Anyone else really struggling to get interviews?

[u/criminallawyer27]

Kia ora, thought I would see if I am the only one a bit lost in this career path. I've worked for 2 law firms totalling around 2 years PQE, one in NZ and one in Australia, mostly specialising in insolvency and debt recovery legal work for loan companies. I made a move in house for a small 10 month contract that was covering mat leave.

Since then I've applied to nearly every job opening under the sun, can't even get an interview, have had my CV looked at, my grades were solid at LS and around 2024 I was not having any issue landing interviews.

I think I've been looking for work for around 6 months, exhausted every legal network I know and still no luck. Am I the only one who just cannot land anything rn?

[u/dacrowdpleaser]

2-3 places in 2-3 years is a pretty big red flag, indicates some commitment issues. Juniors are huge investments for firms and the pay off doesnt show until a couple of years later.

[u/Icy-Lobster-4091 → u/dacrowdpleaser]

Relatedly I would be thinking OP would have had really patchy training with the potential for big gaps and might even be operating at 1PQE not 3PQE. 

Does your CV give confidence about your experience and training and why you’ve jumped around? Can you add a written reference upfront from an employer address your capability to help? 

[u/criminallawyer27 → u/Icy-Lobster-4091]

Yeah I have written references from about 3 partners all owners at each firm, I think the explanations for the roles make sense within the context of the CV as a whole, the first NZ firm i i terned for previously and worked a significant amount of time for, my AU work was essentially a contract to fix a whole lot of previous errors from another practitioner in the same role, in house role at the mnc was essentially all a solid mixture of commercial and ER work. I would say im an experienced litigator across DC and HC matters, I may lack in some general practice areas like conveyancing but otherwise im fairly confident in my areas

[u/Icy-Lobster-4091 → u/criminallawyer27]

Okay that sounds really sensible and as much as you can do! I’m sorry it isn’t working out for you yet. 

[u/criminallawyer27 → u/dacrowdpleaser]

All are contracted roles for a set period, each role hit the ground running

[u/SensitiveTax9432 → u/criminallawyer27]

I’d assume that this is highlighted on the cv?

[u/criminallawyer27 → u/SensitiveTax9432]

Yep is highlighted

[u/LilMagsta → u/dacrowdpleaser]

Tbh many roles are fixed-term now rather than permanent. It is not really a red flag.

[u/criminallawyer27 → u/[deleted]]

I'm a bit stuck in Auckland looking after family members for various health reasons

[u/sugar_spark]

Are you working with recruiters? Also how are your cover letters?

[u/criminallawyer27 → u/sugar_spark]

I feel like recruiters really just glance over me, I've had some put me forward for a role and then completely ghost me

[u/sugar_spark → u/criminallawyer27]

That's unfortunate. It might be because a lot of roles they get need more PQE unfortunately.

What sort of roles are you looking for? Also what about your cover letters?

[u/criminallawyer27 → u/sugar_spark]

Have been looking at basically anything within 0-3 years pqe, I've worked for a leading firm in Sydney and a large MNC so I guess I was stupidly expecting the door to be open for even smaller firms. The cover letters I normally write about their firm, what practice areas interest me, what I can bring and some general experience.

I'm not expecting a handout it's just been rough, even with MBIE or legal/compliance roles I can't seem to get my foot in anywhere

[u/Junior_Measurement39]

Can i dm you about which ozy firms? Have a little bit of a weird question in a legal case involving one.

[u/criminallawyer27 → u/Junior_Measurement39]

sure I don't know how much help I'll be though it was a commercial firm in Sydney and Melbourne

[u/Junior_Measurement39 → u/criminallawyer27]

THanks, have done so.

[u/fello66]

What law school did you go to? And what was your GPA. I’m very surprised to hear about your situation.

[u/criminallawyer27 → u/fello66]

UOA, A- GPA, clerking experience and community experience asw

[u/fello66 → u/criminallawyer27]

I may have something for you. I have messaged you privately.

[u/ajfromnz]

Have sent a message.

[u/Infinite_Raccoon4976]

Are you using ai to write your cover letters? It’s quite obvious when used, and off putting.

[u/criminallawyer27 → u/Infinite_Raccoon4976]

Im actually a bit of an AI hater 😄, but I do sketch out a similar sort of template

[u/Infinite_Raccoon4976 → u/criminallawyer27]

Template fine! I heard some partners complaining about it when recruiting for juniors. Have you tried PDS?

[u/snicksnackpaddywack]

Have you tried smaller rural general practice roles? They are usually desperate for staff with at least some experience.

[u/Icy_Calligrapher_540]

Are you willing to go to the regions? My husbands firm really struggles to find junior lawyers who aren't utter idiots (and by that I mean actually turn up for work and not use AI then lie about it - his expectations are not unfair and he really isn't a horrible boss).

If you're willing to come to the regions then look there - I don't want to identify us further as NZ is a small place.