Is it worth it to do something nuts to get a job? Forum

Rose789 · Post by **Rose789** » Thu Oct 04, 2012 9:49 am

I really want a job that I am underqualified for. I know that the world doesn't work to magically give underqualified law grads the jobs that they really want just because they want it that badly (I wish!) - but is it a poor move to send a letter to recruiting just being flat out honest about my knowing that I'm not usually what they look for, but that I am hard working, and pointing out reasons why I'd be good for the firm?

Think a desperate girlfriend version of your typical cover letter.

Dumbest idea ever? I figure I have absolutely nothing to lose. Except dignity. And who cares about dignity ITE.

Anonymous User · Post by **Anonymous User** » Thu Oct 04, 2012 9:53 am

I know someone who sent something like this to Wachtell. You have nothing to lose but also little to gain.

Aberzombie1892 · Post by **Aberzombie1892** » Thu Oct 04, 2012 10:03 am

You should do it as long as you do not put anything in it that may leave them with a negative impression of you (i.e. if it is too informal, desperate, crazy, etc.)

tedalbany · Post by **tedalbany** » Thu Oct 04, 2012 10:12 am

I took this approach with Google. Bastards never called.

Anonymous User · Post by **Anonymous User** » Thu Oct 04, 2012 11:06 am

Just send a letter with the following sentence: "I am VERY good at what I do." Include some chapstick. Let innuendo take over. Profit.

Anonymous User · Post by **Anonymous User** » Thu Oct 04, 2012 11:16 am

Um, don't do it. They don't want desperate people. They want confident people who can promote themselves, even against all odds. If you're a partner, do you think you'll get clients that way? Also, you don't want to jeopardize your shots if you ever want to lateral. You'll always remain "that crazy guy/girl..."

Anonymous User · Post by **Anonymous User** » Thu Oct 04, 2012 11:35 am

I showed up to Sidley Chicago with a boom box over my head and tears streaming down my face. Offer

shock259 · Post by **shock259** » Thu Oct 04, 2012 11:41 am

Shouldn't a normal cover letter include the reasons that the firm should hire you? The only difference appears to be the desperation component.

I think a better idea would be to just mass mail and try to sound sincere about your interest in the firm.

RickyDnwhyc · Post by **RickyDnwhyc** » Thu Oct 04, 2012 12:02 pm

When I saw the title of this thread I pictured a dramatic hostage situation where OP has an AK-47 and several blocks of C4 strapped to his body.

LawIdiot86 · Post by **LawIdiot86** » Thu Oct 04, 2012 5:47 pm

It's worth doing something nuts to get a job. Taking four classes in one day because all the profs are on the clerkship committee is nuts and a good idea. Asking every partner-alum out to coffee is nuts and a good idea. Learning a foreign language, taking the patent bar, or passing the CPA exam for a job are nuts and good ideas. Coming across as over-eager, desperate or underqualified in a cover letter is nuts and a bad idea.

Pokemon · Post by **Pokemon** » Thu Oct 04, 2012 5:57 pm

What is the point of a foreign language?

IAFG · Post by **IAFG** » Thu Oct 04, 2012 6:21 pm

LawIdiot86 wrote:It's worth doing something nuts to get a job. Taking four classes in one day because all the profs are on the clerkship committee is nuts and a good idea. Asking every partner-alum out to coffee is nuts and a good idea. Learning a foreign language, taking the patent bar, or passing the CPA exam for a job are nuts and good ideas. Coming across as over-eager, desperate or underqualified in a cover letter is nuts and a bad idea.

+1 to each point

bigredforlaw · Post by **bigredforlaw** » Thu Oct 04, 2012 8:04 pm

IAFG wrote:
LawIdiot86 wrote:It's worth doing something nuts to get a job. Taking four classes in one day because all the profs are on the clerkship committee is nuts and a good idea. Asking every partner-alum out to coffee is nuts and a good idea. Learning a foreign language, taking the patent bar, or passing the CPA exam for a job are nuts and good ideas. Coming across as over-eager, desperate or underqualified in a cover letter is nuts and a bad idea.
+1 to each point

Also completely agree. However, there is something to be said for writing a cover letter that shows your sincere interest in a firm despite your lack of qualifications. First, it doesn't take that long, and second, it doesn't have to sound desperate. I did this for a bunch of IP firms that noted an advanced [insert science field] degree or significant work experience was REQUIRED to bid. I have neither and didn't mention it in my cover letter (it's clear from my resume) but stressed my commitment to an IP career and other non-technical skills I could offer, such as a background in science journalism. I figured if the firm was after EEs only and wasn't 100% prosecution then my communication skills should help me stand out. This didn't work 75% of the time but I got 2 CBs for positions for which I am totally unqualified and 1 offer ITE. YOU ONLY NEED 1!!

Rose789 · Post by **Rose789** » Fri Oct 05, 2012 11:20 am

Yeah, thinking that some gushy letter to the firm would do anything beneficial was pretty stupid on my part.

Learning a new language is probably the best "crazy" thing I could do. A lot of firms involved in international transactions want people who speak Mandarin and other oriental languages, and a lot of firms in the South want people who speak Spanish. I could see tacking either on to my resume as a bigger boost than an "I love you and I swear I'll work my heart out" type of letter.

Considered hostage-taking, but figured that may not go over so well with the bar examiners.

dood · Post by **dood** » Fri Oct 05, 2012 11:25 am

IAFG wrote:
LawIdiot86 wrote:It's worth doing something nuts to get a job. Taking four classes in one day because all the profs are on the clerkship committee is nuts and a good idea. Asking every partner-alum out to coffee is nuts and a good idea. Learning a foreign language, taking the patent bar, or passing the CPA exam for a job are nuts and good ideas. Coming across as over-eager, desperate or underqualified in a cover letter is nuts and a bad idea.
+1 to each point

+180, said so much better than i could have. i was just gonna come insult the OP for being a loser.

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