Job interview help

[u/Born_Lavishness5790]

I've been applying to jobs all summer while studying for the bar. By August, I still had no prospects.

Then, a firm reached out and offered me an interview. It wasn't my dream firm or an ideal fit, but it was the only opportunity I had, so I went for it. The interview went fine, and I was offered the job shortly after. The offer, however, isn't great (90k salary, 175 billable hours a month, and $38/hour until I receive my bar results. The only real upside is that they'll keep me on as a law clerk if I don’t pass.

Out of fear of having nothing lined up, I accepted the offer, and I'm supposed to start next week.

Now, in the past week or so, firms I applied to in July and early August have started reaching out for interviews. Even though I’ve already accepted the first job, I decided to see those interviews through. One of the firms, definitely bigger and a better fit for me, just invited me for a second interview. I also have another interview scheduled for tomorrow with a firm I really love.

The first firm is aware that I'm in a bit of a time crunch, but I’m really torn. I don’t want to burn bridges, but I also don’t want to settle when better opportunities.

I’m overwhelmed and could really use some guidance.

[u/AutoModerator]

As a reminder, this subreddit is not for any pre-law questions. For pre-law questions and help or if you'd like to ask a wider audience law school-related questions, please join us on our Discord Server

I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.

[u/Status_Strawberry398]

At-will employment.

[u/jinxxx6-6]

I had a similar thing happen when I was first job hunting after school. Felt like all the wrong offers showed up at the wrong time. Honestly, I’d say trust your gut on this. If the other firms are a better fit and likely offer better prospects, definitely see the interviews through. I found myself doing mock interviews with friends or Beyz interview helper to nail down my pitch and ease the nerves, it wasn't perfect but helped.

[u/Same-Pair-1019]

You made a commitment. Keep it. Your word and your integrity are tied to your reputation in the field you have chosen. This is similar to the middle school equivalency of having a date flake on you 30 minutes before your mom picks the other person up to take you to the mall for a movie because a more popular kid asked your date out thirty minutes before your link up time. Sorry for the run on sentence. But you get the point. Your reputation is what sees you in the mirror every night when you are brushing your teeth. You should aspire to act each day in anticipation of respecting your image when you are conducting personal hygiene in the mirror each night before bed. Keep your promises. It will mean more to you in the long run.

[u/Born_Lavishness5790 → u/Same-Pair-1019]

I understand, but at the end of the day a law firm would have no problem firing you on the spot if something went south, in that same regard, i need to look out for my best interest. This isn’t about a middle school date it’s my career and livelihood. If better opportunity comes around I’m not going to pass it up.