you been doing anything meaningful besides copying?"At first, it took me a little by surprise. I didn't understand the meaning of that word , 'meaningful.' About two seconds passed before I informed him of the work I was doing. He then said, "You're trying to be a lawyer and you're just doing that?" He rolled his eyes and walked back to his office. At that moment, I didn't know what to think. The room felt quiet even with a machine spitting out paper next to me. I went back to the paralegal room and sat in my cubicle just staring at the computer screen which was as blank as my face. I was thinking about all the weeks I've been there. Me being the only clerk they've had in years. All the times waking up 5:30 in the morning and arriving back home 6 in the evening. My Friday nights being shot because all I wanted to do was rest. The more I thought, the more saturated my eyes became until a trail of tears came streaming down my cheek. I quickly gathered myself because I didn't want anyone to see me like this. Before I left, I logged into my computer to check all my documents were saved. I opened my last file, the one that took me three days to complete, and I saw the name of the the attorney who was going to handle the case. It was the same attorney who asked if I did anything meaningful.
I packed up my stuff and went to my supervisor's office to say bye. I thanked her for this opportunity and she was very grateful too. She told me to keep in touch because she'd like me to work there in the future. I never told her what happened. I just like to keep those things to myself. I'm actually glad I went through that experience. It motivated me through law school and still pushes me. I know one day I'll look back and see how far I've come. Got to keep on.
During my first year in law school, I clerked at the local public defender's office. I was mainly assigned to assist attorneys in the aggravated crimes division. One of my duties consisted of gathering and summarizing vasts amounts of information and composing the collected data into a notebook which the attorney would use for his case. I would sift through hundreds of documents like police reports, witness accounts collected from the office's investigators and my own efforts, crime scene and evidence photos, etc.. Since I got this information first, I would know more about the case than the attorney did. Normally, one project would take 6-7 hours to complete. In one particular homicide case, I spent a total of three days completing the task. I was so happy to be done because I completed it before my last day at the office. I was very proud, too, because I felt it was my best job. I didn't get to meet all the attorneys I made these notebooks for. I mostly worked with paralegals who taught me how to do these kinds of things. I was surprised how much of the law and the nuances of the criminal justice system these paralegals knew. It's really people behind the scenes that hold everything together. I didn't do much "lawyer work" such as writing motions or legal research. I did it a few times before I was assigned to this particular division. I didn't mind at all because this unit needed some support which I was eager to help. The paralegals were gracious I was there and my supervisor also appreciated my help.
So like I mentioned, it was my last day. There was only one paralegal and me present but she left early for her prenatal exam with her doctor. Before she left, she asked me to make copies for her in a case she was working on. I was in the supply room making copies and an attorney walked in. I introduced myself and he did as well. After some small talk, he saw me feeding the documents into the copier and asked me a question I still remember to this day, "Have you been doing anything meaningful besides copying?"At first, it took me a little by surprise. I didn't understand the meaning of that word , 'meaningful.' About two seconds passed before I informed him of the work I was doing. He then said, "You're trying to be a lawyer and you're just doing that?" He rolled his eyes and walked back to his office. At that moment, I didn't know what to think. The room felt quiet even with a machine spitting out paper next to me. I went back to the paralegal room and sat in my cubicle just staring at the computer screen which was as blank as my face. I was thinking about all the weeks I've been there. Me being the only clerk they've had in years. All the times waking up 5:30 in the morning and arriving back home 6 in the evening. My Friday nights being shot because all I wanted to do was rest. The more I thought, the more saturated my eyes became until a trail of tears came streaming down my cheek. I quickly gathered myself because I didn't want anyone to see me like this. Before I left, I logged into my computer to check all my documents were saved. I opened my last file, the one that took me three days to complete, and I saw the name of the the attorney who was going to handle the case. It was the same attorney who asked if I did anything meaningful.
I packed up my stuff and went to my supervisor's office to say bye. I thanked her for this opportunity and she was very grateful too. She told me to keep in touch because she'd like me to work there in the future. I never told her what happened. I just like to keep those things to myself. I'm actually glad I went through that experience. It motivated me through law school and still pushes me. I know one day I'll look back and see how far I've come. Got to keep on.
Transcripts of So Close Yet So Far
[Originally posted 9-16-11]
The following is a transcript of voicemail messages left from a potential employer beginning from the reply to the rejection. Names and other information have been redacted to preserve anonymity. These correspondences occurred in early July 2011. I've been saving similar voicemails for a long time. I have ones almost a year old now. I've deleted other messages but I always keep these ones. I really don't know why I do it, maybe for the hell of it. Anyway, here it is:
The following is a transcript of voicemail messages left from a potential employer beginning from the reply to the rejection. Names and other information have been redacted to preserve anonymity. These correspondences occurred in early July 2011. I've been saving similar voicemails for a long time. I have ones almost a year old now. I've deleted other messages but I always keep these ones. I really don't know why I do it, maybe for the hell of it. Anyway, here it is:
Message 1 (July 12, 2011):
"Hello, this message is for [John Doe]. My name is [Hiring Attorney]. About three weeks ago, I posted an ad on craigslist for an entry level position with my office. I went through your application and I was wondering if you would be able to come in for an interview sometime this week. Please, give me a call back as soon as you can. My phone number is [####]. Once again my name is [Hiring Attorney] and that number is [####]. Thank you."
Message 2: (July 19, 2011)
"Hello [John Doe], this is [Hiring Attorney]. I’m calling to see if you are still interested in the job position you interviewed for last week. It’s between you and another attorney . If you are still interested, I’d like you to come in again and interview with my assistant, Jennifer. She really runs everything and if you are hired, you’d be working with her a lot. So I think it’s important , she’d have an idea of who the new hire would be. So if you can call my office and schedule an appointment, that’d be great. Thanks!"
Message 3 (July 26, 2011):
"Hey [John Doe] this is [Hiring Attorney], just calling to follow up with you from your interviews with the office. We did hire somebody else for the position but I want to thank you for your time and interest. I know nobody likes to come in second but unfortunately that’s what you did. Out of 200 attorneys who applied , you were the second best guy we had, so you almost got the job. I’m going to keep your resume on file. If we need somebody else, you’d be the first guy I’ll call and I wish you luck in whatever you do. I know you’re going to be a great lawyer for somebody. Good luck to you , [John Doe.]"
Just Throwing It Out There
[Originally posted 9-13-11]
Well, I got a response from one of those state government jobs I applied to 5 months ago. It was just a letter saying if I'm still interested in the position to reply and if I don't hear anything within 3-4 weeks, just assume I didn't get the position. Chances are I won't hear anything but there's still a chance right? I haven't been able to apply to more jobs because none are available for someone like me.
It's almost a year since I passed the bar. I still remember what I was feeling just waiting for those results. I didn't think too much about it until the few days leading to the results. Just the waiting game I'm playing right now with this job hunt. I can't believe how time flies.
Well, I got a response from one of those state government jobs I applied to 5 months ago. It was just a letter saying if I'm still interested in the position to reply and if I don't hear anything within 3-4 weeks, just assume I didn't get the position. Chances are I won't hear anything but there's still a chance right? I haven't been able to apply to more jobs because none are available for someone like me.
It's almost a year since I passed the bar. I still remember what I was feeling just waiting for those results. I didn't think too much about it until the few days leading to the results. Just the waiting game I'm playing right now with this job hunt. I can't believe how time flies.
Friday, October 7, 2011
Resurrection
I wish the title corresponded to my job prospects but it's referring to the restoration of this blog. After so many appeals to google, I finally got this site back online! Maybe it's like that with my employment search too? Anyway, I'll be posting here. I'll miss my temporary site but damn it feels good to be back home!!
If you want to catch up what happened during the intermittent time, you can read my accounts over here. I'll try to transfer the relevant posts so you don't have to keep switching. Once again, I'm glad to be back here. Things haven't been going well but this news has been a glimmer of hope. I know it sounds corny but when you've been coming up empty, it's always nice to see something going your way.
If you want to catch up what happened during the intermittent time, you can read my accounts over here. I'll try to transfer the relevant posts so you don't have to keep switching. Once again, I'm glad to be back here. Things haven't been going well but this news has been a glimmer of hope. I know it sounds corny but when you've been coming up empty, it's always nice to see something going your way.
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