Hi Ross,

Thanks for writing to us! We have received your question and sent it over to our career coaches who will be in touch soon. I'm sorry to hear you're having a challenging time finding a full time associate position. While our career coach takes the time to review your question, I would recommend checking out the following resources, if you haven’t already:

- Free Resume Review Service: http://www.cancerandcareers.org/resume_reviews/new
- Exploring Your Options: http://www.cancerandcareers.org/en/looking-for-work/exploring-your-options
- Interviewing Tips: http://www.cancerandcareers.org/en/looking-for-work/interviewing
- Job Search Toolkit (can be ordered or downloaded for free): http://www.cancerandcareers.org/publication_orders/new

I hope that this is helpful, and our coaches will be in touch soon.

Best,

Nicole

Hi, Ross,
You have been through quite a lot, and I empathize with the frustration you are feeling. Sometimes the after effects of cancer can seem worse than the disease itself, I know. Learning how to navigate the "life after cancer" world without becoming a poster child for the disease is one of the challenges all of us face as survivors. But, in your case, it seems particularly challenging, because you had a very ambitious career plan, completed some extensive training to meet your career goals, and then got socked with your diagnosis just when you were ready to take off into your career. Couple that with the 2008 recession that still lingers in some fields, including yours, and it feels like the perfect storm.

It strikes me that you may benefit by trying some unorthodox job search and interview strategies in order to overcome this real but highly frustrating bias that you are running up against. Let's strategize. Here are some ideas. Take what seems to work for you and leave the rest. And, do explore these same issues with people who know you well, as they may have even more good nuggets and suggestions to share.

First, take a look internally at your feelings about your self image, you approach, your positioning, and your message, because that first impression and how you present yourself can be the aspect about which you have the most control. That said, ask yourself the following questions, starting with the easiest first:
* Is there anything I can do to boost your confidence in your physical presence? Can you add some outdoor activity like walking or biking to increase your energy and to gain body confidence again? Often when we feel like our bodies betrayed us, setting a regular work out schedule and keeping to it can help one grow back into that sense of physical power again- not to mention what a little sunshine can do to one's mood. What about this reluctance to interact due to your hair loss? I wonder if consulting with a cosmetologist who specializes in those of us with post cancer image issues would help; or if talking with a counselor skilled in dealing with the after effects of life threatening diseases could help overcome the diminished self-image you talk about in your post? I just throw that out there because in my own case, and that of many others with whom I have worked, it took a while to feel comfortable in our own skin again. Even though we may try to cover up that feeling, it does project in conversations. Talking about it in a safe place then acting on what seems most helpful can be pretty empowering. We have many great counseling resources available through the resource tab on the site. Check under Resources in the About Us section.

Next:
* Positioning on paper and in interviews is crucial. Might you consider reviewing your situation with your law school professors and advisors? I know you have been out of school for 4 years, but most schools have alumni career support services with whom you can consult. If it is possible geographically, I would recommend making an appointment to see one or more of your profs / advisors in person. If not close by, then try for phone or Skype / Face-time appointments to allow your contacts to see you and you to connect more personally with them. Lay out the situation for them as clearly as you can and express how eager you are to get into the legal world again. Then, ask for their advice. Do they have strategies they recommend you try? Do they know of paid or unpaid internships you might try? What about people that they recommend you talk with to uncover unposted job opportunities? With a forthright approach to people who know you, knew your work and understand your more recent situation, you may find a new support network who will be in your corner in uncovering opportunities.

Is there an alternate way to position your experience on your resume and in interviews? Do send your resume in to our resume review services. And, in addition be sure to consult with your Law School Placement Office professionals. They will be particularly well versed in the language and positioning needed to highlight your best and most marketable experience and background.

And what about that drive you expressed to just plain tell it like it was...should you disclose your cancer and what you have been through for the past 4 years? My standard answer is no. I usually believe that doors tend to close when one dwells too much on the past and not on the future, and that trusting others to understand is a risky proposition in a job interview. But in this case, I wonder if you might write and try out a tightly crafted approach that brings into focus not only the personal trauma you have overcome, but the things that you have drawn from it that will make you an outstanding attorney, advocate, and colleague. Notice that the emphasis is on "overcome" and the contribution you will make.
This must be in your own words, so use the following just to give you something to start with. But, when meeting a networking contact, or in a face to face or phone interview, how about something like this:
"I am glad to meet you, Mr. Jones, because I am particularly eager to learn more about what your needs in an associate may be. I have done some research about your firm and I understand that your practice focuses on XXX. (Give them a chance to tell you a bit about the firm, then go on.) I believe that my skills may be well suited for your firm. Let me take a moment to tell you a bit about myself, my passion for the law (Or something more specific if you know their needs.) and my recent path. I chose to enter the legal profession because......(Say something here that rings true and speaks from the heart.) I graduated from X in 2012 and passed the bar in X state in (date.) Then, within three months of graduation, at age 26, I was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia, and I received a stem cell transplant in November of 2012. Complications related to the transplant made it impossible to work as a full time associate in a law firm for nearly three years after. But during that time, I stayed up on the field through reading, and working on projects including document review (and any other things you can add.) I am now very happy to say that I have a clean bill of health, with no sign of the disease or its after effects since early in 2015.
That experience so soon after law school was quite a challenge, but it has honed in me many qualities that I am certain will benefit my future clients and the firm for which I work. I believe that the personal testing has given me added drive, a mature perspective, and compassion. Yes, I was thrown a curve ball, but I came out swinging. My guess is that your firm could use someone with the maturity that only such challenges can impart. What can you tell me about the sort of individuals you hire at XXX?" or "What are the biggest needs your firm has at this time?" or, "What skills does your firm look for when selecting candidates for open positions?"

Ross, can you see how that statement told the truth about your situation, but positioned it in a positive light? It is not always advisable to take that open approach, but if done with finesse it might help you overcome some of that angst you are experiencing at dancing around the issue with employers. Sometimes, it is better they know why you have been doing document review rather than burning the midnight and early morning oil as a junior associate for the past few years, than that they just speculate and tell themselves their own idea of your story to fill in the gaps.

One last thought before I close this out. Have you considered legal or management and project work for organizations other than law firms? Not-for-profit organizations, government agencies, and community service organizations may find that your training is of high value, and your perspective is a plus not a negative. Do explore how and where else you can apply your skills, because there IS a place for you and for all that you can contribute.

I wish you ongoing good health as you continue your search. Do get back in touch periodically to let us know how you are doing. And do plug in to all the supports you can as mentioned above and in Nicole's post, too.

Warmest regards for your future success,

Kathy Flora, Career Coach

Kathy, Thank you so much for your thoughtful response. I appreciate your advice and I'll use your suggestions. As far as my resume is concerned, I have submitted it to the resume review service and they provided valuable feedback. It will be interesting to hear if my law school career center has an suggestions - I doubt they regularly deal with this type of situation. Thanks again, and I'll provide updates as things progress.