Job interviews can be stressful, but they don’t have to be. Think of your job interview as an intensely focused conversation. These suggestions can increase your chances for a successful conversation.
Before the interview:
- Research the organization. Find out all you can through personal contacts, written materials, and the organization’s online presence.
- Think about why you want the job and what you have to offer the organization, considering your skills and abilities.
- Organize things you’re going to take with you: extra copies of your resume, writing samples, transcript, and list of references.
- Plan what you’ll wear to the interview. Dress neatly and conservatively. First impressions count.
- Be confident.
During the interview:
- Relax. Be yourself.
- Be honest about your skills and abilities.
- Show enthusiasm. Let them know you are interested in what they do and have to offer.
- Listen. Take time to reflect before answering questions. Don't be afraid to say you don't know, but don't do this too often.
- Ask targeted questions. Show you did your homework.
- Ask what the next step is in the process and when you could expect to hear from them.
After the interview:
- Send a thank-you note reaffirming your interest in the position and provide any additional information you were unable to share in the interview.
- If you do not hear from them after a set time, phone or write to find out where they are in the process.
- If you are offered the position, great! But before you accept, evaluate the terms.
- If you are rejected, don't be discouraged. Take this opportunity to evaluate your job search plan and make any needed revisions.
Sample Interview Questions
Here are some sample interview questions you may be asked. Think about how you would answer them.
- Why did you decide to attend law school?
- In what school activities have you participated? Why?
Which did you enjoy most? - What courses have you liked best in law school? Least? Why?
- If you were starting law school all over, would you still attend?
- Do you feel your legal education has been good?
- Have you ever had to withdraw from a class?
- How do you spend your spare time?
- What are your goals?
- Do you prefer working with others or by yourself?
- Can you take instructions without feeling upset?
- Tell me a story.
- What types of books do you read?
- What types of people seem to rub you the wrong way?
- What is your proudest moment?
- Do you have any debts?
- What is your major weakness?
- What jobs have you held? How were they obtained, and why did you leave?
- What do you know about our firm?
- What qualifications do you have that will make you successful in this field?
- What characteristics do you think a person needs to be a successful attorney?
- What have you learned from other jobs you have held?
- Can we get recommendations from your previous employers?
- What was your record in military services?
- Why should we hire you over our other applicants?
Questions You Could Ask During the Interview:
- What skills are most and least important for an individual to possess as an associate?
- How does the firm delegate authority, responsibilities, and assignments?
- What specific job duties and responsibilities would I have?
- What criteria would be used to evaluate my performance, and how often would I be appraised?
- What could I expect to face in the first month, three months, and six months on the job?
- If I'm filling a job opening, why did my predecessor leave?
- What would you like the person in this position to achieve in the next six months?
- What attracted you to this firm?
- Did you start in your current practice area? If not, why did you switch?
- What do you wish you had asked when you interviewed with the firm?
- How is your job different from what you expected?
- What attracts your clients to this firm? How are you able to retain them?
- How long were you at the firm before you had significant client contact?
- If you could change anything about your job, would you? If so, what would it be?
- How have your clients' needs changed over the last five years?
- Where do you see the firm heading in the next five years?
- Describe your typical day.
- What type of outside activities do the lawyers participate in (local bar association, clubs, athletics)?
- How does the firm feel about pro bono work?
- Are associates assigned to one partner or are they part of a pool of associates available to work with a number of different partners?
- What kinds of opportunities are available for someone who wants to work on a special project?
- How long does it normally take for a new associate to be able to participate in a trial?
- How do attorneys get channeled into different practice groups—or into working relationships with particular partners or particular clients?
- When will you be making a decision, and what is the process?
Whatever you do, DO NOT ask these questions during the interview:
- Don't ask about salary. You can address this when they make a job offer to you.
- Don’t ask how hard associates have to work. Learn the answer another way. For example, schedule any second interview during the late afternoon. The chances are you'll still be there at 6:30 p.m., and you can see for yourself how busy the place is. Another way is to ask a young associate, "How would you describe the life of a young associate at your firm?"
- Don’t ask if young associates have to attend a lot of mandatory social activities. It’s an important question, but don't ask it. Hope it comes up in a second interview.
Topics to Consider Before Accepting an Employment Offer:
- What is the firm's general character and atmosphere? Is it friendly or formal?
- What is the firm's future? Is it getting and keeping people of high caliber?
- Have there been any significant split-ups in its history?
- Are the firm's lawyers people in whose legal abilities, judgment, and standards you will have confidence and pride?
- Are the firm's lawyers people you will enjoy working with?
- Are the firm's organization and administration systems sound and apparently running smoothly?
- What is the relationship between younger and older lawyers in the firm—the channels of communication (formal and informal), the degree of contact, and formality?
- Is the locality a good place to live and work? Does it have cultural and recreational activities, citizen interest, and convenient, attractive residential areas with good schools?
For more help preparing for an interview, contact us.
