Interviewing for a legal job can be daunting. By understanding and preparing for the interview, you’ll be better equipped to handle any curveballs during the legal interview process. Eliminate interview horrors using these preparation tips and tricks when meeting with prospective employers.
BEFORE THE INTERVIEW
Preparing for a meeting or interview will help you feel more confident and reduce anxiety.
- Research the firm online and read the biographies of team members. Do you best to understand the role so that you can tailor the discussion around achieving the firm’s goals. Look for current news articles, press releases and social media relating to the firm’s recent successes and activities.
- Review the job description to understand the scope of the role and how not only your skills but also your unique experiences bring value to the firm.
- Prepare questions in advance: be ready with questions to ask to show you have taken the time to prepare. Many of your questions should be open-ended, sparking an information-gathering, two-way conversation.
- Ask an expert! The veteran team at Collier Legal Search is known for its expertise in teaching interview skills, often offering training for goodwill purposes. Do not hesitate to call anyone on the team to help!
THE DAY OF THE INTERVIEW
- Location/parking: review the location ahead of time and figure out the parking situation; “scout out” the location. This will help you avoid getting lost on the day of the meeting or interview.
- Dress: dress professionally regardless of whether the firm has a policy of “business casual.” This shows that you take the meeting or interview seriously. As Edith Heard said, “You can have anything you want in life if you dress for it.” Avoid heavy perfumes, colognes, or cigarette smoke on your person.
- Demeanor: be on time! Punctuality is key to showing respect for the interviewer’s time. Greet the other person with a smile and a handshake. Make eye contact and speak clearly, showing engagement and interest. Be positive and enthusiastic.
- Experience: share examples and testimonials which showcase your skills and knowledge relevant to the position. Tailor your unique experiences to the open role – always being honest, deferential, and enthusiastic. Remember always the interviewer is looking to establish trust through a transparent, communicative conversation.
- Goals: be prepared to discuss your career goals and why you are interested in the role. When you discuss your job search, be forthcoming that you are not “running away” from your current position but rather “running towards” the open role for which you are interviewing.
- Overcome objections to your job history: if you have worked for more than one employer and perhaps you have moved around a lot, don’t wait to be asked why you are so “job hoppy.” Instead, be proactive with your explanations when asked about yourself. Control the narrative and do it honestly as you can anticipate references will be checked. Don’t worry! No one has a perfect job history!
- Rest: get a good night’s sleep before the meeting or interview. This will help you be alert and focused.
- Nutrition: eat a healthy breakfast or lunch on the day of the meeting or interview. Avoid sugary foods and drinks, as these can cause you to crash later. Avoid too much caffeine!
- Focus: take a few deep breaths before the meeting or interview to calm your nerves. And remember, it’s a conversation so ask yourself “why be nervous at all?”!
FOLLOWING THE INTERVIEW
Send thanks: send a handwritten note to each person involved in the interview or anyone who helped establish the meeting.
Let Collier Legal Search take the fear out of your job search. Call the team anytime for assistance. Feel comfortable sending a confidential resume to jessica@collierlegal.com. You may call her, or any team member, to help with interview preparation: 713-863-8180.