Wow! I apologize for creating a thread and forgetting about it. I didn't realize the thread would explode with comments.
In the note, I used the word "drooling" and I skipped words because I was so excited for a job. I also crossed out words and handwrote the note. I didn't write in a straight line.
Here is what I said:
I thank you for giving an oppertunity to interview with. Simply put, I want to for you or with you where ever you are. If you still were a prosecutor I'd choose (Deleted to protect identity) over (Deleted to protect identity). You are direct, honest, and sincere. I've interviewed with judges, private attorneys, and state attorneys. Most if not all look at a candidate with little regard to their well-being. When you asked me why my salary figures were so low, I was surprised.
Most people would have drooled because they could hire someone for cheap. You however, told me implicity, that I'm far more valuable than I give myself credit for. It didn't take me five minutes to realize you would be a great teacher, co-worker, and friend. That's rare to find.
My writing is better than the quote above. I was so high on emotion after a great interview that I U-turned on the highway to go buy thank you cards. I wanted to write what my heart was telling me. I didn't pay attention to anything I wrote. I wanted to hand deliver the note and delivered the note just 30 minutes after the interview.
The interviewer told me in the interview that she felt I would not be happy working both legal and non-legal work. The interviewer had liked me during the interview. I had my best interview ever.
When I got rejected, I asked the interviewer for feedback. Here's what the interviewer said:
Ive scanned a copy of your thank you note (see attached). The sentiment was appreciated, but I suggest you read it out loud and scan it for spelling errors. You interviewed well and should be proud of that. The position requires a skilled communicator, both oral and written. I suggest you work on your writing skills and continue working hard.
I was devastated and embarrassed. How did I let my emotions get the best of me? How can I look at myself as an attorney? I showed the letter to my friend. She went berserk which made me feel worse. It was at that point that I realize that I need to trust myself and my advice rather than always listening to others.
A day later I was still in deep depression and emotional pain. I even thought about taking a bullet to my head. My pain would end.
Later I sent a nasty text to my friend. I told her that she always underestimates me and that I will become an attorney. I was at emotional highs and lows. I then went to my schools library to look for more jobs. My friend responded to my text saying she was hurt by what I said. At that point, I sat on a window sill and asked myself Will I be happy if I became an attorney? I never asked myself that question.
I went to sleep early and got up around 3 AM. I went to Jack in the Box to get a burger. The whole time I was thinking about whether I be happy becoming an attorney. I realize that I stayed through law school because I was afraid what others might think if I quit. I wanted to become an attorney since the age of 12. Im 28 so thats 16 years in pursuit of a career. Some point during those 16 years I no longer wanted to be an attorney. I was doing something because I feared the thoughts of others.
I have been to five different mental health professionals since starting law school. I was never bitter before I entered law school. I never let criticism personally affect me or go into deep depression. Attorneys tend to have very high strung personalities. I am very relaxed. Attorneys tend to have egos. Humility is one my strengths.
I realize that being an attorney goes against who I am as a person. I want to do what makes me happy. Being an attorney does not make me happy. Once I realized that, I was relieved like no other. A huge burden has been lifted and I can be myself.
It turns out my family all support my decision. My cultural background is geared to place emphasis on ones honor or ones perception by others. I assumed my parents would not like my decision but they instead supported me. I learned something about them. They will always respect and love me no matter what I do.
Now I will explore and find a career that I want. Im not sure what career I want but I have time. I worked through law school and have a job so money is not an issue. I am relieved and happy that I could come to this conclusion and be alive to tell you about it. I matured and am happy that I wrote that letter. My therapist was even thrilled that I learned to care about myself rather than worrying about others.
My life is now clearer. I thank God and all those that help me get to this point in my life.
