Junior Associate applying for a position that requires 3-5 years of experience Forum

[Anonymous User]

As a second year associate, would it be bad applying for lateral positions that require 3+ or 3-5 years of experience? I wasn’t sure if they’d just look at your credentials to see if you’re qualified or if they’d just think that you didn’t read the qualifications for the position.

[AMilfordMan]

No perfect answer here. I'm a second year and I've gotten interviews for "midlevel" positions. I've also had a hiring partner tell me it can be an auto-reject and that previous rejections reflect poorly on applications down the road, so it's better to wait.

I think you just have to go with your gut and ask yourself whether you really are a great fit or if it's better to wait. I've definitely researched firms and thought it was a hail mary to begin with, so decided not to apply--others I think fuck it, that'd be a great fit, and go for it.

[shock259]

I lateraled as a first year for a position that was advertising for 3rd-6th years. It'll depend on the group and how flexible they are, but I don't think you have any way of knowing that without applying.

[lawhopeful100]

I had 1.5 years experience and got a lateral postion seeking someone with 2-4 years experience. Especially if you think it’s an area where not many candidates may have that type of experience I would apply if you wanted the job.

[estefanchanning]

Why don't you email the recruiter and ask.