WRT having an instrument rating, one thing I overheard my former CP tell a newbie who didn't have one was: Why would he hire someone without one when he has a 6' high stack of resumes from guys with an IR?
Fair enough that you will not need it for that first job (most of the time) but it is that (somewhat) "peace of mind" for the guy employing you that "IF" you were to find yourself in IMC you have a better chance of returning the plane in a reusable condition than the guy without the IR.
Besides, as was said earlier, you can start building that number of renewals that many of the mid size companies want.
That's my food for thought, so good luck in your choices and happy flying
