Hello,
I graduated in June and have been struggling to land a full time position. I have applied to over 150 jobs across both legal and non-profit work since March, and am struggling. In the meantime, I have continued volunteering with an org. I was with during undergrad for a few hours a week and am working on turning my thesis into an article for publishing, helping my family with their small business, while also focusing on the LSAT. I am aiming for T-25s and will be applying once November LSAT scores are released - I know I am already at a disadvantage with timing. How much of a disadvantage am I at for not obtaining a full time position? Should I indicate that I am seeking one as an addendum? Does helping my family out with their small business in the service industry count as work? This is all weighing on my heavily and making me question if I should even bother applying this year. Thank you in advance!
2 comments
From my totally unqualified perspective, you’re doing just fine!
That’s a difficult situation and one that I imagine many people are facing given the job market these days. However, if you include all of the things you’re still doing, it’ll show that you’re still keeping busy and helping out your community.
I have watched an interview in which the admissions committee speaker noted that she wants to know what applicants are doing presently, and I think having volunteering, family business (which I would count as work), and paper publication efforts on your resume would satisfy this. If you’re worried about it, I think a concise addendum noting the things that don’t fit on your resume and that you’re seeking full time work would be fine for fuller context!
First things first - don't beat yourself up! It sounds like you have a full plate of responsibilities and - ultimately - all you can do is your best. Keep your chin up!
Second things second, as the other commenter mentioned, the key thing that admissions officers want to understand if what you've been up to since you graduated. It's perfectly reasonable to hear "helping family with business, some volunteer work, prepping for LSAT and law apps." The best place to explain this would be on the addenda section of the application.
Good luck!