Waiting game continues

I feel like I am close to landing a great job. There are numerous ones that I am being considered for right now, but two that seem close to coming through for me. I have interviewed for one and the meeting ended with me being told to expect an offer as early as late this week. It is a job that is interesting and full of potential, but not without some career risk. The second job is a dream position that really fits my experience. No fewer than seven people who know the hiring manager have recommended me to her. One received a reply letting them know I would be interviewed  soon. So now the waiting game continues with the hope that I get the dream interview before the first offer. At least there is optimism entering the holiday season.

Keeping up hope

A job hunt is a trying time for anyone. You have times where there is hope and it seems you hear of an opening and several interviews are forthcoming and then there are dry spells. I think the process itself is designed to make the hunter stronger.

Right now, I am coming off a month long dry spell and things are heating up. I keep up hope and know there is the right position for me and a reason I have not found it yet. For those out there like me keep up the faith and hope.

Advice is always welcome.

If anyone is actually reading this blog then my guess is you are, have been or understand the stress, anxiety and frustration of a job search. I welcome advice on new approaches, strategies or how to deal with feelings that you are just not wanted in the job force.

I spend a lot of time online searching for openings. I ask most people I meet about potential openings. I network possible companies that are hiring. I think I do all but beg for someone to give me a chance. The hard part of being a trained professional in a specialized profession is that many human resource professionals seem to pigeon hole you into that one area. It is difficult for non-lawyers to understand all the diverse attributes and talents learned as a practicing attorney. I also have found many find it hard to believe an attorney wants to leave the legal field.

If any HR person happens to this blog please keep two things in mind: 1) many attorneys are dissatisfied with their careers (especially those in litigation who have fought for more than ten years); and 2) these skilled individuals are great at reading people of diverse backgrounds and ethnic origins; usually have above average written and oral communication skills; are proficient at researching and developing strategies for complex projects and work well under constant change, extreme pressure and stringent time deadlines. Finally, most are used to working long hours and have dealt with employee issues throughout their careers. These are many talents I see when I respond to various openings that the employer is looking for in a candidate; however, it seems I seldom get past the initial phase of the hiring process.

The final attribute of a skilled litigator is they never give up. I will continue to look and network until I find someone who is willing to give me a shot. I can only promise that person will be glad they took the chance.