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Does turning down a callback or offer hurt chances of future job?

Posted: Mon Aug 28, 2017 10:21 pm
by Anonymous User
I have accepted an offer in NYC because it's now or never. I have the NYC itch that I need to get out, however I also am realistic that I won't be there forever. I MM to a regional southern market and just got an interview invite to a firm that I would love to potentially one day work at? How do a navigate this to not burn bridges, or am I SOL?

Re: Does turning down a callback or offer hurt chances of future job?

Posted: Mon Aug 28, 2017 10:26 pm
by UVA2B
Don't overthink this. If you've already accepted an offer that you want to keep, respectfully decline because you've accepted that offer, while mentioning that you're very interested in their firm and their practice area (that you presumably applied for).

As anecdotal data, I got to see a firm offer a position to a desirable candidate on three separate occasions in a secondary market. They didn't accept on the first or second offer, but when the time was right, the firm hired that candidate who eventually became an influential partner.

You're not necessarily burning bridges just because you decline an offer to interview. You burn bridges when you accept an offer and then renege or fail to interact with the firm respectfully and professionally so as to make the hiring attorney remember you negatively.

Re: Does turning down a callback or offer hurt chances of future job?

Posted: Mon Aug 28, 2017 11:07 pm
by LSATWiz.com
You can say you'd love to, but have already an accepted an offer. This way you make it seem like you prefer them but are a person of your word, which makes you more respectable.