Acing On-Campus and Call-Back Interviews: Proven Tips & Strategies for Success

Summary

For law students looking to ace their on-campus and callback interviews, there are a few key steps they must take in order to be successful. The key to success in these types of interviews is to thoroughly understand the law firm you're interviewing with and to be well-prepared for the questions you are likely to receive.

Firstly, the prospective candidate should research the law firm's hiring criteria and key practice areas in advance. This can be done by reviewing the firm's website and any other materials that are available about the firm. Additionally, the student should review biographies and successes of the firm's partners and current attorneys as this will help to create a sense of familiarity during the interview.

The next step is to practice for the interview, which means creating an ambitious yet realistic list of questions that could be asked and then answering them aloud. It is also important to practice answering questions in a conversational tone, so that the interviewer is not likely to pick up on the fact that the student is giving a rehearsed answer.

In order to make a lasting impression on the interviewers, the prospective candidate should practice delivering succinct yet confident answers that make it clear they have a thorough understanding of the law firm and its practice areas. Additionally, the candidate should strive to display a level of leadership, active listening and problem-solving skills that demonstrate their value to the firm.

When it comes to interview day, it is important to arrive early and dress professionally. The student should ensure they have all the necessary documents they will need, such as their resume, references and writing samples. Most importantly, the student should stay calm during the interview and make sure to project enthusiasm and confidence.

By following these steps and being well-prepared for the interview, law students can increase their chances of acing both on-campus and callback interviews with law firms. Law student interview tips, such as researching the law firm, practicing for the interview, delivering confident and succinct answers and projecting enthusiasm and confidence can go a long way in helping law students to ace their interviews. With the right preparation and approach, law students can make a positive impression on prospective employers and secure the job of their dreams.
 

What are On-Campus/Call-Back Interviews?

On-campus/call-back interviews are typically the final stage of the interview process for potential employers. The employers usually visit campus grounds to meet and evaluate the candidates in person and decide which one to hire. This type of interview allows employers to quickly meet with many candidates and gain insights into each candidate's qualifications. The main purpose of this interview is to assess the candidate's performance, knowledge, and skills in order to determine if they're the right fit for the role.
 

Preparing for an On-Campus/Call-Back Interview

The most important thing to do when preparing for an on-campus/call-back interview is to research the company and the position. Gather as much information as possible including the company's history, products and services, and core values. Take the time to understand the company's mission statement, goals, and objectives. It's also beneficial to review any press releases or news articles about the company in order to gain a more detailed understanding of the company's culture and operations.
 

Optimizing Your On-Campus/Call-Back Interview Performance

Once the company and position have been researched, those seeking a job should focus on optimizing their interview performance. This means preparing to answer potential questions the interviewer may ask about the company, the position, and the individual's qualifications. It's also beneficial to practice responding to questions on the spot and coming up with thoughtful responses. Additionally, attending on-campus workshops and office hours can help hone your interviewing skills.
 

Dressing Professionally for On-Campus/Call-Back Interviews

The candidate should also make sure they're dressed appropriately for the on-campus/call-back interview. This means wearing professional attire that is appropriate for the industry and the company. It's important to remember that employers look at how the candidate presents themselves, so it's important to appear polished and professional. Also, try to arrive early to the interview and be sure to bring a copy of your resume, portfolio and any other documents that are needed.
 

Demonstrating Confidence During On-Campus/Call-Back Interviews

Demonstrating confidence is key during on-campus/call-back interviews. Make sure to greet the interviewer with a firm handshake and maintain eye contact throughout the conversation. Additionally, it's important to speak clearly, fully answer the interviewer's questions, ask questions of your own, and emphasize your positive attributes. Lastly, while confidence is important, be sure to not come off as too aggressive or boastful as this could ultimately hurt your chances at the job.

Preparation
UCLA Law School's Amy Berenson Mallow, Assistant Dean for Career Services, stated that preparation should take place on several different levels. The first preparatory step is for students to know their resumes. The second step involves learning as much as possible about the employer and interviewers. The third step involves developing a marketing strategy.
 

Ms. Mallow noted, ''Regardless of what questions the interviewer poses, the major question facing an interviewee is, 'Why should I hire you?' Students must think about what in their background demonstrates what skills and qualities they have to offer and then develop strategies to effectively convey this information.''

After completing these steps, Ms. Mallow stresses the importance of practicing interviewing. Role playing with a career counselor or friend what will take place at the actual interview will help prepare students in advance for the real thing.

Susan Robinson, Associate Dean for Career Services at Stanford Law School, adds a few other ways to prepare. ''A student should know themselves, what they want and what they want to be. They should know the firm (through proper research) and the geographic market.''

Ms. Robinson continued, ''Students should look at a firm's website. Items to look out for would be practice areas, deals, cases, clients, summer programs, special interest areas, etc.''

She cites additional resources for students. ''The NALP directory, which is available online, gives basic information on large firms.''

For callbacks, Ms. Robinson encourages looking at news articles and legal newspapers to get a better sense of what a firm is currently doing.

Another popular resource is surveys. There is the American Lawyer Midlevel Associate Survey, Vault Guide, and a summer associate survey published in L Magazine. Past employees often fill out surveys, and students can talk to each other to gather information.

Important Do's and Don't's:
UCLA's Career Services Office compiled this list of do's: research the employer, pay attention to an employer's hiring criteria, be prepared to discuss your resume, show up for all interviews and take each one seriously, convey a positive attitude, stress your strong points and specific skills, ask informed questions, dress appropriately and project a professional image, and establish a filing system for your materials, i.e., copies of correspondence information about employers, notes on interviews, and follow-up appointments.

The don't's: mispronouncing the employer's name, appearing unenthusiastic or bored, failing to listen to questions or not listening to answers given to questions, interrupting the interviewer or talking at the same time, acting nervous, criticizing a former employer, and lastly, not asking any questions.

Employer vs. Future Employee
Ms. Mallow stated, ''The student interviewee should use the interview process as a time to create a positive impression, demonstrate enthusiasm for the employer, gather additional information about the position, and determine if the employer is a good fit.''

Ms. Robinson noted that ''employers are looking for smart individuals who are excellent communicators who can write, research, and analyze well. They also look for maturity and presence.''

Evaluating an Offer
Ms. Mallow declared that ''comprehensive research should enable the student to know the basics about the firm, including where it is based, the office size, and its major practice specialties.''

She continued, ''Hopefully the student has gathered enough information through the interview process about the firm's general character and stability, as well as advancement opportunities and professional development at the firm. At this point, the student should be able to assess what characteristics the firm has, compared to the environment the student is looking for.''

So many interviews…and no offers
If a student does not get any offers, Ms. Mallow recommends consulting a career counselor. Ms. Robinson agrees, ''Every student should talk to a career counselor early, before interviews. If there is an issue the student is aware of, work on it with a counselor.''

Utilizing Resources:
Career centers on campus often provide assistance with the on-campus interview process. UCLA's Office of Career Services has a Q & A Interviewing Tips and ''Mock Interview'' program, as well as seminars featuring local attorneys. Check to see what is available and take advantage of the services offered.

Always remember:
Ms. Mallow sums up four key steps to succeeding at interviews: research prospective employers, only apply to those in which you have a genuine interest, prepare for the interview by knowing the employer, yourself, and your resume, and, lastly, practice, practice, practice.

See the following articles for more information:
 

• 21 Major Interview Mistakes to Avoid at All Costs
• The Best Way to Prepare for a Job Search and Interviews
• How to Talk About Other Interviews in Your Interviews
• How to Answer the Tell Me About Yourself Interview Question
• How to Answer the Do You Have Any Questions for Me Interview Question