Applying to jobs after taking two years to pass the bar Forum

[Anonymous User]

After graduating law school, I had a temp, full-time government position that expired 9-10 months later. Since then, the problem is that it took me almost two years to pass the bar exam, which means there’s a big (and still growing) resume gap.

My resume and interests all point toward the public sector, and I’ve applied almost exclusively to government attorney positions. In total, I’ve sent out about 90-100 apps in the past few months. So far, I’ve had 7 interviews. Three of them ---> dings, but I’m still in the running for four places. Needless to say, I’m regularly tweaking/sharpening my docs (cover letter, resume) and interview skills.

As much as anything, any affirmation would be nice. Am I in a good spot in terms of the number of interviews I’m getting? How much should I be freaking out about my almost two-year gap on my resume? Any suggestions on what else I could/should be doing for the hunt?

[Anonymous User]

Well at least you are getting interviews so that’s good. I wouldn’t bring up the fact that it took you so long to pass unless they ask. In my experience no one will ask and it’s really none of their business. But it may be different for you. I passed on the second try. Is there a reason it took so long? Was it just difficult for you or was there some other circumstance?

[Anonymous User]

Well at least you are getting interviews so that’s good. I wouldn’t bring up the fact that it took you so long to pass unless they ask. In my experience no one will ask and it’s really none of their business. But it may be different for you. I passed on the second try. Is there a reason it took so long? Was it just difficult for you or was there some other circumstance?

OP here. Thanks for the response.

Yeah, I only discuss it when it's about to come up or get asked about. That said, I think all but two of my interviews asked about the resume gap, so I've had to talk about it.

Overall, there were no special circumstances... it's just that I had a difficult time with it. When it gets brought up though, I just try to emphasize the positives (grit/perseverance) that I can apply on the job, etc.

[QContinuum]

Don't really have any great tips to offer, but wanted to post to congratulate you on passing the bar. You made it!

[Anonymous User]

Don't really have any great tips to offer, but wanted to post to congratulate you on passing the bar. You made it!

Thank you so much!

For so long, the bar was the insurmountable obstacle that consumed my mind. Sometimes, it helps to take a step back and remind myself that stressing about job hunting and interviews is a GREAT problem to have.

[Anonymous User]

Well at least you are getting interviews so that’s good. I wouldn’t bring up the fact that it took you so long to pass unless they ask. In my experience no one will ask and it’s really none of their business. But it may be different for you. I passed on the second try. Is there a reason it took so long? Was it just difficult for you or was there some other circumstance?

OP here. Thanks for the response.

Yeah, I only discuss it when it's about to come up or get asked about. That said, I think all but two of my interviews asked about the resume gap, so I've had to talk about it.

Overall, there were no special circumstances... it's just that I had a difficult time with it. When it gets brought up though, I just try to emphasize the positives (grit/perseverance) that I can apply on the job, etc.

Well it is good you passed. Honestly no one cares how long you took to pass the bar... The only thing that matters is you passed.

[Anonymous User]

Well at least you are getting interviews so that’s good. I wouldn’t bring up the fact that it took you so long to pass unless they ask. In my experience no one will ask and it’s really none of their business. But it may be different for you. I passed on the second try. Is there a reason it took so long? Was it just difficult for you or was there some other circumstance?

OP here. Thanks for the response.

Yeah, I only discuss it when it's about to come up or get asked about. That said, I think all but two of my interviews asked about the resume gap, so I've had to talk about it.

Overall, there were no special circumstances... it's just that I had a difficult time with it. When it gets brought up though, I just try to emphasize the positives (grit/perseverance) that I can apply on the job, etc.

Well it is good you passed. Honestly no one cares how long you took to pass the bar... The only thing that matters is you passed.

Appreciate the encouragements. When the topic has come up in interviews, my prepared response usually gets the job done and no one digs deeper than that. So yeah, I hope the interviewers care more that I passed the thing more than how long it took me to do so.

[Anonymous User]

At what point in the job search should I consider finding a part-time volunteer gig?

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