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Got denied for a public interest job originally, then got an email today they would be willing to interview me as an "alternate." I am still going to go because at worst it will be a chance to talk to someone in that field and practice interviewing for that kind of job. Although, I don't really understand the reason they told me I am an alternate except to make me feel like shit and to lower my expectations.

I was wondering if anyone has ever had any good luck being selected as an "alternate" or what they think of my situation.

I think it's shitty. My only experience getting shafted by a public interest gig was during 2L OCI. I interviewed for a nearby county prosecutor, and they did a BCC email to candidates saying "we're offering you a spot! But we're offering this to more people than we have positions for. So whoever replies first will get it."

Against my better judgment, I didn't reply "fuck you." I just archived it.

But if you really want the gig/need a job, it can't hurt to go. I just hate rewarding shitty behavior by employers. Calling you an alternate and bringing you in after rejecting you seems shitty to me.

I'd do it if it's a position you really want. What's the harm? It is odd that they would tell you that you're interviewing as an alternate. I wonder if it's some kind of silly test of your dedication?

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CaptainLeela wrote:In my experience this is not uncommon at all for public interest jobs (the 2nd post is stranger and certainly shitty). A lot of times places need 10 attorneys, have secured funding for 5, and are hoping funding for 3 more will be coming through. As a result, there's a tendency to get additional candidates semi-secured, in the event of additional money. I don't think it's a mind game, so much as a money one.

Couldn't they just say that upfront?

CaptainLeela wrote:In my experience this is not uncommon at all for public interest jobs (the 2nd post is stranger and certainly shitty). A lot of times places need 10 attorneys, have secured funding for 5, and are hoping funding for 3 more will be coming through. As a result, there's a tendency to get additional candidates semi-secured, in the event of additional money. I don't think it's a mind game, so much as a money one.

What type of PI? I've never heard of this practice.

Welcome to TLS

CaptainLeela wrote:

Nebby wrote:

CaptainLeela wrote:In my experience this is not uncommon at all for public interest jobs (the 2nd post is stranger and certainly shitty). A lot of times places need 10 attorneys, have secured funding for 5, and are hoping funding for 3 more will be coming through. As a result, there's a tendency to get additional candidates semi-secured, in the event of additional money. I don't think it's a mind game, so much as a money one.

What type of PI? I've never heard of this practice.

Any kind of direct client services?

Aw, I was wondering. Thanks for the info

I think this is also sort of common for fellowships-funded positions.