The “Second Look”: Getting the Most from a Return Visit
So, you have an offer (or two!) in hand-congratulations! Now begins the sometimes challenging work of deciding between or among multiple offers. Chances are you already know quite a bit about the firms that you are considering. After all, you have spent a good deal of time curating an initial bid list and preparing for your screening interview and callback interviews.
Still, you might have outstanding questions about a firm, its culture or its legal practices. Now is the time to ask the firm’s recruiting team for a return visit or a “second look.” In this post, we will share some thoughts on why a second look can be helpful, how to maximize the return on your visit and general etiquette tips.
Why Take a Second Look?
There are any number of reasons to ask for a second look. Perhaps you would like to meet with additional members of a particular practice group or junior associates to discuss their experiences with the summer program. Perhaps you would like to speak with female partners. You might also want to meet members of the diversity committee or others who share a common background or interest. Or maybe you would simply like to get a better sense of the firm without the stress of an interview hanging over your head.
In any event, a second look is an invaluable opportunity to size up the firm one last time before committing to a summer program. Let’s face it; finding the right fit for your next summer is incredibly important. A more leisurely second look can provide meaningful insights for your decision making.
Remember: firms want you to be armed with all of the information that you need to make an informed decision, so do not hesitate to ask to see them again.
Getting the Most from Your Return Visit
If you are like most students, the on-campus recruiting experience has probably helped shape your view of the ideal firm and workplace. You have had an unparalleled opportunity to walk the corridors and speak with firm representatives. Now that you have a better sense of what you are looking for, what answers do you need to confirm your instincts about a firm or to resolve any questions you still have? For example:
- How does the firm retain and ensure the success of its female associates?
- Can you tell me about some of the diversity committee’s recent initiatives?
- What opportunities might I have to hone my business development skills?
- In your view, what qualities set apart your most successful associates from their peers?
- How do young associates get involved in the firm’s pro bono program?
Etiquette Tips
Although a return visit should be a more relaxed affair, do not relax your professionalism. Continue to exhibit all of the wonderful qualities that got you the offer in the first place. Arrive on time. Be courteous to everyone you encounter. Dress the part of a young associate and be prepared with thoughtful questions that are designed to resolve any remaining questions you have.
In short, continue to show the firm the outstanding future summer associate that it invited to join its summer program.