OFFICE OF CAREER
SERVICES
INTERVIEWING TIPS
Thursday, August 13, 2009
6:00-7:00 PM
Ceremonial Courtroom
Introductions
Panelists
– Leigh Abrams (DLA Piper)
– Jeremy Moorehouse (Wilmer Hale)
– Margaret Sanne (McDermott Will)
On-Campus Interviews
On the 12th floor
20 or 30 minutes each
Hiring committee members (1-2)
Names in Symplicity
Chair outside each interview office
Be patient – interviews can run over
Check emails for changes
Also can check CSO for changes
Employer’s Goal
To determine:
– Interest in/knowledge of the employer/firm
– Professional, intelligent, enthusiastic, hard
working, easy to get along with, curious
– Fit with the employer – Good team player
– Poise
– Call-back interview.
Your Goal
To get a call-back interview.
Expect the Unexpected
Some employers not good interview
Be ready to manage the interview
Be ready to talk - calmly
Be ready to ask good questions
Be ready for a behavioral question
1L Handbook for suggestions
Be Prepared
Know your resume well
– Ask and answer 10 questions about your
resume – in writing and out loud
– Re-read any publications/memos/briefs
– Be ready for “Tell me something about
yourself”
Know what the firm’s main practice areas
are – refer to nalpdirectory.com
Know the interviewer
Info To Convey
Your interest in working for the employer
Your knowledge of the employer
Practice areas you are interested in
Yet - your willingness to work in areas of need
You are thinking long-term - partner
Skills you bring to the table
– Hard worker, good judgment
– Good researcher and writer
– Team player
– Responsive to clients
Illustrate What You Offer
Provide useful, concrete examples of:
– Your skills:
Writing, researching, work experience, client
interaction, team work, work ethic, etc.
Stay on message.
Avoid vagueness – you want them to
remember you.
What Not to Convey
Unsure what you want
Short-timer
That your long term goal is to do
something else
Poor judgment, disorganized,
Unappreciative
Difficult to get along with
That you have to be right
Presentation
Dress appropriately – no distractions
Hands in lap and no pen clicking
Keep jewelry and cologne to a minimum.
Do not carry a backpack or large purse.
Handshake – should be firm and dry.
Smile when you meet the interviewer.
Presentation
Sit up straight, be confident.
Direct eye contact, energetic, excited to be
there, calm and confident.
Do not smoke before interviews.
No cell phone, IPOD, gum, candy
Do not twist or fiddle with hair
Don’t refer to as Sir or Madam
No slang
Don’t appear irritated or impatient
General Advice
Don’t criticize former employers or make
negative comments
Don’t apologize
Don’t ask questions about salary, benefits,
work/life balance, economy
Anything negative:
– learned from it
– steps you took to cure it
Be appreciative, say “thank you.”
Prepare, Prepare, Prepare
Know your resume very well
– 10 questions/answers/practice answers
– Re-read any publications
– Re-read any memos/briefs/other work
Know about the firm – website, NALP,
CSO.
Know the interviewer – associate/partner,
practice area, schools attended.
Call-Back Interviews
At employer’s office.
Respond quickly and do call-back as soon
as possible - be flexible.
Professional voicemail message.
Confirm place and time – record them.
Arrive 10 minutes early - security.
Be courteous to everyone.
5-7 attorneys individually.
Call-Back Interviews
Resumes, writing samples, references.
Associates/partners.
Meals: Associates.
Act like you want to be there.
Be confident.
Speak clearly, calmly, don’t fidget.
Demonstrate a sense of humor but don’t
tell jokes.
Say “Thank You”
Send a thank you letter/card same day.
Person(s) who interviewed you.
If more than one – try not to say the same
thing each time.