Just Apply

As a recovering people-pleaser, it’s hard for me to share my opinion, especially if I think it’s unpopular.

But I have had so many messages and emails and calls lately related to this topic that I had to write this post.

If you’re interested in a job posting….

Just Apply.

I don’t mean to be flippant.

I am not encouraging you to waste anyone else’s time (including your own) if you’re not qualified.

Rather, this advice is presuming that you’ve:

• Done the requisite self-reflection
• Dug deeply into your why
• Made your pro/cons list about your current job
• Know what you’re looking for, and
• Determined that the position you’re seeking is a decent enough fit.

And I am not writing this because I don’t like helping my mentees or my network with career exploration and strategy.

(Although admittedly, the “I know I haven’t talked to you since law school” intro on Linked In messages leaves a bit to be desired)

Rather, I’m encouraging you to apply because the requisition can close quickly – as others who are interested are actually applying – instead of just deeply analyzing whether they should.

Something you may not have considered is that some companies will keep the requisition open until they get a certain number of applications.

Bottom line: if you wait, it may just close on you.

Other employers (like law firms) may keep the requisition open until they actually fill the position, but they may have already started the first or second round of interviews by the time you decide to apply.

Wouldn’t you rather be in those first or second round of interviews?

Look, I totally get that people want to connect to others (like on Linked In) in case there is an “in” and to learn more about an opportunity to determine if it’s a good fit – but you don’t want to lose an opportunity if you’re really interested by waiting to apply either.

Especially, if the person you’re hoping to talk to (like – ahem – me) has a schedule where I legit don’t have any openings for two weeks.

Another thing that often weighs on my mentees is a sense of duty or loyalty to a particular lawyer or mentor that may have given them their first job or opportunity.

I get that, I really do.

I can distinctly remember how stressed out I was going to my first employer to give him the news.

At the same time, it’s your career and you need to grow – and mentors who really care about you will understand.

And if you do it the right way (I gave a month’s notice, wrote transition memos, and hired my replacement), you won’t burn that bridge.

Finally, note that I use “decent enough fit” above.

That is intentional.

Don’t self-select yourself out just because you don’t have 100% of what the position asks for.

If I had listened to my self-doubt (and imposter syndrome) instead of my circle of friends (who also happen to be women lawyers), I wouldn’t be in my dream job today.

Here’s to hoping you find what you’re looking for —

Or at least are a bit closer to your maybe –

that starts with applying.