First, let's get this part out of the way, so I don't have to address it again in the comments: I made poor choices as a young adult (I lost financial aid eligibility due to nonattendance in too many classes, dropped out of community college to work a dead-end job full time, met a guy, had kids, became a stay-at-home parent). I have learned from these experiences. I found the right ADHD medication and got my priorities straightened the eff out. I make better choices now.
Current situation is this: I am looking for positions as a legal assistant or legal secretary. I have very limited formal experience. I have done a little volunteer work at legal aid, but again, it's been very limited. My personal knowledge of certain areas of law comes from personal interest and curiosity. I'm currently building a website/blog in my free time as a resource to parents in my area acting as advocates for their kids in special education.
An attorney at legal aid had me do research and assist with discovery and document editing. She says I'm one of the brightest people she's ever worked with and I "have a great legal mind." That's fantastic, and I'm sure I'd land a great job if she were selling me. The problem is, I have no idea how to sell myself in an interview. I don't even really know how to interview, as I never had to practice. Additionally, I am competing mostly with beautiful early 20 something women, typically childless, often with at least some college, who are in a position to accept lower pay and fewer benefits. I'm an overweight single mom of two. How can I stand out? What kind of salary is reasonable? I honestly believe my skills are worth more than what my experience would have someone believe. I just need a reality check so I can be confident when submitting salary requirements. I can't take $9.50 an hour, but I realize that in my area the going rate is anywhere from $9.50 - $16/hr. I don't have a job right now, and I need one. Am I even in a position to be asking $13-14 or is it more important to just accept the first job offer I get at this point?
I have plans to return to college and complete a degree in paralegal studies as soon as it becomes financially feasible.
Submitted October 13, 2017 at 11:35AM by Hachoosies http://ift.tt/2yij7fx
