How to network w/o being negative?

[Anonymous]

I feel like I may get flamed here -- or I may get decent advice, so I'll put it out there -- I am currently in a gov't atty job that I REALLY REALLY dislike. It's been less than 1 yr and I know it isn't for me. I know I want to go back to the private sector but it won't be as easy as just calling a recruiter bc no firm is hiring a 10th yr associate. So I need to find a way to reach out to smaller/mid sized firms that can see potential in me/my resume. In order to do this, I know it'll require networking but how do I speak the truth about why I want to leave w/o saying "my current job sucks." No one wants to meet someone for coffee and listen to them whine for 30 min. But I also don't want to be too "breezy" and come across as -- oh I'm just exploring my options for the next 5 yrs -- bc I do want out sooner rather than later. The reasons it isn't for me -- I'm learning nothing; surrounded by people who are totally mediocre and have a 9-5 mentality; can already feel my skills diminishing; and I am missing being on the client side where the work "matters," not just writing reports which sit on people's desk and may or may not be read in the next 6 months. FWIW -- it's a "good" agency and I haven't screwed up my resume trajectory (i.e. it's not like I'm out there doing Social Security work and wanting biglaw to take me); it's just that this is not at all what I was expecting coming in, and not at all how the group portrayed itself in my 3 rounds of interviews.

I'm sure people will say this - but I am not interested in moving to any other part of the agency or to another gov't agency; I just want out and want to start laying that groundwork at the one yr mark bc I know it will take time to find something.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I feel like I may get flamed here -- or I may get decent advice, so I'll put it out there -- I am currently in a gov't atty job that I REALLY REALLY dislike. It's been less than 1 yr and I know it isn't for me. I know I want to go back to the private sector but it won't be as easy as just calling a recruiter bc no firm is hiring a 10th yr associate. So I need to find a way to reach out to smaller/mid sized firms that can see potential in me/my resume. In order to do this, I know it'll require networking but how do I speak the truth about why I want to leave w/o saying "my current job sucks." No one wants to meet someone for coffee and listen to them whine for 30 min. But I also don't want to be too "breezy" and come across as -- oh I'm just exploring my options for the next 5 yrs -- bc I do want out sooner rather than later. The reasons it isn't for me -- I'm learning nothing; surrounded by people who are totally mediocre and have a 9-5 mentality; can already feel my skills diminishing; and I am missing being on the client side where the work "matters," not just writing reports which sit on people's desk and may or may not be read in the next 6 months. FWIW -- it's a "good" agency and I haven't screwed up my resume trajectory (i.e. it's not like I'm out there doing Social Security work and wanting biglaw to take me); it's just that this is not at all what I was expecting coming in, and not at all how the group portrayed itself in my 3 rounds of interviews.

I'm sure people will say this - but I am not interested in moving to any other part of the agency or to another gov't agency; I just want out and want to start laying that groundwork at the one yr mark bc I know it will take time to find something.

Also -- my background before this was 9 yrs of biglaw, but it was in another city; I wasn't going to make partner as that firm was/is having serious financial issues and is kicking out its current partners, so when this job and the opportunity to move came along, I took it.

[Anonymous]

I would frame meeting up as a chance to pick their brains about other opportunities in the industry, what they see coming up on the horizon, etc.

Also, if I were asked how I like my new job, I'd say that it's a great agency but I want to keep my finger on the pulse of the private sector, etc. I want to make sure I'm honing my skills and being challenged. Keep it more growth focused.

Compliment current employer, mention how you want to grow/keep up.

[Anonymous]

Yea, that's the politically correct answer. But, you know, people understand that sometimes a job sucks…and a boss is terrible…and the office wasn't exactly what was described during the interviews.

I think it is ok to hint that you aren't happy and that you want to go back to the private sector. I wouldn't harp on it -- don't complain as such. But hinting and suggesting that this govt job has been a disappointment -- for the reasons you so clearly wrote here-- is completely legitimate. Good luck.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Yea, that's the politically correct answer. But, you know, people understand that sometimes a job sucks…and a boss is terrible…and the office wasn't exactly what was described during the interviews.

I think it is ok to hint that you aren't happy and that you want to go back to the private sector. I wouldn't harp on it -- don't complain as such. But hinting and suggesting that this govt job has been a disappointment -- for the reasons you so clearly wrote here-- is completely legitimate. Good luck.

And people also understand that certain govt agencies/workers suck too. Nothing wrong with missing the pace of the private sector. I think it's to be admired.

[Anonymous]

Ooh, shake off that bad attitude and turn it positive.
When networking say, It's been a good experience to try governmental work and I've learned some new things, but overall it is not a good fit for my skillset. I much prefer and enjoy Corporate work and am looking forward to getting back into it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Ooh, shake off that bad attitude and turn it positive.
When networking say, It's been a good experience to try governmental work and I've learned some new things, but overall it is not a good fit for my skillset. I much prefer and enjoy Corporate work and am looking forward to getting back into it.

I agree with this.