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I got a call to interview for a clerkship on Friday, but the message they left was inaudible, and it was from a number labeled unknown. I was camping without internet, so I just assumed it was spam and went on with my life. Today I remembered the message and googled the number, realized it was a chambers I'd sent a paper application to quite a while ago, called, apologized, and set up an interview ASAP.

I realize I was super-dumb, but am I already sunk?

Personally, I would be more put off and disinterested because you went somewhere without cell phone service or Internet access. Not a good look to start right out the gate being that guy who likes to go off the grid.

Just my two cents, so take it for what it's worth. My work cell phone is never more than an arms length away from me at any time.

kellyfrost wrote:Personally, I would be more put off and disinterested because you went somewhere without cell phone service or Internet access. Not a good look to start right out the gate being that guy who likes to go off the grid.

Just my two cents, so take it for what it's worth. My work cell phone is never more than an arms length away from me at any time.

Is it really unacceptable to go camping in a rural area in the summer?

FWIW, I don't think I provided the reason, just said that the message was silent, and I was sorry for not following up.

Anonymous User wrote:

kellyfrost wrote:Personally, I would be more put off and disinterested because you went somewhere without cell phone service or Internet access. Not a good look to start right out the gate being that guy who likes to go off the grid.

Just my two cents, so take it for what it's worth. My work cell phone is never more than an arms length away from me at any time.

Is it really unacceptable to go camping in a rural area in the summer?

No, it's not, and the above is silly.

Exact same thing recently happened to me. Chambers called and left an inaudible voicemail. I thought nothing of it until I got a follow-up email asking me to confirm that I was no longer interested in the clerkship. I immediately called back, explained, and scheduled an interview. Got an offer the day after.

Chances are the judge will never hear about the mix-up. You've still got an interview, and as good a shot as you had before. Good luck!

Anonymous User wrote:

kellyfrost wrote:Personally, I would be more put off and disinterested because you went somewhere without cell phone service or Internet access. Not a good look to start right out the gate being that guy who likes to go off the grid.

Just my two cents, so take it for what it's worth. My work cell phone is never more than an arms length away from me at any time.

Is it really unacceptable to go camping in a rural area in the summer?

FWIW, I don't think I provided the reason, just said that the message was silent, and I was sorry for not following up.

As long as you don't provide the reason or give a vague reason then you should be fine.

It is perfectly fine to go somewhere out of cell phone range. Like probably all the worthwhile places to camp have terrible cell service.

I don't think the reason has to come up, but if it does, it doesn't matter.

I hope you do get the interview, I truly do. I just think it is a red flag or potentially a red flag that you are unreachable for extended periods of time like that.

The above is ridiculous. A few days before replying, especially with a good reason, is totally fine.

- current COA clerk who has been involved in hiring successors.

You're fine, and they wouldn't bother setting up an interview with you if you were "already sunk."

kellyfrost wrote:I hope you do get the interview, I truly do. I just think it is a red flag or potentially a red flag that you are unreachable for extended periods of time like that.

OP already got an interview. Also, this is insane. Should we also never get on airplanes in case someone calls?

Kelly Frist is well known for being either a troll or staggeringly unintelligent and misinformed. Disregard everything from that poster.

I agree the mix up probably won't even be on the judge's radar. Good luck with the interview.

Yeah, in my chambers, it wouldn't be held against you as long as you call back and give a reason. But unlike the other chambers described in this thread, mine wouldn't send a reminder email after the voicemail.

Anonymous User wrote:Yeah, in my chambers, it wouldn't be held against you as long as you call back and give a reason. But unlike the other chambers described in this thread, mine wouldn't send a reminder email after the voicemail.

+1

kellyfrost wrote:I hope you do get the interview, I truly do. I just think it is a red flag or potentially a red flag that you are unreachable for extended periods of time like that.

I'm sure glad I don't work with people with your mentality--it would make for a very unpleasant work experience. BTW I'm a senior associate at V50.

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