When Interviews Knock You Down

For those of us who came of age in the 90s*, when someone says, “I get knocked down,” it will invariable be followed with the call-and-response punk growl of “but I get up again!”  This exuberant mantra of determination would do us all good to play on repeat during the often-difficult interview process.

When we are rejected by a firm, after one, two, or even three rounds of interviews, it can be crushing.  Especially so if it’s the fifth firm where that’s happened.  It is natural to start doubting yourself: what am I doing wrong, why am I not good enough, why didn’t I go to a better law school, am I not diverse enough, am I too diverse? 

I want to let you know that it’s not about you. 

It’s about them.  You are good enough.  You are a talented attorney who brings value to your firm and your practice.  The problem is that you is the only visibility you have.  Imagine you’re at the grocery store and you pick up a drink because you’re thirsty.  You select the drink that is the best fit for what your need is: size, flavor, cost, temperature, carbonation, etc.  If you select a tasty Fresca, it’s because a gallon of orange juice isn’t the best fit for your need in that moment.  It’s nothing against orange juice.  When you’re hosting brunch, orange juice is what you need and not Fresca.  It makes perfect sense to us why we select one drink over another.

What you don’t see is everything else happening on the other side of the interview.  I just had a T14 AmLaw 50 credentialed candidate get a pass because they were the same year level as another associate, and the firm didn’t want to send the wrong message to that existing associate.  They loved my candidate and wished they could hire them.  So often it’s not about you.  And if it’s not about you, then the only thing to do is to get up again.

Now, sometimes it is about you, which is why having a trusted recruiter in your corner to help get constructive feedback from firms and properly prepare you to present yourself in the best way is critical for success, especially when going after Big Law opportunities. 

You are enough as you are, so when you get knocked down by the interview process, get back up again!

- Ian

*For those of you who didn’t, enjoy some nostalgic Chumbawamba: https://youtu.be/iI8zPbEHRl0?feature=shared

Things I’m working on:

Remote Patent Litigation - AmLaw100

Chicago Environmental Litigation

Detroit T&E Associate / Jr Partner