To ensure that you are completely prepared for your OCIs, it is essential that you do your research beforehand. First, you should know the firm. I made a small chart with basic information (office locations, type of work, unique reasons I’d want to work there, etc.) about the firms I was interviewing with during OCI. It’s a great way to compare firms and to organize information. I would then review this before each interview. I also contacted 3Ls who were spending their summers at the firms I was interviewing with. This will give you a personal perspective and will give you an opportunity to learn information that may not be available online.
Second, you must know yourself. Review your resume, review potential interview questions and think of your answers to them. Also, know what professional clothes you are most comfortable in and wear them! For me, my mouth gets dry when I’m nervous so I always brought a water bottle with me to interviews. If there is something that makes you feel more confident that won’t be a distraction, don’t be afraid to bring it with you as a comfort. Additionally, be aware of what you need before the interview. Make sure you get a good night’s sleep beforehand and eat a healthy breakfast before your interviews. If you’re a coffee drinker, don’t skip your morning cup on the day of the interview.
Third, you should know the interviewer. You will be notified of who your interviewer will be. Just like researching the firm, it is essential that you research the interviewer. I also made a chart with basic information of the interviewer including what law school they attended, their professional history, if available, and what law they currently practice.
Fourth, your interview should be a conversation. This may be the most important part. Engage with your interviewer. Showcase your confidence, enthusiasm, and knowledge of the firm. Respond to their questions. Ask thoughtful questions. This is an opportunity to meet and to learn about intelligent and experienced attorneys and an opportunity to share your goals and background with them. Relax and try to enjoy the conversation with each interviewer.
Finally, when you receive notification that you have a call-back, it is equally as important to be flexible with scheduling call-backs and try to schedule them as soon as possible. This helps firms with filling their interview slots and also shows your interest in the firm. If you have multiple call-backs in the same city, it is usually easiest to schedule them on the same trip. However, avoid scheduling two call-backs on the same day because it is impossible to know for sure that an interview will finish within the allotted timeframe. Often firms will also give you the option of going out to lunch worth with junior associates to learn more about the firm at the end of the interview, which is an excellent opportunity to learn more about the firm in a more casual environment. Hopefully your call-back interview will lead to an offer. Even if an offer is not from your top-choice firm, it will make you feel more relaxed in your other interviews.