Another stinky interview

Today was my interview with the small firm. This is the first time that I have removed all references to my children from my resume (and conveniently deleted my college graduation date from my resume so as not to reveal my SAHM status). Things were going well, until they asked whey I live in [small suburban community]? My usual answers is because of the great schools. But of course, I couldn't say that because I'm trying to avoid the issue of my children. I think they could tell I was uncomfortable with the question--so of course they persisted. Was I married? Yes. Did I have children? Yes. How Many? I would prefer not to talk about my personal life.

Yes, that is the answer that I gave. I read in some career advice column that was the appropriate response to this line of questioning. Let me tell you now that it isn't. I could tell that my interviewers were completely taken aback by my response. Then they proceeded to tell me that having children was actually a benefit in family law, most of the (female) lawyers there had children, and that was not a concern. So then I had to backtrack and explain what an impediment my children have been in other interviews, and I revealed that I do indeed have three children.

I actual believe that they don't think my kids are a problem--but my trying to cover it up might be. The bigger problem is my internship with the DA's office and the child advocacy clinic placement that I have in the fall. They want someone who will continue through the next year. Something I would be willing to consider--especially if I thought there was the potential for long term employment, but not at the sacrifice of my other opportunities.

Then they asked when I could start. I told them as soon as finals were over, except that the following week I would have four days in which to complete a law review application and if possible I would like time to work on that. This apparently was my biggest mistake. They do not want someone on law review because it takes up too much time. Especially for someone who already has another internship, a clinic placement, and three kids. In fact they told me that the prospect of law review (which we don't even know if I'll make) is much more concerning to them than having kids. Arrrgghhhh! I just cannot make anyone happy--most firms want someone on law review.

Oh well. I guess we'll see what happens. The good news is that I really don't care if I get this job or not because I was looking forward to having three days a week off to hang out with my kiddos. But it seemed like a nice enough place if they do make an offer.