LegalJob recently learned of the following rejection story. LegalJob featured the follow-up advice (to the junior associate) in Monday’s mailbag series.
LegalJob recently learned of the following rejection story. LegalJob featured the follow-up advice (to the junior associate) in Monday's mailbag series.
Q: I interviewed at [big firm x] after my friend who works there suggested to the firm that my background and experience would fit in well with the lateral associate position available. I thought the interviews generally went well. The people I met with were pleasant and it was clear (to me anyway) that my experience made me very qualified for the position. I received a form rejection letter that surprised me. My friend says that the firm has decided not to fill the position at this time but the firm will keep me in mind in the future. I am not sure what to make of that.
Answer: LegalJob suggests that the letter does not have to be the end of the story, especially if you felt a connection to the people and you were still interested in the position. Try the following steps:
Call a couple of the folks you interviewed with and ask them to provide you some feedback about your candidacy/interviews
Request (in writing) to be reconsidered for the position (either currently or whenever the firm decides to hire someone.
Request to be considered for a contract position in the department (as opposed to a full-time associate position).
Reach out to the other attorneys you met during your interviews and request to meet for coffee.