This x1000. Occasionally people are surprisingly brain-dead about the basics of how to be professional in a workplace. These are sometimes people that seem otherwise very socially adept.fxb3 wrote:
This is credited. I'm a V20 senior associate and "mildly awkward" alone will not hurt you. Actually, there are even some partners with whom being an outgoing, nonchalant, bro will hurt you. But I guarantee there is always something else going on for the people who get no offered but seem "nice, smart, and mildly awkward." For one thing, you'd be surprised how often there is a disconnect between how someone "seems" in conversation and their work product. Another common issue (and a reason I've seen no-offers given) is that someone will be fine socially, smart, and the work product will even be ok, but they dismiss or explain away all attempts at constructive criticism. It makes attorneys furious when they try to help you and the first words out of your mouth in response are, "But I was just...."
Also, you have to be really awkward to not have that be the true cause of a no-offer. There are tons of awkward associates and awkward partners. At some firms, probably the majority of associates and partners. You'll be in good company if you are slightly awkward.
