Five key steps to preparing for an interview:
Five key steps to prepare for an interview
- Know the Employer and the Interviewers.
Do your research on the employer with respect to current events and recent news, practice areas, employer size and offices, representative clients, etc. The employer’s NALP form (if they have one), martindale.com, and the employer’s own website are great sources of information. Be sure to check the “News” or “Press Release” section of the website. Knowing these details before the interview will help you frame interview answers in terms consistent with traits the employer deems most valuable. Conduct research on the specific attorney(s) you will meet, including practice area, current landmark cases or news releases, community involvement and undergraduate and graduate institutions. You can research your interviewer(s) using the “People Search” function on the Bloomberg Law database, the organization’s website, and basic Google Searches.
2. Know Yourself.
Review your skills, desires and career goals before the interview, and know your resume cold. Always be as specific as possible in response to questions (i.e., remember names, dates, amounts, etc. from past experiences). Think about experiences you have had that highlight qualities important to legal employers: leadership, verbal and written communication skills, team work, diligence, integrity, ability to meet deadlines, adaptability, conflict resolution, setting and meeting goals, etc. Think about experiences you have had that highlight the skills legal employers prioritize: legal writing, researching, analysis, oral advocacy, etc. Show focus and direction. Employers want to see enthusiasm for what they do and for the practice of law in general.
3. Be Prepared to Give Your Professional Pitch.
Know why you would make an excellent employee and sell those characteristics, experiences, education, etc. throughout the interview process. This is your “Professional Pitch,” and you will want to work your talking points into the conversation in response to questions. Be prepared to highlight three or four things that you most want the employer to know about you. These qualities may include specific skills like writing, researching, problem solving, and oral advocacy or more general qualities like leadership, loyalty or commitment.
4. Connect.
Keep in touch with the Career Center. Let a strategist know about your interview. The Career Center can put you in contact with WashULaw students who previously interned at the organization and recent WashULaw alumni at the organization who can provide insight about what to expect in the interview, the qualities and experience that are important to the organization, and a look into the culture of the organization.
5. Practice, Practice, Practice.
Practice your answers to possible interview questions. Becoming an accomplished interviewer takes practice, a lot of practice. Review the sample interview questions found in the Interview Guide, map out your responses on paper, and then practice saying your answers out loud. Do several mock interviews prior to your interview to fine tune your message. The Career Center strategists, Peer Career Advisors and Professional Consultants are available for mock interviews.