Wondering if you should move on from your first job? Check out this article first published in the KBA’s Young Lawyer’s Forum in Spring 2009.

What if Your First Job isn’t the Right Fit

This is a great article on approaching your job search and explains why not to bulk e-mail your resume, how to plan your day, how volunteering can help, the importance of building human networks, and what to avoid on the Internet.

This is a cautionary tale. I write it so that you can learn from my mistakes. I was one who did not attend bar events as a student. I did not take advantage of the many networking opportunities available to me during my time at Washburn Law. I would send several applications for jobs, and just wait for the rejection letter that would inevitably come weeks or sometimes months later, if at all. It was not until I graduated, passed the bar and started working in the PDO that I recognized the importance of following up…it truly is the most important thing you can do after sending an application. To steal imagery from Margann Bennett, picture a busy employer with a large stack of application packets on her desk. Finding you a job is not on the top of her to do list. But finding a job is on the top of your to do list. You can make yourself stand out by simply picking up the phone and calling. All you have to say is, “Hi, this is ______, I’m calling to make sure you received my application packet and to let you know that I am still very interested in the position.” And be prepared for a phone interview on the spot (see below). Even if the employer tells you that she is still reviewing applications, undoubtedly, your packet just got pulled from the stack and placed on top. I am proof that following up with employers is worth the effort.

I sent application packets to four employers on a Thursday afternoon. Two weeks went by and true to form, I forgot to follow up. It was Friday (two weeks and one day later) at 3pm when I finally started making follow up calls. The first employer I reached asked if I was returning his call from the day before. I had missed his call! He explained that they were setting up phone interviews to decide who to invite down for an in person interview and asked if I had time right then. I did, and proceeded to have a 45 minute phone interview. At the end of our conversation, he asked if I could come down the following Monday and interview. I said yes and the interview went well. By the time I got home (after lunch and a three and a half hour drive) the day of the interview, I received an offer. I can’t help but think that if I had not followed up I would not have had another chance at this opportunity. Clearly they were ready to hire, as they offered me the job the same day as the personal interview, so I doubt they would have called again. Beyond this, I can’t help but wonder if I would have been successful in my job search sooner, had I followed up with all the potential employers I solicited.