I’ve been quietly applying to lateral roles for four months and interviews keep stalling after the first round. Firms say my background is strong but not quite right. I’m starting to doubt my strategy. Should I be broadening my search or tightening it?

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Ive been finding that firms are interviewing jr candidates with strong resumes, even if they are targeting more senior, in hopes they either impress in interviews or have more senior exp than maybe their class year would suggest.

People who are moving forward without the experience are crushing their interviews, the people who aren't are either bombing them or just not impressing enough for the firm to be willing to look so junior.

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What do you do now and what roles are you interviewing for?

What are you currently doing practice area wise? Applying for? Level? Are you meeting basic requirements for the role? What do you mean by broadening and tightening?

Need interview prep, and feedback! These are all things your recruiter can find out on your behalf - something about round 1 gives them pause to move forward

Definitely sounds like better prep would help you. Lateral interviews are different than OCI. Firms need to know you already have the skill to do what they need done, so if the feedback you’re getting is that your skill set isn’t quite right, it may be that you need to sell yourself a little better.
The fact you’re getting interviews says that your strategy is likely working.
If you are working with a recruiter and they haven’t given you a detailed prep, you should try and meet a different recruiter. Happy to help or point you toward someone who could help you.

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