Had another interview this morning. I was really apathetic going in. I have reached the point where I feel interviews are a waste of time because I never even get so far as a second interview. (Have I mentioned that I got the rejection letter from suburban DA's office? Other than being another kick in the gut while I was already down, I am ok with it. It was really too far to drive and I loathe the thought of selling my house right now.) Anyway, this was a for a law clerk position with the criminal courts in Big City. When I initially applied, I really wanted this job. But I applied about 6 weeks ago, and had nearly forgotten about it by the time they called for an interview. And over that time the interest kind of wore off--it would be all research, I wouldn't get to litigate and it's government so it wouldn't pay well.
But after the interview, I really want this job. That scares me, because it is hard enough to take rejection when I don't really care about the job--I don't want to deal with rejection from a job I really want. But this would give me great experience, put me in the perfect position to meet everyone remotely involved in crim law in Big City, and be a great way to start my career. Even the interviewer pointed out that most clerks get stolen by the DA or someone else--which is exactly what I was hoping for. Even thought I am occasionally blinded by visions of big money, my real goal has always been to work in the DA's office.
Overall the interview went ok. It was very relaxed and the chief interviewer was very nice and laid back. But then I discovered that one of the other interviewers just came over from the DA's office and she is the person that I had to pester to get the info I wanted for a paper I wrote last year. She remembered me and that I had to go through one of the judges to get the information I was seeking. I'm not sure that this is going to bode well for me.
So now I am desperately wanting this job, but not optimistic. They said they were doing interviews the rest of this week and into next week. I don't think that I have ever gotten a job that I actually had to compete for. Apparently charisma is not my virtue, and someone else always looks more appealing than me. Everyone I have actually worked for has praised my work--but I swear there were no other applicants for those positions and I was always hired on the spot. Maybe they just all had really low standards.
In slightly self-esteem raising news, I finally heard back from contract firm today--9 days after submitting my final work. The partner I had been working for had a family emergency and has been out for the last week and will likely be out another week. I was told that she had reviewed my work and it was fine, and she just wanted to let me know why I had received no contact and have me resubmit my billables so that I would get paid. At least now I know that my recent unemployment is not because of anything I have done.
2 comments:
Hooray on the news from the contract job. That has to make you feel better. Hope you get news on the research job really soon at that the crabby DA doesn't hurt your chances!
Good luck on the clerking job! But don't be too disappointed if you don't get it. It might be a good way to start your career and make other contacts, but you just as soon might get something else that's exactly what you want, no stepping stone (and crabby DA) necessary.
I know it's not really comforting, but you WILL find something. It's always easier to think in retrospect, "oh things always work out," but I know from experience it never seems that way when you're in the middle of the job hunt! You're frustrated, discouraged, and convinced you'll never find anything. But you will!
And that's good news about the contract firm. Maybe when the atty gets back, you can hit her up for suggestions of where to apply. If she likes you, surely she'd be willing to make a few phone calls in your favor.
Good luck!!!
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