I just got hit in the face with a sledge hammer

[DNW]

Sometimes before Christmas, I responded to an ad from a large NY law firm. Christmas Eve, I received a call asking to schedule a phone interview. Due to the holidays, I wasn't able to get in touch with the HR person for a few days. When I finally did, the phone interview was scheduled for today at 11:30am with an HR person and the HR Manager. During all this time, I did extensive research into the firm. I prepared Q&As that might come up during the interview. I had questions that I wanted to ask to determine if I'm a good fit. In short, I was prepared. This firm, and the position, are exactly what I've been looking for. The work, the people, the global reach--all very attractive to me at this point in my career.

So, I received a call a few minutes shy of 11:30am this morning. The HR person said they were running a little behind, and that they'll call me back shortly. After about 20 minutes, I received their call. I was ready, with my game face on. We exchanged some pleasantries, then it hit. The HR Manager told me that they were looking for a Midlevel Associate, i.e. someone with at least 3 years experience supervising other attorneys. WHAT?!?!?! How could this possibly happen? I made it abundantly clear in my cover letter that I was applying for a Junior Associate position. My resume clearly states that I was a recent graduate, and there is no prior work experience as an Associate.

The HR Manager went on to say what a great resume I have, what impressive experience, etc. and that she would consider me for a Junior Associate position had there been any opening. But, even though I have a few years of professional experience, they were not relevant to the position they're interviewing for. She wished me luck and invited me to apply back after I have gained a few years of experience.

After the call, I took a few minutes to digest what had just happened. I called back the HR person and left a message, asking him to give me a call so I can clear up a few questions in my mind. He hasn't called me yet.

I'm not mad or bitter about the situation. I'm just trying to understand what could possibly went wrong. Was I wrongly selected in the beginning? Or they had a discussion prior to the interview and changed their mind?

Now, I'm sitting here, still perplexed as to what had transpired. So, what say ye, the collective wisdom of the Steez?

(Oops, I posted this in the wrong forum. Would a mod please move to General Chat, some other appropriate forum? Thanks.)

 

[Connemara]

That is weird as hell.

 

[thekunk07]

HR people are mostly marsupials. hope that clears things up.

 

[denimdestroyedmylife]

anyone else think this thread would be about getting hit in the face with a sledgehammer?

 

[thekunk07]

was hoping.

 

[DNW]

Originally Posted by denimdestroyedmylife

anyone else think this thread would be about getting hit in the face with a sledgehammer?

I was, figuratively speaking.

 

[globetrotter]

Originally Posted by thekunk07

HR people are mostly marsupials. hope that clears things up.

+1

 

[globetrotter]

Originally Posted by thekunk07

was hoping.

+1

 

[Thomas]

Originally Posted by thekunk07

HR people are mostly marsupials. hope that clears things up.

+1

 

[grimslade]

Originally Posted by denimdestroyedmylife

anyone else think this thread would be about getting hit in the face with a sledgehammer?

Big +1. Big disappointment, honestly. Kept waiting for the twist at the end where the assailant walked into the room while he was on the phone and--wham!

 

[Ambulance Chaser]

Could be any number of reasons -- miscommunication between the section and HR, hiring cutback due to economy, etc. I don't think there is anything you did or could have done to affect the situation.

 

[itsstillmatt]

What does this have to do with social life, food or drink?

 

[celery]

Reading the thread title I was feeling sympathetic and ready to offer my condolences on any lost teeth or metal plates in your head.

But the let down of the actual post has left me wanting to hit you in the face with a sledge hammer (not really though).

 

[DNW]

Originally Posted by iammatt

What does this have to do with social life, food or drink?

Dude, is reading comprehension your weak point?

 

[DNW]

Originally Posted by celery

But the let down of the actual post has left me wanting to hit you in the face with a sledge hammer (not really though).

If I had a sledge hammer here, I might even do it myself.