When offered a job, when should you accept and when should you pass? (see details)

Asked by livelaughlove21 (15724) December 2nd, 2013 from iPhone

As some of you know, I’m graduating from college in a couple of weeks and I recently began applying for jobs.

I did an initial interview with two staffing agencies that specifically place job seekers in legal positions. I’m looking to find a job as a legal assistant making at least $28–30K. I’ll have my BA, but I have no legal experience aside from two summer internships with probation.

One of these agencies landed me my first “real” interview with a mid-size law firm whose client list mainly consists of school districts. They specialize in school and employment law, student punishment, special education, etc. My interview is Wednesday.

My question is this: Let’s say I’m offered the job. Would it be in my best interest to take it as long as they offer my minimum salary requirement and I could see myself working there? Should I hold out for other offers (a risky move)? Should I take the job and continue to interview, potentially burning a bridge if I get a better offer elsewhere?

I was hoping to get in with criminal defense attorneys, because that’s the area of law I’m most interested in, but I don’t want to turn down a job when I may not get another one anytime soon. I’m just a bit concerned school/employment law may be boring. I could always get a couple years of experience under my belt and move on to another area of law, right? I’ve never looked for a “permanent” job before, so I’m not sure what I should do.

Of course, I haven’t even had the interview yet, so I may not get the offer.

Thoughts?