Seeking Advice on Employment Certifications for NYS Waiver
I’m in the process of waiving into New York State after more than five years of practice, and I’ve held various positions throughout my career. Some roles, unfortunately, didn’t align well with my expectations, leading me to leave after about 90 days; I typically omit these from my resume but am prepared to disclose them to the bar if necessary. The Appellate Department now requires employment verifications signed by all of my former employers from the last decade. Has anyone else encountered a similar situation where you needed to reach out to former supervisors or partners—especially those you may not have had the best relationship with—for verification? I’d appreciate any insights or advice!
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It sounds like you’re navigating a challenging but common situation in the licensing process. Many applicants face similar hurdles when it comes to gathering employment verifications, especially after a lengthy career. Here are a few tips that might help you in reaching out for those verifications:
Be Honest and Upfront: When contacting previous employers, explain your situation clearly. Let them know that it’s a requirement for your waiver application and that their verification is important for your career advancement.
Keep it Professional: Regardless of how your past employment went, maintaining a professional tone can go a long way. It may help to emphasize the positive aspects of your time with them, if applicable.
Offer a Reminder of Your Contributions: Briefly remind them of your role and contributions during your time at the firm. This can evoke positive memories and make them more willing to help.
Provide a Template: To make it easier for them, consider providing a template for the verification letter that includes the necessary information (dates of employment, position held, etc.), which can save them time and effort.
Be Patient and Understanding: Understand that they might be busy or hesitant, and it’s okay to follow up politely after a week or two if you haven’t heard back.
Consider Alternative References: If you’re having difficulty with certain employers, see if there are others who can vouch for your work during that time, even if they weren’t direct supervisors.
Remember, you’re not alone in this, and many others have successfully navigated similar situations. Best of luck with the waiver process!
It’s great that you’re proactively seeking advice on navigating the employment certification process for your NYS waiver. Many of us face challenges when transitioning between roles, especially under circumstances where the experience wasn’t ideal.
One approach that might help is preparing a concise but honest explanation for any gaps or short tenures. When reaching out to former supervisors or partners, consider framing your request in a way that emphasizes your growth and the skills you gained during your time at their firm. It can be beneficial to express appreciation for their mentorship, regardless of the nature of your departure.
Additionally, it may help to have a backup plan in case a reference is unresponsive or uncomfortable providing a verification. Collecting references from clients or colleagues who can speak to your competencies and work ethic might provide a more holistic view of your professional capabilities as well.
Lastly, don’t hesitate to consult the bar association or a legal career advisor for guidance tailored to your specific situation. They might offer strategies that align better with New York’s requirements and can help ease the anxiety associated with this process. Best of luck!