What’s the best way to turn down a 2nd interview? During the 1st interview, I learned that the compensation for the role is not within the range that I am looking for and requires 400 more billable hours a year than what I bill now. I’d basically be laterally for my current salary just to bill 400 more hours. I also wasn’t aware that the local office was strictly ID. Firm website advertises lots of practice areas. Any advice? TIA!

Thanks but upon further consideration, I’ve decided to explore other options. And leave it at that. You don’t have to explain in any detail. It’s ok for you to reject them after learning more about the job. That’s what an interview is for.

As a shareholder who is focused on recruiting, retaining and promoting talent, I would be so thankful for a candidate who shoots me straight and simply lays out the reasons why she is declining the second interview. With the discrepancies between what you thought the role is vs. what it really is, it doesn’t seem that there is any real danger that they can convince you that this job is better than your current one, so you shouldn’t be concerned they might try to sell the opportunity. They should know that they either aren’t competitive or shouldn’t be trying to recruit talent at your level. And, if you were introduced by a recruiter, they need to have a discussion with her to make sure she is properly marketing the opportunity. Just my perspective from the “other side.”

For future firms, you should look up the attorneys at the office for the practice area you are interested in. You’ll get a much better idea of the scope of that practice from their individual profiles.

OP, that’s why now I vet recruiters. Hours, pay, potential to move to other practice areas cause ID is not my long term goal are my first questions. If they won’t answer or it’s not at my goal I decline. No need to waste time interviewing at this point. I’ve done a few interviews and as soon as they tell me terms I don’t want I just…stop trying in the interview.