Asking for a Part-Time Associate Position (NEED ADVICE) Forum

[Anonymous User]

I went on an interview at a mid-size firm yesterday and was told that currently there is no full-time position available. The partner I met with said that the department that the position would be for is busy, but not busy enough. He needs to determine if there is enough work to add another associate.

So, I was wondering if it would be ok to include in my thank you email a quick sentence about being considered for part-time work there? Or does that sound too desperate? I am pretty desperate....

Thanks!

[dingbat]

I went on an interview at a mid-size firm yesterday and was told that currently there is no full-time position available. The partner I met with said that the department that the position would be for is busy, but not busy enough. He needs to determine if there is enough work to add another associate.

So, I was wondering if it would be ok to include in my thank you email a quick sentence about being considered for part-time work there? Or does that sound too desperate? I am pretty desperate....

Thanks!

It's too bad you didn't think to mention it during your interview.
If you can phrase it right, it can't hurt (at this point, they're not offering you a job anyway)

[Anonymous User]

OP Here: Thanks. I am kicking myself for not thinking of it sooner, I was thinking of maybe writing something along the lines of: "While I am aware that there may not be enough work for a full-time associate, I am willing to consider a part-time position."

[dingbat]

OP Here: Thanks. I am kicking myself for not thinking of it sooner, I was thinking of maybe writing something along the lines of: "While I am aware that there may not be enough work for a full-time associate, I am willing to consider a part-time position."

Is there any legit reason for you to call said partner? It's far easier to do this verbally than in writing (plus it's easier to gauge how the request is/would be perceived)

[Anonymous User]

He told me he would prefer email because he's not sure when he's in the office next week. I definitely agree that calling would be best, but I don't want to bother him especially since he told me about his preferred method of communication.

[dingbat]

He told me he would prefer email because he's not sure when he's in the office next week. I definitely agree that calling would be best, but I don't want to bother him especially since he told me about his preferred method of communication.

With "legit" I meant something other than just to say thanks.
If he said email, you're stuck with emai

Try something like: thank you for meeting, yada yada, I really like your firm for XYZ reason. you mentioned you might not be able hire full time; while I'd prefer full time, If only part-time available now, I might consider if likely to lead to full time in near future.

Feel free to be vague/ambiguous/non-committal about part-time. It could help you avoid looking desperate.
Good luck

[Anonymous User]

Thanks!

[Anonymous User]

How's this?

TYPICAL THANK YOU NOTE STUFF...and then, "While I would prefer a full-time position, I am aware that there may not be enough work to hire on a full-time associate. As such, I am willing to consider a part-time position with the possibility that this will lead to full-time in the near future."

[dingbat]

How's this?

TYPICAL THANK YOU NOTE STUFF...and then, "While I would prefer a full-time position, I am aware that there may not Currently be enough work to hire on a full-time associate. As such, I ammay be willing to consider a part-time position with the possibilityunderstanding that this will lead to full-time in the near future."

make it seem like you're the one doing them a favor
Remember, they're not interviewing for a 1st year wanna-be, they're interviewing for The Future Lawyer you could become

[Anonymous User]

Thanks again!

[MrAnon]

This doesn't make sense.

You were invited for an interview at a firm that is actually not hiring?

Move on. Don't send the guy some desperate email. If they want you, they'll find you. Either they don't want you, or they don't know what they want.

[Anonymous User]

It was a bizarre experience all together. I actually interviewed there about two months ago and received a rejection letter. They called last week asking for a follow-up interview, saying the position may still be open. And at the interview, the partner basically told me that he needs to determine whether there is enough work to hire on another associate. Odd.

[dingbat]

I am pretty desperate....