Articles From the Team
Reasons clients don’t advance lawyers to the 2nd stage interview/offer
Don’t shoot the messenger – the reasons listed below come directly from the horse’s mouth: feedback we receive from clients!
Lack of preparation
- “Not enough research was undertaken into our business.”
- “Didn’t give us a reason why the specific role was strongly desired over another one; especially another they’d concurrently interviewed for.”
- “Didn’t seem to know their CV – seemingly attempted to wing the interview.”
- “No solid reason for the moves on their CV – felt that our role might be another stepping stone for them.”
Things to be wary of: don’t jeopardise your chances at interview
- “I felt I was being interviewed, not the other way around. I expect some questions but not a barrage of them.”
- “There’s a fine line between confidence and arrogance – unfortunately, this lawyer erred into arrogance.”
- “Too negative about current employer – need to think about re-framing their current frustrations as it came across as a moan.”
- “Was incapable of answering questions concisely.”
- “Poor eye contact – found it hard to build rapport and engage.”
- “Poor choice of question. They asked: “can you tell me how by joining your business, I won’t be de-skilling?”
- “The lawyer didn’t know when to stop talking. They need to read the signs, the interviewers became disengaged.”
Other reasons interviewees aren’t progressed
- Social media – HR can search your profile and choose not to progress based on inappropriate content
- Lack of cultural fit is a common reason. It’s very difficult to be someone you’re not, so in the long term, it’s probably the right move for both parties
- Being rude to the receptionist or other people you meet before the interview