Scott E. Rosenthal, a 3L at New York University School of Law, suggests first putting together a compelling story for the interviewer. What’s your “elevator pitch”? Think about what attracted you to law school and the legal field in the first place. What are your interests? Is it bankruptcy work, or becoming a high profile criminal lawyer? Review your resume carefully and pull out specific experiences that fit the mold of your dream career, and be ready to discuss those in detail with the interviewer. This demonstrates to the interviewer that you have put careful thought and planning into your career, instead of simply deciding to go to law school because it “sounds cool.”
Shuangjun Wang, a third-year student at Harvard Law, suggests focusing on the big picture, and doing so in three steps: showing enthusiasm, articulating why you want the job, and establishing a strong personal narrative that ties everything together neatly. Your story should connect your experience with your career goals, focus on the reasoning behind these goals, and demonstrate why working at this particular firm is the next logical step in your journey. Wang was particularly interested in international law, and, though she had zero experience in this area of law, she focused on her hobby of learning foreign languages as a stepping-stone to advancing her career goals. She also focused on her desired qualities in a law firm, and how the firm she was interviewing with exhibited those qualities. Researching a firm and even reaching out to firm attorneys will provide you with great information for the inevitable question, “Why do you want to work for us?” According to LexisNexis, there are even resources out there that inform you as to how certain firm names are pronounced. You do not want to bomb an interview because you mispronounce part of the firm’s name!
In addition, focus on a “Best Candidate Profile.” While many applicants focus on their strengths, it may be more important to focus on how you handle your weaknesses. Focus on any “red flags” in your resume and be ready to discuss how those characteristics add to your qualifications. For example, how did you use a weakness to strengthen another qualification? Did your susceptibility to become highly stressed out in certain situations actually cause you to pay careful attention to detail and become more organized?
If you have a lack of work experience, as many law students do, focus on the steps you have taken to develop comparable skills to ones you may have obtained through full-time positions. You need to show firms why you are worth the investment.
See the following articles for more information:
- The Correct Approach to On-Campus Interviews as a Law Student
- Steps to Prepare for an On-Campus Law Firm Interview
- Mastering On-Campus Law Interviews
- Preparation for an On-Campus Interview with a Law Firm
- The On-Campus Law Interview
Additionally, LexisNexis adds that it is essential to have a list of your own questions. You could ask how work is assigned, how many practice areas you may be able to explore, and other questions about the program.
What happens if you get a callback interview? Chambers-Associate.com explains that these interviews most often take place in October. You will actually spend at least half a day on-site at the firm, and you may be interviewed by up to six attorneys, both partners and associates. You may also be invited to a lunch or coffee event. Remember, you’re being carefully evaluated all day, so don’t lighten up too much during any meals. Be kind and courteous to everyone you cross paths with. An interviewer is not going to be impressed if you are rude to the waiter during lunch.
- See How to Excel at Second Round Law Firm Interviews and Get More Job Offers for more information.
Of course, remember that your attitude is one of the most important factors in your interview. Walk in believing that you have nothing to lose and everything to gain, and your confidence will shine through. Even if you do not end up with an offer, interviewing is a valuable skill that you will only strengthen by participating in on-campus interviews.
Source: National Law Journal
Photo credit: shineadmissions.com
