Ginevra Posted November 11, 2020 Posted November 11, 2020 (edited) Tell me what you think about this. I have been trying to get a job in law. I have not been in law since the mid-90s, though I have been the secretary and bookkeeper for my husband's contracting business during the past twenty+ years. It's hard to get a job. I'm sure this is naive of me, but I never imagined it would be so difficult to even get someone to glance in my direction, let alone bring me in for an interview, let alone offer me a job. So. Yesterday I applied for a firm with a sole proprietor, one-man-show type set-up. This isn't what I super-duper desire, but as I said, bigger firms are not calling me back. I honestly think I will simply have to settle for less. I did the paralegal certification course earlier this summer, and I thought that would reflect well and denote me as a life-long learner (which I am) and someone who has her act together and is not just going out to pasture now. I don't think it is coming across that way in reality, though. The attorneys I have talked to seem to look at it more like, "What makes you think you can just drop back into a law-firm like you haven't been out for twenty years?" I have an interview today with the sole proprietor guy; he called me last evening. I believe he is using some intimidation tactics on me, for example, ^^ This sort of attitude, like implying I'm way over-goaling. He laughed at my salary expectations, which I think is also an intimidation tactic. He said bluntly, "I have no benefits. I can't offer them. I'm one guy by myself." I think this is also a tactic: expect little. Feeling that he was using tactics on me, I behaved unaffected and decisively asked, "Would you like to meet me? I can come in tomorrow." When I did this, his tune towards me seemed to change, like his respect for me had increased. I'm conflicted about taking this job if I am offered today. I think he may be a bit of an a-hole. He commented on his recent frustration because he "spent 6 months" training someone and they are now leaving. I think this is also an intimidation tactic, meant to pressure hirees into not using the company as a stepping-stone. Everybody I have interviewed with has told me a similar story. OTOH, I need a freakin job. I truly *hate* interviewing with the passion of a thousand burning suns; I *hate* trying to sell myself; I *hate* withstanding head-games like exactly what I believe I am being subjected to. I have desirable qualities. I can be just about the best Legal Assistant the guy has ever had. He told me he has no actual billing system. If this is true, I could set him up with QuickBooks, on which I have twenty years of experience, and if he really is telling me the truth, his mind will be totally blown by how easy it is to track money, taxes, profit and loss with an actual *system*. I don't know how much of what I am hearing is bluster and how much might be actual personality, which I know from experience, gets old fast. This job is in a good location. It will only take me around 25 minutes one way and it is against the flow of traffic, which moves towards the big cities. But it is true I do not want to take a job with an intention to leave as soon as something better comes along. I don't have that in my nature. I simply cannot turn on people like that. So, if you have followed all that babbling, what do you think you would do?  UPDATE 11/18/20: He offered me the job via email. I am accepting it. I do still have some reservations, but I think it is a net win. Worst-case scenario: I get some updated experience and don't stay for the long term. Edited November 20, 2020 by Quill 21 Quote
Drama Llama Posted November 11, 2020 Posted November 11, 2020 I think I'd go and see what he's like in person. It seems like he thinks you might be worried you'll turn him down, and he's nervous so he's trying to protect himself by telling you the downsides of the position. He could be an a-hole, or he could be a nice guy with not fantastic business skills. I think that in person will tell you more.  21 Quote
marbel Posted November 11, 2020 Posted November 11, 2020 (edited) I would go to the interview. If nothing else, it's practice. You would not have to decide in the moment to take the job or not, if offered. You may find the person was all bluster and when you meet, he will be a great guy you'd love to work with. Or you may realize that working alone with this person would be a bad idea. Based on what I know about you from these boards, I am guessing you have good instincts; follow them. There is nothing wrong with going in to a job thinking you will work there a year and move on. When I got my job (through a friendly acquaintance), she told me "it's not a great job. But take it, work for 6 months, get it on your resume and start looking for something new."  Taking a job does not mean signing on for life. But, I would be careful about the guy; if he seems like a jerk, and it's just you and him with no buffer... could be really hard.    Edited November 11, 2020 by marbel 13 Quote
PrincessMommy Posted November 11, 2020 Posted November 11, 2020 I have a friend who is a well trained fully employed veternary doctor with 25yrs of experience. A few years ago she wanted to switch practices because her boss was a A-hole. She could NOT find another job anywhere. She wasn't even looking for full-time vet work or higher pay. She believes it was age discrimination. They never asked her age, but her college degree was from the 90s - so it's obvious that she wasn't a new grad desperate to make an impression. Sadly, I think this is part of what you are running into. In your field they probably want young, hungry to work 60-80hrs, and cheap. As for the actual job offer before you. I think I'd look very seriously at those red flags.  Anytime someone I know has taken a job with high turnover it has been an disaster. I'm so sorry it's been such a difficult road.   4 Quote
Alicia64 Posted November 11, 2020 Posted November 11, 2020 First of all, you sound awesome. "What makes you think that you can be out for 20 years. . ." No. A life-long learner is rare. They're not just hanging out on every corner. A person who takes twenty years off to raise children is the cornerstone in our society. Be proud. You didn't take the easy path. You rolled up your sleeves and took "the path less traveled." (Not to mention that you've been pivotal for dh.) 35 minutes ago, Quill said: Â But it is true I do not want to take a job with an intention to leave as soon as something better comes along. I don't have that in my nature. I simply cannot turn on people like that. It sounds like people don't stay with him b/c he's so difficult anyhow. You know how you dislike job hunting? I highly recommend a book called The Obstacle is the Way by Ryan Holiday. It's slim and not full of filler. It totally changed my outlook on stuff I seriously disliked (one being a really not fun health issue). I don't mean to go all Buddha on you, but when you really embrace your own worth -- which sounds substantial -- and learn to engage with job hunting in a more positive way, the a-holes will melt away and the quality jobs will appear. The person who ultimately hires you is very, very lucky. Wendy 9 1 Quote
Calm37 Posted November 11, 2020 Posted November 11, 2020 <<He commented on his recent frustration because he "spent 6 months" training someone and they are now leaving.  I would go and see what's up. The thing is -- you are trained. You can be very clear that you are ready on day one to work and that you would definitely be using this job as a stepping stone. Let him know that when you leave he will be better off than he's ever been, and you will help him hire your replacement. You are in control. 6 Quote
fairfarmhand Posted November 11, 2020 Posted November 11, 2020 Actually, I think *he* needs *you*. You are fully trained. You are not a 20 something just entering the workforce, possibly flighty, needing hand holding employee. You are ready to go helping this guy's practice be successful. You have lots to offer. Go to the interview with that in mind. He won't be doing you a favor if he hires you. You'll be helping him with a problem. 19 Quote
HS Mom in NC Posted November 11, 2020 Posted November 11, 2020 Have you priced medical insurance lately? The skyrocketing cost of medical insurance is a factor in slowing down the number of new hires and contributing to the gig economy. The best most people can hope for from a sole proprietor is a salary/wages high enough to purchase their own crappy medical insurance. My husband and his subcontractor are in that boat. No way could we afford to cover a benefits package for someone else-we're struggling to fund our own. My husband's rate is enough to pay the going rate for software contractors and he and the subcontractor just have to deal with it. How did we deal? We moved to a lower cost of living area and downs scaled our lifestyle dramatically. 2 Quote
Guest Posted November 11, 2020 Posted November 11, 2020 1 minute ago, Homeschool Mom in AZ said: Have you priced medical insurance lately? The skyrocketing cost of medical insurance is a factor in slowing down the number of new hires and contributing to the gig economy. The best most people can hope for from a sole proprietor is a salary/wages high enough to purchase their own crappy medical insurance. My husband and his subcontractor are in that boat. No way could we afford to cover a benefits package for someone else-we're struggling to fund our own. My husband's rate is enough to pay the going rate for software contractors and he and the subcontractor just have to deal with it. How did we deal? We moved to a lower cost of living area and downs scaled our lifestyle dramatically. As the wife of a contractor, yeah, I certainly do know about this. It is fortunate I don't "have" to get my own insurance, but it is also frustrating that this is not something I can even expect. (Unless I go to a bigger firm, which are not calling me.) Quote
LucyStoner Posted November 11, 2020 Posted November 11, 2020 It’s hard to get back into the workforce after being a stay at home parent long term, even in the best economy and this is not that.  Age discrimination is also definitely a factor in many industries past a certain point.   Working for a one man shop can be difficult.  One of the worst bosses I ever had was as a legal assistant for one attorney working on his own.  Now part of that was definitely my young age (he was a bit overly interested in me and I think it was because I was a 20 year old woman at time time- I doubt I would have that same issue at my age now) but part of it was working for one person with all their idiosyncrasies.   One of my friends transitioned to paralegal work after 25 years in journalism.  She was 50ish at the time.  She decided to call and write places she was looking to work for directly rather than respond to job postings.  She got hired by someone who hadn’t posted their opening yet.  She had a goal to work for a civil rights lawyer and she crafted her cover letter to each attorney’s background.  She works for a major legal non-profit now.  6 Quote
Junie Posted November 11, 2020 Posted November 11, 2020 No advice, but I just wanted to let you know that I'm cheering for you! 7 1 Quote
HS Mom in NC Posted November 11, 2020 Posted November 11, 2020 1 minute ago, Quill said: As the wife of a contractor, yeah, I certainly do know about this. It is fortunate I don't "have" to get my own insurance, but it is also frustrating that this is not something I can even expect. (Unless I go to a bigger firm, which are not calling me.) My SIL works at Target because they provide OK medical insurance for full time employees. Target has been cutting hours for everyone to part time, including excellent employees in understaffed stores, in spite of record profits. Why? To save the cost of providing medical insurance. They also pay for some college for some employees, but those numbers are down too. Too pricey. Everyone needs to get realistic about this-it's going to increase to other businesses, especially during this economic down turn. Expecting health benefits from an employer is becoming a thing of the past. People insulated and isolated from how incredibly expensive it is are going to be in for a shock when they get laid off or their hours are cut.Not only will have less income, they're have to pay far more in premiums and out of pocket expenses. I predict a bunch of fiscal conservatives are about to convert and support expanding other American socialist programs (like public school, Social Security, and Medicare) to Medicare for all or Universal Healthcare when they're faced with having to pay for it themselves instead of their employers. Or when the rural healthcare system completely collapses. Neither political party is really facing up to and preparing for what's coming. 12 Quote
Guest Posted November 11, 2020 Posted November 11, 2020 Quote 4 minutes ago, Homeschool Mom in AZ said: I predict a bunch of fiscal conservatives are about to convert and support expanding other American socialist programs (like public school, Social Security, and Medicare) to Medicare for all or Universal Healthcare when they're faced with having to pay for it themselves instead of their employers. Or when the rural healthcare system completely collapses. Neither political party is really facing up to and preparing for what's coming. Â That's an interesting prediction. I think change is coming. We will see... Quote
LucyStoner Posted November 11, 2020 Posted November 11, 2020 (edited) 6 minutes ago, Homeschool Mom in AZ said: My SIL works at Target because they provide OK medical insurance for full time employees. Target has been cutting hours for everyone to part time, including excellent employees in understaffed stores, in spite of record profits. Why? To save the cost of providing medical insurance. They also pay for some college for some employees, but those numbers are down too. Too pricey. Everyone needs to get realistic about this-it's going to increase to other businesses, especially during this economic down turn. Expecting health benefits from an employer is becoming a thing of the past. People insulated and isolated from how incredibly expensive it is are going to be in for a shock when they get laid off or their hours are cut.Not only will have less income, they're have to pay far more in premiums and out of pocket expenses. I predict a bunch of fiscal conservatives are about to convert and support expanding other American socialist programs (like public school, Social Security, and Medicare) to Medicare for all or Universal Healthcare when they're faced with having to pay for it themselves instead of their employers. Or when the rural healthcare system completely collapses. Neither political party is really facing up to and preparing for what's coming. It’s not coming, it’s here. The employer based model is a huge drag on our companies and on innovation/small businesses.  I have one part time employee but don’t see how I could bump them to full time and provide a health plan.  So I have intentionally limited my growth to be what I can handle with a part time admin assistant at least for now.  And I am only able to be self employed/have this business because my health insurance comes to me via my husband’s Fortune 500 corporate employers.  I know many people working all sorts of jobs just for the access to health insurance.  My husband was underemployed for a decade because leaving a job with decent health insurance was a non-starter.  Edited November 11, 2020 by LucyStoner 12 Quote
Katy Posted November 11, 2020 Posted November 11, 2020 I think if you want a job at that or any firm you need to be prepared to be unaffected and decisive at all times, IME this is the personality that tends to get drawn out by law. It’s not necessarily a bad thing, the same traits denote confidence and capability.  If you can stand it you might find you love it. There won’t be much office politics involved, you’ll always know where you stand with him, and you’ll always be on the same team. It sounds like he likes you already and just wants to make sure if he hires you you’ll stay a while before jumping ship. 8 1 Quote
MEmama Posted November 11, 2020 Posted November 11, 2020 It can’t hurt to go to the interview. Interview him as much as he will be interviewing you—you’ll get a better sense of his character when you show him you are not going to be subservient.  My most recent job was for a similar type of person. The overarching expectation was for me to coddle him and make him feel like a powerful man, when of course he was just the opposite. I saw through him immediately during my interview and decided taking the job was worth it to me in that moment (similar situation as you, having been out of the job market for so long). The downside was that he was exhausting and ridiculous, and on days when it bothered me I felt really angry. The upside is that I gained a ton more skills, had the complete upper hand in the office, kept the hours I wanted and no more, and knew that while I was making sacrifices working for such a pig, I was doing so *for me*. The job ended on different terms than I planned (he threatened to fire me while I was quarantined due to DS's Covid so I quit and left him high and dry—not a move I’d otherwise make but warranted and preferable to me over being wrongfully fired) but I ended up stronger, even more sure of myself and my abilities and more confident in what I can offer.  Wishing you the best! 11 Quote
prairiewindmomma Posted November 11, 2020 Posted November 11, 2020 I think he sounds like most smaller town/not big city solo practitioners that I know. The industry has really transformed in the last few decades and it’s hard to make a living if you aren’t in a mega firm or a really niche boutique. The solo practitioners I know all kind of have a salty personality because running solo is hard.  I hated when staff left. It’s like any small business—if you pour a ton of time into training someone and they leave just when they are becoming proficient—that does feel like a ton of energy, which is hard to spare, was wasted as you acknowledge you have to go through the process again. Ageism is real. Go to the interview and then decide. 6 Quote
Bootsie Posted November 11, 2020 Posted November 11, 2020 I would go on to the interview and see how it goes. It may be difficult to pick up on some of his tone/intent over the phone. You may pick up a sense that he is trying to be straightforward and honest about pay/benefit expectations upfront. He may be really looking for someone who doesn't need a job with health benefits; that may be one of the reasons why the person he trained is leaving. Or, he may just be a bit quirky and that is coming across in the phone call. GOOD LUCK! 3 1 Quote
MercyA Posted November 11, 2020 Posted November 11, 2020 You are a treasure and he would be way beyond lucky to get you. Praying for wisdom and discernment for you. Best wishes! Let us know how it goes! 3 1 Quote
gardenmom5 Posted November 11, 2020 Posted November 11, 2020 maybe he's posturing, maybe not - dh works in the individual insurance market in our state. One-man (or at least very small) businesses can have a much harder time affording/providing insurance benefits unless they know what they're doing.  Many health insurance companies don't even offer plans for the individual market.  I'd be more curious why this person he spent "six months training" is leaving. (what does he consider "training"?) That would be the most revealing question to have answered. It could be he's a jerk (could be the employee has issues), it could be the person simply didn't have the skills to run a backroom/ability to learn and was overwhelmed. It could be he's advertising for a LA, but what he really needs is someone who knows business too. could be something different.  dd's last job was one with very high turnover, but she got fabulous experience while she whipped the place into shape (her predecessors simply didn't have the skills to do it, and there was no one there that even knew what skills to look for in a new-hire) She was there longer than several of her predecessors. They shut down because of covid. it was fabulous experience that is allowing her to interview for her dream job. (waiting to hear back.) if he has no actual billing system - what the heck has he been doing to run the business side of things?   he sounds clueless about how to run a business - which could also be why he "doesn't" have benefits. With your bookkeeping and legal experience, you could whip his office into shape and make him more efficient/profitable. most people have bookkeeping OR legal experience, not both. (when my friend's dh quit his firm to hang up his own shingle - taking all his clients with him - she did the backroom.) I've known people (usually women) who had great jobs with their degrees, then quit while raising kids for 15 years. they couldn't get a job in those fields again, at a minimum because tools/software/other changed and they didn't have experience using them.  Those were during a good market. and age discrimination is real. being overqualified will get you ignored too. Most firms are going to want fresh out of college new-hires ('cause they can pay them less.) 5 Quote
SKL Posted November 11, 2020 Posted November 11, 2020 I would definitely go to the interview. That will give you a much better insight into whether this guy is an a-hole. Some of what he said just sounds to me like being honest / setting honest expectations. If you wouldn't interview for a job without benefits, then he's doing you a favor saving your time, right? If he expressed that he doesn't want to hire you only for you to leave soon, that might mean the job will be long enough to be a real stepping stone when/if you do decide to look elsewhere. Because unfortunately, a lot of people will not view your husband's business as a "real job." Sole proprietorships are definitely more influenced by the owner's personality. That can be good, bad, or both. And getting interview practice is a necessary evil. I totally hate it too, but we gotta do what we gotta do. 5 Quote
mommyoffive Posted November 11, 2020 Posted November 11, 2020 Go to the interview and you can make a better decision after that. I think it would be really hard to get a job right now.  There is a lot of people who are unemployed. Maybe this would just be a stepping stone. 2 Quote
katilac Posted November 11, 2020 Posted November 11, 2020 First of all, let go of the idea that leaving for a better job is "turning on someone." If a position isn't attractive enough for employees to stay longer than six or twelve months, then the company either has to realize that it's a short-term position by nature, or they need to turn it into a more attractive position. That doesn't always mean paying more money (although a huge disparity will always be a drawback). It might mean offering a slightly shifted schedule so the worker avoids traffic, or it might mean letting the worker take a weird lunch hour so they can pick up their kids from school. Maybe it's some telecommuting - with current technology, even very small companies can often offer one day a week at home. Appreciating your employees and providing a pleasant atmosphere also make for a more attractive workplace. It can be all sorts of things, but employees have to have reasons to stay, just as companies have to have reasons to keep you. Telling you to have low expectations may be a tactic, but it may also just be the truth (or both). From what I have observed and experienced myself, it is indeed very hard to break back into the workplace. Even going from part-time to full-time, or freelance to employment, can be very difficult. I do think most re-entry people need to take what they can get, just to get something current on the resume. I definitely had a huge uptick in the number of people responding to me once I had recent employment on the resume, even when it was short-term. I also tried several different things to discover what I didn't want to do, but it sounds like you have a pretty good idea. I did contract work for a small law firm for a really short time, and working for lawyers got crossed off my list really, really fastÂ đŸ˜„ If you can handle his personality, take the job if offered. If he's a one-man band, I'm assuming he won't be at the office all the time anyway? We're not in the same area, but I know covid is definitely affecting the entry level jobs around here. I was crazy relieved when my recent grad got a job in her field - she was prepared to be happy with any job. 1 hour ago, LucyStoner said: So I have intentionally limited my growth to be what I can handle with a part time admin assistant at least for now.  And I am only able to be self employed/have this business because my health insurance comes to me via my husband’s Fortune 500 corporate employers.  Yes, I insurance reform would be an incredible boon to entrepreneurialism in America. 1 hour ago, Dreamergal said:  ETA: Never say no to an interview. It is practice, not just an opening for a job. Yep. If you hate interviews, all the more reason to practice, lol. 6 Quote
Pen Posted November 11, 2020 Posted November 11, 2020 go to interview answer questions like what makes you think _____ with actual reasons.  Like you are a fast learner plus have life experience, computer experience etc   Whatever is true   Consider negotiating something like one month at a lower wage, and then if you show him your worth and he wants to keep you (and you want to continue! It’s a try out both ways)  it goes up to wage you want .  This assumes he can pay that. Maybe he can’t. But if you can improve systems there, maybe he could afford more than he thinks.    2 Quote
Selkie Posted November 11, 2020 Posted November 11, 2020 He was probably telling the truth about not being able to provide benefits. Several of our employees have spouses who work at different law offices in our area. The spouses are all on our health insurance plan because none of the law offices offer benefits. 5 Quote
Pen Posted November 11, 2020 Posted November 11, 2020 1 minute ago, Selkie said: He was probably telling the truth about not being able to provide benefits. Several of our employees have spouses who work at different law offices in our area. The spouses are all on our health insurance plan because none of the law offices offer benefits.  That’s probably true. I know several lawyers who have no regular support staff due to tight budget.  They do their own typing on computer and their own filing and billing.  3 Quote
kbutton Posted November 11, 2020 Posted November 11, 2020 2 hours ago, Calm37 said: <<He commented on his recent frustration because he "spent 6 months" training someone and they are now leaving.  I would go and see what's up. The thing is -- you are trained. You can be very clear that you are ready on day one to work and that you would definitely be using this job as a stepping stone. Let him know that when you leave he will be better off than he's ever been, and you will help him hire your replacement. You are in control.  2 hours ago, Katy said: I think if you want a job at that or any firm you need to be prepared to be unaffected and decisive at all times, IME this is the personality that tends to get drawn out by law. It’s not necessarily a bad thing, the same traits denote confidence and capability.  If you can stand it you might find you love it. There won’t be much office politics involved, you’ll always know where you stand with him, and you’ll always be on the same team. It sounds like he likes you already and just wants to make sure if he hires you you’ll stay a while before jumping ship. Both of these comments ring true to me. I would also be a bit wary of the revolving door aspect, but that could honestly be a mismatch between his expectations and employee expectations. If you can keep your head and get a firm list of what he wants from you in what timeframes, you can lawyer him back. I am not very good at this anymore, but when I was in a tricky spot at work, I always did my best to pit on priority against another and say to the boss (mine or the project "boss"), "Which of these is the bigger priority? Let me know, and that will get my attention." Sometimes I had to show them while telling them. If you can get enough information from an interview of what he wants, you might even go out on a limb and say something like, "I hear you saying you need X really badly and Y and Z are parts of the job that come up sometimes. I am really good at X and can do Y and Z. If you hire me, I propose..." There are frustrated people that feel like they need to be controlling because they can't communicate expectations, and sometimes they settle down when they realize things are just fine. Others, not so much. I bet you can figure out what he's like before you get in too deep. 2 1 Quote
Not_a_Number Posted November 11, 2020 Posted November 11, 2020 I would definitely go meet him. I get way more of a sense of a person from talking to them in person than otherwise. That being said, do be mindful of the red flags. You sound like you REALLY want a job, and that may make you lean towards convincing yourself. "Well, he seemed a bit of a jerk, and like he'd be hard to work for, but he's probably fine." Well... maybe yes, maybe no. Try to be honest with yourself. 3 Quote
Carol in Cal. Posted November 11, 2020 Posted November 11, 2020 Develop the offer and then decide.  We will help!  But don’t truncate the process.  Go to the interview, and figure out what you can.  You want to know—can you stand your life if you work for this guy?  And, can you do the job in a way that meets your expectations of yourself?  And, why did the last person leave?  And, is there a bonus structure or expectation? 2 Quote
Popular Post Guest Posted November 11, 2020 Popular Post Posted November 11, 2020 I have not read all the replies; I was at the interview. It went well. I don't think the guy is so much of an a-hole as he seemed to be. I think he goes for a dominant style, but he could probably be a teddy bear once he's comfortable with someone - that was my impression on meeting him IRL. I did not leave with a job offer but he *says* he will let me know either way and will not leave me hanging. I think he was truthful about what he sees as my biggest liability (haven't been in a law firm since pre-internet filing days), though I think he was also convinced I'm no dummy and I can help him be way more organized with his financials by having a computer accounting program like QuickBooks. He admitted to being "a tech idiot." He is a 60+ aged guy and I think he's pretty typical of that age category in that respect. In some ways, I think my age category is more of a *benefit* in his eyes than a drawback, because he wants someone who is stable and not clamoring to run off to bigger/better things. He lost a great secretary because she got married and moved out of state. It sounds like (though he didn't say this explicitly) he is looking at retiring to somewhere warmer in the next several years; surely by the time he's 70. Therefore (again, he didn't delineate this) I expect he is hoping for one more, really good assistant and then he will retire in 5-7 years. He also demonstrated seriousness towards COVID, which I appreciated. He said he has risk factors and is very careful about contact with everyone. He wore a mask and talked about his practices for sanitizing things when clients come in. I asked him what he would do if he tested positive and he said, "Oh, I would immediately quarantine." I think if an offer comes through, I am probably going to take it. The risk of it being a bad job seems much lower now that I have been there and met him. Thank you, guys, for thinking it through with me. 59 Quote
Not_a_Number Posted November 11, 2020 Posted November 11, 2020 @Quill, oh, I'm glad he seemed better in person!! Meeting people is so worthwhile. I hope you get the job! 5 1 Quote
ScoutTN Posted November 11, 2020 Posted November 11, 2020 3 hours ago, Junie said: No advice, but I just wanted to let you know that I'm cheering for you! Me too! He'd be lucky to have you work there! 2 1 Quote
MEmama Posted November 11, 2020 Posted November 11, 2020 Sounds really hopeful! Glad to hear it went well! 2 Quote
OH_Homeschooler Posted November 11, 2020 Posted November 11, 2020 I'm glad you went! I've ended up with some decent jobs that I thought I would hate, but I went to the interview and was pleasantly surprised (being a very anxious person, I think not caring about those jobs as much helped in the interview). And this might be just what you need timing-wise. If he retires in 5 years you'll have those years of experience and a glowing recommendation. And hopefully there will be a better job market by then! 5 1 Quote
SereneHome Posted November 11, 2020 Posted November 11, 2020 I have never gone to any job interviews thinking that they are interviewing me. I have always considered that as me interviewing them. For one, I am using my own personal time so it's a lot more valuable and two -they can easily get through 10 candidates a day, but I have to be picky (again, MY time). Â 4 Quote
Hilltopmom Posted November 11, 2020 Posted November 11, 2020 Around here, even school districts are starting to hire teachers part time to avoid needing to provide benefits. 2 Quote
mommyoffive Posted November 11, 2020 Posted November 11, 2020 Oh I'm glad you went and he was better on person.  Sending some good luck your way. 1 Quote
Hyacinth Posted November 11, 2020 Posted November 11, 2020 5 minutes ago, Patty Joanna said: I have two things to say:  First, I have a friend who is a single-person lawyer, and the biggest challenge he has faced in the past 5 years, as far as business goes, is finding a STABLE paralegal.  He is in a different position than this guy re: plans for his business after he retires, so it isn't exactly a parallel situation, but the fact is that finding an assistant/paralegal that will a)show up b)not looking like she just rolled out of bed and c)stay for more than a year has been THE biggest time sink of the past 6 years.  ***SHOWING UP*** and doing an honest hour's work for an fair hour's pay is totally a selling point. The second thing:  age discrimination laws have actually made it harder in some ways for people to hire older people--because employers can't ask questions that might be misinterpreted.  My sister took the bull by the horns in her last interview.  She's early 60s, a gorgeous crown of silver gray hair--and she could lose a few pounds too, so add that to the discrimination list. In the interview, she said something like this:  "I'm going to address the elephant in the room because you can't.  I get that.  I'm obviously no spring chicken.  But my hair's it natural color, my teeth are all my own, I have learned over my lifetime how to keep learning and I'm not afraid of technology.  I know this is a dead-end job and that suits me right down to the ground.  I don't need or want a career path.  I want a job I can do for 7-10 years and be glad to do it.  I want this job to be my last job.  I've got a lot of energy, I show up, I work hard, I do my job and do my best.  OK?" She starts Monday.   I love everything about this story. 8 Quote
wintermom Posted November 11, 2020 Posted November 11, 2020 Congratulations on getting an interview and for doing so well at it! Win, lose or draw, you come out ahead by simply having that experience. All the best with the job hunt! 2 Quote
Hyacinth Posted November 11, 2020 Posted November 11, 2020 Quill, congratulations on the interview! And it sounds like it went well. You emphasized your strengths and addressed his concerns. Keep us posted. 1 Quote
Ditto Posted November 11, 2020 Posted November 11, 2020 @Quill. Congratulations! It sounds like it went very well and I am glad you feel better after meeting him.  I hope you hear from him soon with an offer. 1 Quote
Kassia Posted November 11, 2020 Posted November 11, 2020 Congratulations! Sounds like a good fit. Hope you get the job and find out soon!  1 Quote
Garga Posted November 11, 2020 Posted November 11, 2020 I do hope this works out in your favor. I hope he offers you the job. Fingers crossed! 1 Quote
Pen Posted November 11, 2020 Posted November 11, 2020 Sounds like it may be an excellent job fit for you! I hope you get it and that it works out superbly for both u and lawyer boss! 1 Quote
Pen Posted November 11, 2020 Posted November 11, 2020 Â Are you doing a post interview follow up message? Â 2 Quote
hippiemamato3 Posted November 12, 2020 Posted November 12, 2020 I hope he offers you the job! 1 Quote
stephanier.1765 Posted November 12, 2020 Posted November 12, 2020 Congratulations from me too for going and doing yourself proud. You will be/are an inspiration to your children. 1 Quote
Laurel-in-CA Posted November 12, 2020 Posted November 12, 2020 Every interview is a learning experience! Just getting one is a victory for you!! I have been applying for technical writing jobs (my B4Kids job) since February, have gotten 2 interviews and both were based in the midwest while I live in the SF Bay area. Our salary expectations were miles apart and they wrote me off after I was honest with them....and I didn't even give them my higher rate. Luckily an old friend is now consulting and needed my services and he pays my higher rate because of experience in a particular market he serves. Hours are *extremely* variable, but we're fortunate to have a great working relationship (all remote) and it's been a real godsend. So, if this guy is a jerk, just use the interview experience. I wouldl also suggest having a professional or a friend or two review your resume and suggest updates/reformatting/how to reframe your skills. In my husband's job hunt, he has gotten great benefit from being coached how to use LinkedIn's professional membership for more effective networking. Just something to consider. 2 Quote
Scarlett Posted November 12, 2020 Posted November 12, 2020 9 hours ago, fairfarmhand said: Actually, I think *he* needs *you*. You are fully trained. You are not a 20 something just entering the workforce, possibly flighty, needing hand holding employee. You are ready to go helping this guy's practice be successful. You have lots to offer. Go to the interview with that in mind. He won't be doing you a favor if he hires you. You'll be helping him with a problem. This.  So so much this.  Sell yourself with confidence. If he figures out how great you are you might help him grow his practice and you might end up having a great relationship with him.  You just never know. 2 Quote
Guest Posted November 12, 2020 Posted November 12, 2020 17 minutes ago, Laurel-in-CA said: Every interview is a learning experience! Just getting one is a victory for you!! I have been applying for technical writing jobs (my B4Kids job) since February, have gotten 2 interviews and both were based in the midwest while I live in the SF Bay area. Our salary expectations were miles apart and they wrote me off after I was honest with them....and I didn't even give them my higher rate. Luckily an old friend is now consulting and needed my services and he pays my higher rate because of experience in a particular market he serves. Hours are *extremely* variable, but we're fortunate to have a great working relationship (all remote) and it's been a real godsend. So, if this guy is a jerk, just use the interview experience. I wouldl also suggest having a professional or a friend or two review your resume and suggest updates/reformatting/how to reframe your skills. In my husband's job hunt, he has gotten great benefit from being coached how to use LinkedIn's professional membership for more effective networking. Just something to consider. There’s actually a member in these forums who does this professionally and she did look at and edit my resume and cover letter. đŸ™‚Â 9 Quote
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