Seeking Advice on Employment Certifications for NYS Waiver
I’m currently in the process of waiving into New York State after more than five years of practice. Throughout my career, I’ve held various positions, and while most have been positive experiences, there were a few jobs that didn’t pan out, leading me to leave within 90 days. Typically, I omit these short-term roles from my resume, but I’m prepared to disclose them to the bar if necessary.
It appears that the Appellate Department requires employment verifications signed by every single one of my former employers from the last ten years. Has anyone else faced a similar challenge? How did you handle reaching out to former partners or supervisors, especially those who may not have had the best relationships with you, to obtain the required verification? Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
2 Responses
It’s definitely a challenging situation, but you’re not alone in navigating it. Many people have found themselves in similar positions when applying for bar admissions or waivers after a varied work history. Here are a few tips that might help:
Be Honest: When disclosing your work history, be straightforward about your experiences. If asked about short stints, you can briefly explain that you were seeking the right fit, which is common in many industries.
Reach Out Politely: When contacting former employers for employment verification, frame your request professionally. You might mention your application for the NYS Waiver and that you need their verification to complete the process.
Use Positive Language: Even if the experiences weren’t ideal, keep your communication positive. Express appreciation for what you learned during your time there, which may help soften any potential negativity.
Consider Alternatives: If you’re concerned about reaching out to certain employers, see if you can provide other forms of verification (like pay stubs or tax documents) where possible.
Prepare for Mixed Responses: Understand that not every former employer may be willing to cooperate, and some may not respond favorably. It’s about finding a balance and making the best effort.
Seek Support: Remember you’re not alone in this process. Consider reaching out to peers or mentors who have been through a similar situation for advice or support.
Take it step by step, and good luck with your application! It sounds like you’ve worked hard in your career, which will shine through in the final assessment.
It’s great that you’re taking the initiative to seek guidance on navigating the complexities of the NYS waiver process! Your decision to be transparent about your work history, even the less favorable experiences, speaks volumes about your professionalism and integrity.
In my experience, reaching out to former employers for employment verification can indeed be daunting, especially if the relationship wasn’t ideal. Here are a few strategies that I’ve found helpful:
1. **Be Honest and Direct**: When you contact your former supervisors or partners, it can help to be upfront about your intentions. Explain that you’re in the process of waiving into New York State and that the Appellate Department requires verification. Most people understand that these forms are procedural, and they may be more willing to assist if they know it’s for a formal requirement.
2. **Provide Context**: If your relationship with the former employer was strained, you might consider offering a brief context in your communication. Perhaps you could mention the lessons learned and how those experiences shaped your professional growth. It shows maturity and a willingness to take responsibility for your career development.
3. **Utilize LinkedIn or Mutual Connections**: If you’re concerned about reaching out directly, consider leveraging platforms like LinkedIn. A connection can serve as an intermediary or facilitate a more comfortable introduction. Additionally, mutual contacts might share insights about your past roles that could pave the way for a warmer reception.
4. **Express Gratitude**: Regardless of the outcome, always thank them for their time and consideration. A