Let the Questions Begin

So, everyone told me I could not have picked a better time to go to school, with the economy doing so poorly. Well, that is true to a certain extent, but I don't think they thought that assertion all the way through. It is a rather trying time to attempt to find temporary employment after one year of law school. Yes, I'm about to embark upon "the job search." I just sent out resumes starting this Tuesday and am employing the "hedge your bets" job search strategy in which I am strictly playing a numbers game: the more jobs I apply to, the better shot I have. So far, I have applied to about 25 jobs ranging from internships with the federal government all the way to NASA. This is only the beginning.

With the job search, also comes the dreaded interview process in which you have to make a complete stranger love you (or at least not be completely annoyed by you) in a 20 minute time span. Now, Charlie is excellent at this. 20 minutes with Charlie and the interviewers are begging him to start working that afternoon. This skill does not come so easily to me (and the nerves begin to kick in as well) but I've prepared my answers to the questions that Career Services says are often asked. So, let's play a game. How about y'all draft some answers to these questions and see how you'd like to recite them to complete strangers.

1. Tell me about yourself
NOTE: this must include 1) your education 2) work experience 3) one or two accomplishments 4) career goals; and must not include 1) personal life 2) family history
2. What is your greatest weakness (yes, WEAKNESS)
NOTE #2 (I'm quoting Career Services directly): "Reasonable minds differ about whether to give an actual weakness or a strength couched as a weakness. OCS advises you to share an actual weakness and to pick one that is not central to the performance of the job" Figure that out!
3. Tell me the most important thing about you that's not on your resume.

I'm keeping my job search to anywhere within reasonable driving distance of Williamsburg or Atlanta. Charlie and I were talking about how it would be nice for us to both work in Richmond and we could have standing lunch dates: he suggested the diner next door to this shop and I suggested Sticky Rice, the sushi place he's talked about. We'll work that out I'm sure...

Anyways, if I can't find a legal job, I can always get a job at IKEA. I'm an excellent Swedish carpenter. I'd ace that interview.