Comments on: Weekend Open Thread

By: RKS

RKS — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 17:11:11 +0000

I’m now with the fed gov’t after many years at a BigLaw firm, and help with recruiting for my office (general counsel). We are swamped with applicants. We are being super-picky because, well, we can. If you are looking to get into an agency as a lateral, look to where you can capitalize on your experience. This isn’t a time for a career change. As a summer or first year, take a good look at what the agency does and what they’re looking for in a candidate, then show how you match that. This is obvious advice … but you’d be shocked at how many people don’t bother.

On the pay cut issue: I took a 50% cut coming here from my firm. But it’s been worth every penny. Better hours, more respect, more responsibility — and job stability to boot. As a note to Deborah, almost every in-house job I looked at would have also involved a pay cut. With one smaller company, the offered salary was less than what the feds pay me. And this was 2 years ago.

By: Louise

Louise — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 15:48:48 +0000

Just saw a one-day only coupon for 25% off Cole Haan:
http://www.buxr.com/deal/colehaan-25-off-entire-purchase_37366
Good 11/9/09 only.

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 13:47:30 +0000

My other complaint is that some of them are a little sheer.

By: Twinmom

Twinmom — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 10:19:46 +0000

Andd because employment cases are part of the typical caseload for attorneys, knowledge of hr policies and procedures are helpful when applying for the agency counsel positions.

By: Mel^2

Mel^2 — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 02:58:22 +0000

Thanks for the tip. I’ve been applying nonstop various non-attorney federal positions but hadn’t even considered that HR would be a good fit!

By: Anon

Anon — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 02:03:14 +0000

Thank you, this is very helpful. I had assumed that I would be considered “over-qualified” for non-attorney positions and wouldn’t get considered, but I guess I had it wrong!

By: Anon

Anon — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 01:44:32 +0000

Thanks, good to know that they’re really non-iron, and that the washer/dryer is ok. I noticed the non-breathable thing too when I tried them on in the store, so maybe I’ll just get one and see whether it’s too warm for me (I tend to get hot easily).

By: A Different Liz

A Different Liz — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 01:01:30 +0000

I bought three for myself and three for my husband a couple of months ago. We wash them at home, dry them, and hang them on a hanger while still warm from the dryer. I try to button the highest button so the collar retains its shape. I have never had to iron one. Only complaint is that they are not as breathable as other shirts, so at times I feel a little sweaty in them.

By: Twinmom

Twinmom — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 23:41:23 +0000

To Anon:

When applying for federal government and trying to get your foot in the door, don’t think strictly of attorney positions. My agency has been hiring many attys into HR positions because of expertise needed in reading/interpreting regulations etc. Once in, it is a easier to access other positions because many positions are posted internally (ie federal employees only). It is not frowned upon and somewhat expected that high achievers will jump around within the government and you do not lose seniority or vacation time as it transfers from agency to agency. Good Luck.

By: S

Sun, 08 Nov 2009 20:24:40 +0000

Cashmere? (Obvs would be way pricey, but a medical reason is a medical reason.)