Preparing For The Interview
Preparation is key to any successful interview. You may be charming, funny, bright and ideally suited to the job but if you haven't done your research you won't impress anyone.
Most interviews last around one hour. There may be a panel of interviewers but more often if it is the first interview there will be one or two interviewers present.
Location & Personnel
Ensure that you are aware of exactly where the interview is. Print off a map from the internet and check travelling time. Allow a 10 minute margin for error. If you are early you can always ask the receptionist to announce your arrival later. Many receptions of law firms nowadays have a file available with cuttings from the local and national press about them. Ideally you should allow time to read this. Make friends with the Receptionist. Ask her how long she has been at the firm and how she finds it. It is not unusual for the Partners to ask her before or after the interview what she thought of you.
Check the job title and the full names of the interviewers before the meeting. If neither are likely to be your main point of contact find out who is and familiarise yourself with their profile also.
Research
Web Sites
Read the firm's own web site details analysing the type of work they do and the type of clients they deal with. Many have archived documents and articles you can read through which will give you lots of background information.
Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners web sites will tell you about specialist areas of law, recommended individuals at the firm and the percentage split of work across the practice. You can also read about their competitors and recent updates.
Trade Press
The Lawyer, Legal Week, the Law Society Gazette and their respective web sites publish current information about firms so they are all worth checking the week before the interview. Also read any business related journals.
Employees
Speak to anyone you know who currently works there if possible.
Appearance
This may be the only chance you get to make the best impression. Take extra care to look your best, wear your smartest suit and polish your shoes. Carry any bags or files in your left hand so that your right hand is free to give a firm handshake.
CV
Be sure to read your CV before the meeting and even take a copy with you. Be prepared to answer any questions on anything that may be an obvious target. Ensure you are fully conversant with any particular areas of law you have shown a knowledge of on the CV. Use your interests and hobbies section to develop the rapport when asked questions about them.
print page
top of page
