How my interview went, that is.
It did not start off well. First, no one knew I was coming. The HR manager with whom I was corresponding claimed I never confirmed. Umm, yes I did and I have the email to prove it.
But I still got to meet with the department head, and the interview went pretty well. The position is with a mid-size civil litigation firm that is expanding into family law. Family law isn't my top choice, but at least I would get some litigation experience, and at this point I'm not too picky. And I have experience in family law. This firm wanted an experienced attorney, but the department head said that the experience I had was great and shouldn't be an issue.
She also seemed impressed with my psych background, which actually is sort of useful for family law. Her main concern was finding someone who felt comfortable interviewing clients.
So everything was going great and I though we were getting along well. Until she asked what I wanted--like salary or hours. And I made the mistake of telling the truth. I said that I was willing to compromise a higher salary for lifestyle and that I would like to have dinner with my family more often than not. I emphasized that I was perfectly willing to do what was needed from home after my kids were in bed, but I think that I had already sunk my ship. Heaven forbid that there is an attorney who wants to be home by 6:00 pm at least 3 nights a week. I think they tricked me--all their talk of how family friendly they were. And I got too comfortable and fell for it. I should know better by now.
So anyway, she said that I would have to have a second interview with a partner before any decisions were made, and that the HR manager should contact me within a few days. I guess we'll see. Meanwhile, I sent a follow-up email trying to clean up all the messes without making it look like that was what I was doing.
2 comments:
Nothing will change for women unless some of us are willing to stand up for our needs and set boundaries. I hope that she appreciated your candor. :)
Good news about the HR person is that once you're hired you rarely have to interact with them as an attorney. Sending lots of good luck vibes your way!
I completely agree. Unfortunately I need to get my foot in the door somewhere before I can start standing up. It just feels like things are still so backward. Maybe part of it is that I am in a pretty conservative part of the country--or maybe it's just the legal field.
Thanks for the good luck vibes!
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