Due to a firm merger and a subsequent round of layoffs, I’ve had three different jobs in the last four years. On paper, it looks like I can’t keep a job, but in reality, I’ve just had a terrible run of bad luck with firm stability. How do I explain these short tenures without sounding like I’m making excuses or bad-mouthing my previous employers?

likeuplifting
Posting as :
works at
You are currently posting as works at

I think just what you said was reasonable. The firm merger is public knowledge and it is well understood (or at least it should be) that layoffs are a given post merger. Short and sweet explanation and focus on what you learned from each place you worked and why you would make a great fit.

like

I agree, just focus on what you learned and can bring to the table.

like

This is a legit concern. I have a similar record, and I’ve found they will believe what they want regardless of what you say, I agree that it’s best to say as little as possible and focus on your unique skills and what you bring to the table over everyone else. Minimize talk about the other stuff. I had one partner lean in over the table across from me, give me a mean grimace, and say, “Tell the truth - you were fired for cause, weren’t you?” Those kind of interviews… when you get that…bye, bye. You don’t want to work there anyway.

like

Related Posts

i feel incompetent because i struggle with working from home and only really feel productive in an office setting

like

Hello, I am new to the app. Looking for likes so I can dm please.

likeuplifting

What features do you look for when looking for payment and merchant services? It seems like a lot of people go with Square because it’s simple but you’re paying for it and it doesn’t offer many features. I’m trying to get back into this business. I work with a reputable company offering full-featured business service and I’m here to offer other features and help other small businesses evaluate their options. Can help cut costs, help with cash flow and other services, inventory management, etc.

like

Hi,
I am looking for a switch in IT industry.
It would be really helpful if anyone of you can refer me in profiles like Procurement or Supply Chain Analyst, Project Management or Commercial roles.
Data Analyst or Operations or Integrated business planning.

Current job title - Procurement Executive
Can share my updated CV asap.

Thank you.

like

Hi -

I have 3+ years of experience and an employment offer in Health Domain from Mercer. As Mercer is US based company and seeing recession, do you think they will either postpone the joining or cancel ?

like

Cheers to the weekend!

Post Photo
like

Drizzly coming in clutch, they wanted $100 for eagle rare 10yr though, seemed like a rip off. (Added four roses to hit spend minimum)

Post Photo
like

About last night. Bookers Limited 2016 Rye. 2 oz pour for $100. Worth every penny.

Post Photo
like

My friend close friend just got an offer for senior at another firm. 13k more than me 🥴

like

What would be an Associate Director salary in Sydney or Melbourne for South Asian Female someone with 10yrs core experience?

like

Hi ,
I have 4 years of experience in Sales and Uses tax from big4. I want to switch to new company. How much CTC i can expect ?

like

Interviewed for Meta exactly 2 weeks ago today. Contacted the recruiter last Tuesday and they said they were waiting to hear back from the hiring manager to discuss the interview results. Anyone that interviewed or gotten a job with Meta how did it take from the onsite to get your decision? Since I had to reach out to the recruiter and haven't heard anything since I assume they're interested in another candidate.

like
likehelpful

Hi please throw some light on work projects learning hike for Java devloper in landmark

Hello everyone. I am looking to transition into the medical writing field, but I don’t seem to have the right type of experience. I have technical writing experience, but I don’t have experience with clinical studies or clinical trials. Does anyone have any advice on how I can gain more experience in this field? I am pursuing the AMWA Essential Skills certificate and am working on a master degree, but any other information would be greatly appreciated!

like

Moving to Bay Area from NY, office in Sunnyvale. Good places to find apartments when you dont have a car and can walk down to places to eat, coffee etc. Any insights will be helpful. Thanks!

like
like

In order to DM i need 11 likes. Please help me guys

like

Any idea if these comp increases will make it to Canada?

like
like

Additional Posts in Ask A Recruiter - Law

I have been practicing in creditors rights/foreclosure in PA & NJ for around 4.5 years. Due to the foreclosure/eviction moratoriums there is no work to do and I was furloughed. I am looking to change directions- what is the most logical next move?

like

Masters only patent agent in life sciences, worked in house for 2 years as a paralegal, patent agent for one year now. What should I expect for salary in NYC boutique/big law ?

I currently work at a medium sized firm and have about two years experience in personal injury litigation. The billable hours and lack of work life balance are really getting to me and I am looking to switch to something else out of litigation, preferably in house. I am also looking to relocate to a different state. How do I go about properly marketing myself to companies that might not take my relocation and minimal experience seriously?

like

Anyone have tips on writing a cover letter without referring to anything in the resume?

like

I am an Illinois licensed attorney looking for an associate position in Chicago, specifically in tax. If anyone knows of any opportunities please let me know.

like

Third-year entertainment lit associate looking to lateral to NY market. Would love some assistance from a recruiter, as the ones I currently work with have their main relationships in another state. Please PM me if interested. Thanks.

like

Does anyone know the billing requirement for Stockwell, Harris, Woolverton & Helphrey in LOS angeles?

Interviewing with a recruiting firm. What is an “normal” base salary? TIA

like

How do find a recruiter in the legal field? Have been looking for a job for a year now and trying to transition into another practice area. Applied to more than 20 jobs and still no offers. I feel like I might need some help.
Also, I have no idea how these arrangements work. Do you pay the recruiter to look for the jobs or do you pay them when you get the job? Or does the employer pay them?

like

Curious if anyone else is or has been in the same boat. I started as an assistant at an entertainment law firm prior to passing the bar. Upon passing, the partner told me they would hire an assistant for me since I now became an associate. That was 1.5 years ago and I am still in the limbo of juggling my own workload + doing assistant roles for my supervisors. I have also had no increase in pay, which is a huge deal for me. Is this normal in the entertainment world? Any suggestions?

like

Any recruiters in the Charleston, SC area? I'm trying to quietly find another PI firm. Please DM me if so.

like

This strike at Facebook is messing up my numbers. Has anyone else been in a situation like this? They were a major source of work for me. What can I do? I really need advice.

like

I have an offer for $130k for a senior attorney position in a boutique L&E firm. Also have a recruiter who thinks she can get me into another for $150-170k. Both are more than I’ve ever made (Denver, 17 yrs of experience but completely different practice areas). Any tips for countering the $130k offer for more using the other potential offer while not risking a complete withdrawal of the current offer? I’ve never been in a position to bargain my starting salary so this is all very new to me.

like

What are salaries like for class of 2019 in am law 50-100. I have average working attorney collections as high as our senior associates but I’m only making 215k. Trying to see what salary I should ask for.

likefunny

Recruiters, my position as senior in-house counsel at a privately held electronics manufacturing company was eliminated recently due to COVID. Looking for opportunities in the Mpls/Chicago areas. Open to networking or discussing any open opportunities. Experience includes development and purchasing contracts, distribution agreements, patents, trademarks, licensing, data privacy for an international organization with a legal department of one.

like

I need some career advice. I finished my master's degree in international law (B.A.Sc international relations) but I am not sure where to go from here. I always wanted to join a big firm and I've applied to different vacancies in international firms/companies but got rejected from all of them.
Does anyone have any tips on certain job positions or companies where an LLM would prove to be useful with my background?
I'm starting to feel quite stuck in this situation and it's very demoralising.

like

In my third year of real estate practice. Run the gamut between leasing, acquisitions and sales, financing and everything in between. Enjoy where I'm working but (continued in replies...

Resume question I've had three positions over my career one of which lasted 3 months and that I got fired from, the job search took an additional 2 months. Is it worth it to leave the 3 month stint off my resume? It might be easier to explain getting fired then a 5-month gap I was thinking

like

Any tips on a step by step game plan for finding a new job as an associate ASAPPP?

like

Next week I’m having my first lateral interview as a junior associate. I’m very nervous because the group with whom I’m interviewing works with life science/tech clients and the attorneys have strong science/tech backgrounds; and I do not. However, I am very, very interested in transitioning to this practice. And I reaaally want this job because it’s at my dream firm. How would you recommend preparing for the lateral interview?

New to Fishbowl?

Download the Fishbowl app to
unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.
That was just a preview…
Sign Up to see all discussions
  • Discover what it’s like to work at companies from real professionals
  • Get candid advice from people in your field in a safe space
  • Chat and network with other professionals in your field
Sign up in seconds to unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.

Already a user?
Login here

Share

Embed this post

Copy and paste embed code on your site

Preview

Download the
Fishbowl app

See what’s happening in your industry
from the palm of your hand.

A phone with Fishbowl app

Scan your QR code to download
Fishbowl app on your mobile

Download app

Sign up for free to view this conversation on Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

Already have an account? Log in

Sign up for free to continue using Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use(New) and Privacy Policy(New)
Messaging rates may apply

Already have an account? Log in

For account settings, visit Fishbowl on Desktop Browser or

General

Legal