Lately I’ve been in situations where I feel objectively qualified (sometimes even overqualified) for certain roles, yet I’m not getting traction.It made me wonder — is there such a thing as being too senior or not the “right kind” of experience even when you meet the requirements on paper? For those who’ve experienced this, how did you reposition yourself? Or is it more about targeting the “right” roles rather than more roles?
This is a frustrating situation. There are a ton of variables, but a couple things are generally at play. Short answer: yes, you can be too senior.
The economics for a firm get challenging when an associate gets very senior. Salaries are high, sometimes higher than partner comp, without having a book of business. You also need to answer the question in the back of their minds “why is this person not a partner yet, or counsel?” Firms default to thinking the worst because they’re cautious creatures. The more niche you are, the smaller the pool of opportunities, which makes a search take longer.
A few strategies to address the senior hurdles: be open to taking a haircut on year level and comp. If you’re an 8th year who could come in as a 6th year, that’s an enormous win for a firm. It also gives you good runway to be considered for partner. If your resume paints you as too niche, try broadening your experience a bit to show you’re more versatile. Make sure you have a cover letter which addresses any red flags the firms might be inventing about you.
I hope that helps. Happy to chat about anyone’s specific situation privately.
You gotta aim straight for the top my man
👍
I don’t have an answer to your question. I can just say that I am in a similar situation.
Senior, high salary, niche field…on top I have language barrier. It’s not easy.
I’m focusing most of my attention on targeting the “right” roles, but at the same time sometimes people succeed based on numbers so I also apply to the margin roles.
Good luck! 👍
Good luck to you too
I’m in a similar situation, but my first question has been “how can I have my resume reviewed by the right partner or manager that will appreciate my qualifications?” I cannot control AI trackers and other machinery that may engage in a preliminary weed out of my resume. Does it boil down more to knowing the “right person” versus having the “right kind” of experience?
Yes, you can be too senior. I looked for over a year before I found a new job, and it was one that in a niche field that I just happen to have a lot of experience in. They were looking for someone junior, but I had experience that the rest of the tram lacked, so it was a good fit.