Comments on: jibba jabba job

By: Alison

Alison — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 16:39:54 +0000

Got an idea. Check out http://www.finra.org. There are lots of jobs where “analytical skills” are what they’re looking for, the legal background would be great, and there might be openings in all your top cities. Let me know what you think!

By: Lauren

Lauren — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 14:28:06 +0000

My boss and I share the same value – you should always apply for any job that seems interesting, even if you’re not sure you’re (or the it’s) going to be a good fit. You can go through an interview and decide not to take a job, but why not apply and see where it goes?

By: Man-Annie Oakley

Man-Annie Oakley — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 14:18:33 +0000

I believe everyone on here has offered up some fantastic advice, and I will keep ya’ll in my thoughts. This is just so un-nerving to me that such a qualified, wonderful woman is having such a hard time finding a job. I applaud your efforts to think outside the box and can only hope that this may lead to something wonderful! And OMG!!!! There is nothing sweeter than a smiling sleeping baby. He looks so happy and loved… I wish I could hold him. Therefor in the interest of satisfying my need to be closer to you abd W I will second the motion for Seattle. Almost always sweater weather…. you know, I’m just saying. And you would only be a day’s drive away. So that’s my 2 cents. Love you!!!

By: Att

Att — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 13:45:41 +0000

This is just indicative of the market. There just ain’t enough money to go around. I had so much trouble with getting a job that I only got placement because of a temp agency. Thank the gods for that.

GOOD LUCK, Mother! Woohoo!

(Pee Ess – Might *I* suggest going to Austin? What, it may be Texas but it is SO COOL. Y’all would totally fit in!!)

By: Beth

Beth — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 03:05:44 +0000

I think lots of other folks have given great advice here- so I’ll refrain from being repetitive and just say that Boston is AWESOME. Good luck to your mom!

By: Marta

Marta — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 01:18:36 +0000

Here is my 2 cents: A job description is an employer’s wish list. The reality is that most of the times, they can’t find someone that fits all of their requirements. So your mom should apply for stuff that she can do, thinks she can do, or even better, she might find interesting and expand her experiences.

My other 98 cents: YESSSSSSSSSSSSS. Philly!

By: Sunny

Sunny — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 20:44:28 +0000

Oops, I meant job seekers, not job searches.

By: Sunny

Sunny — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 20:44:02 +0000

When I worked as a career counselor, we used to tell our job searches that it is reasonably to apply for positions that you match 80% of what they are looking for in their ad. That is their “wish list” — not necessarily the description of the exact person they will hire. Good luck!

(And may I recommend Seattle as an attractive place to live?)

By: Kat

Kat — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 20:12:28 +0000

job descriptions are not always 100% accurate; it’s very hard for an employer to describe what a job truly entails. Your mother is more than capable of learning new information (there is ramp time learning about the new firm, partners, etc, even if she stays in her specific field). However, the skills, experience and knowing how to think about and approach problems are the skills that reach across sub-fields and make her qualified for things “outside her field”.

Example: I have a doctorate in biochemistry, and am now working in research ethics and compliance at a major university. I’m now reviewing mostly social-behavioral studies–not at all in my field and not utilizing the body of information I spent years learning–but research is research and I know research. Your mother knows law and probably also knows business and other fields as well. I don’t consider it misrepresenting herself if she’s honest about her skills and experience. I suggest focusing on her “knowing how to think” skills and experience (i.e., analytical thinking, legal saavy, problem solving, researching) rather than focusing on specific fields of knowledge that can be learned (i.e., a specific branch of law).

Sorry if that’s not written very coherently. Today’s my bday (rolling over a new decade on the odometer) and I’m recuperating from all the celebrating Good luck to you all!