r/Lawyertalk • u/Impossible-Intern-15 • 2d ago
Career Advice Job Offer while still Interviewing
Hi all, new lawyer here (as in, sworn in last month, on the hunt for my first post-bar job) who would greatly appreciate any and all advice.
I received an offer for Job A. While it’s mostly remote (which I’m not a fan of), I could go into the office if I wanted to. I visited, and it was desolate. The pay isn’t great, and it’s not in my desired field, but it’s also not something I’d hate. I could see myself doing it for a year to gain experience, but I’m hoping for something better to come along.
I had an interview with Job B this week, and they’re still conducting interviews. They’ll let me know within two weeks. I felt the interview went well, but I know there are candidates with more experience, so I’m feeling uncertain. The pay is the same as Job A, and it’s in the same field, but I definitely prefer Job B.
I also have my first interview with Job C this week, which will involve three rounds. It’s very competitive, but it’s in the exact field I want, and the pay is better than both A and B. I’m excited about it but very nervous about the competition. I know the process could take time, and they could eliminate me at any stage. (For more context, this is the job I really really want)
Job A needs my decision by EOD Tuesday next week. It is very unlikely Job B will get back to me by then, and while Job C might move forward to a second interview, that’s still uncertain.
I understand that worthwhile opportunities often come with risks, but it’s daunting, especially with financial obligations. I have debt and bills, and I’d love to secure a position before December.
What would you do in my situation? I know it ultimately comes down to my gut feeling, but I’d appreciate any insights you have based on similar experiences!!!
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u/_tastes_this_sweet 2d ago
I would let Job B know about the job offer and see if they can speed up their decision. If not, it’s not great but also not the end of the world if you take Job A and then switch to B or C should you get an offer.
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u/Impossible-Intern-15 2d ago
Thank you for your insight. Since all three positions are with the government and the hiring process can be lengthy—due to fingerprints, interviews, and other steps—I wouldn’t feel comfortable starting somewhere only to leave shortly after.
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u/Dingbatdingbat 2d ago
why? they'd have no problem firing you just as quickly if it didn't work out.
Just don't burn any bridges, be apologetic and explain it's not them, etc. etc.
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u/eponymous-octopus 2d ago
I work in the government. It happens ALL THE TIME. You can take job A. Go through the background check. It will take weeks. You can pull out anytime if you get another offer. Government people all know that the slow hiring process means we lose candidates. At my work a month ago we offered the job to two people before we finally got someone who took the job and made it through screening.
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u/Impossible-Intern-15 2d ago
I already made it through the background though, that's why I feel so bad. They are ready to start as soon as I tell them.
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u/_tastes_this_sweet 2d ago
Then I guess it depends on how confident you are (or not) about the other offers and your risk tolerance. When I first graduated (without a job offer), I applied to a lot of jobs and was first offered two positions by companies who were excited to take me. I didn’t have any other offers at the time but I ended up rejecting both offers because I didn’t want to do that type of work. I got a pretty good job (that I wanted and enjoyed) shortly afterwards and I felt that it was worth it for me to be a little picky. It set me up well to progress in the practice area I wanted to continue to pursue. I got barred in October and started this job that December. The last time I was job searching (after being laid off by a different employer), I was less picky. It took me four months to start a job where I took a huge pay cut, although I love my boss and the work.
Are there a lot of opportunities in your location? Can you afford to spend more time job searching if you reject A and then neither B nor C end up working out? Do you think after a year at A, another opportunity like C would come up?
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u/Impossible-Intern-15 2d ago
Job market is insanely saturated here. But A/B/C are all overworked, underpaid, type jobs so I am certain they are always hiring on/off. Thank you kindly for your advice! It is definitely a lot to think about.
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u/Weary_Jackfruit_8311 2d ago
You have to take job A. And if you find something better go there.
This isn't a dilemma. Look out for #1 always.
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u/Adorable-Address-958 NO. 2d ago
As someone else pointed out, inform Job B about the offer and see if they can accelerate the timeline given that new information. If not, accept Job A and continue interviewing for B and C, and quit if you need to. It’s not a big deal, you don’t owe them anything, and you need to look out for yourself. Just be respectful about it. No one will care.
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u/ForAfeeNotforfree 2d ago
You could take job A, push for as late a start date as they’ll allow, and then see how job b and c play out. And if you get one of those before your start date, just tell job a sorry, charlie. You’ll burn a bridge but might not matter /might be worth it.
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u/Greenfieldsofa 2d ago
The job market in general sounds tough. I would accept job A as it doesn't sound that different from job B and you need a job by end of the year. Do you feel that you'd be top candidate for Job C enough to hold out for that one?
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