Interviewing Guide

INTRODUCTION

Interviewing is the single most important factor in any organisation's decision-making progress. The key for all interviews is enthusiasm, preparation and presentation. Small things make a difference and it is these small things, which determine whether or not you get the job. Not matter what experience and qualifications you have, you must get your interview preparation correct to stand a chance.

Attitude and Demeanour

Be positive and enthusiastic without being over the top! The mere fact that you have been called for an interview should provide you with confidence. Interviewers do not waste time. They are very costly to law firms! An interview is a golden opportunity to illustrate why you should be employed instead of another candidate. We have seen candidates recently get positions on enthusiasm alone. 

Preparation

The more you know about the firm, the position and what they are looking for the better. 

Ask to be sent brochures on the department you are looking to join

Ask for a formal job description.

Check out a firm's website. This will often provide good information and contain profiles of partners.

Use any connections in the law firm to find out as much information as possible.

Check the archives of various legal publications, The Lawyer, Gazette, Legal Business etc to see if the firm has been in the press during the last 12 months.

Check with your agency any relevant pre-interview questions you have

Find out as much as possible about the person interviewing you.

Know your CV inside out. Your CV is an open invitation to ask questions. If an agency has made the application on your behalf make sure you get a copy of the CV sent before the interview!

Prepare questions that you may be asked and practice your response (see end of document) (see page 3)

Prepare a brief career overview in response to popular kick-off questions 'tell me something about your self?'

Prepare some questions you would like to ask them. Those, which require thought and comment, are more memorable to the interviewer than those which request specific detail. (see page 3)

Research the interview process i.e. how many interviews will there be? Does the firm carry out psychometric testing? Who is conducting the interview?

The Day of the Interview

Make sure you know were the interview is taking place and allow yourself plenty of time to get there. It goes without saying but make sure you are smart and presentable for the interview. If you are going to be late make sure you call the firm and let them know. Make sure you know how long the interview will last, so that you are not stressing about an appointment you have later. 

Where possible arrive a little early for the interview. Ten minutes spent in reception will give you time to collect your thoughts and a chance to read the firm's brochures and to study recent press releases. Moreover watching the comings and goings can provide a valuable insight into the type of firm you may be joining.

The Interview

First impressions count. Be smart, confident, excellent eye contact and offer a firm handshake. Emphasis is put on visual as well as verbal impression. Be enthusiastic and interested in the firm.

Be positive about the firm you are looking to join rather than negative about the firm you are leaving. Everything you say must have a positive slant.

Be clear and thoughtful in what you say, so as to avoid any contradictions. Remember an interviewer may be ready to pounce on any contradictions you make. Listen to the interviewers questions and try and let them do as much talking as possible. Don't worry if things fall silent; remember they are asking the questions!

Keep your answers clear, concise and straight to point. If a candidate 'waffles' at an interview this will count against them.

Let the interviewer raise the issue of salary. You don't want money to come across as a sole reason for the move. If they do ask you about salary requirements a good response is that you want the market rate and according to the Law Society states the market rate is £X.

Remember if you have to relocate for the position, you need to show a commitment to the area. Show you have looked at house prices and tell them you are having a look round the area afterwards to acquaint yourself with it.

Always remember to thank the firm for taking time to see you and find out what the next stage in the process is. 

After the Interview

A career move is always a big decision. You need to be sure that it is the right one. If, after the interview, you have any further questions do not be afraid to go back to the firm and ask them. It will show that you are giving the matter the consideration it deserves. It will also give you a chance to provide welcome feedback to the firm. If the process is moving to offer stage many firms will arrange a "social" so you can meet other members of the team in which you will work. If they do not do this, don't be afraid to ask if this is possible. After all you will be working very closely with these people for the foreseeable future and the social is often the only chance you will get to meet the 'troops' rather than the more senior members of the department.

Conclusion

• Be prepared.
• Be informed about the firm; know your CV and know what you want in your next career move.
• Be yourself. Don't try to be something you're not.
• Be enthusiastic. It's infectious.
• Be smart and presentable.
• Be on time and don't attend if you're unwell.  

Frequently asked interview questions

• Tell me something about yourself.
• What brings you to the job market at this point in your career?
• Why would you like to work for this company in particular?
• What attracts you to this role?
• What are your key strengths and weaknesses?
• Describe two major achievements in your career.
• If you could change anything about your career so far, what would it be?
• How would members of your team describe you?
• What important points came out of your last appraisal?
• Describe your management style.
• What do you look for in a manager?
• Describe your toughest client.
• What do you want from your next role?
• What does success mean to you?
• What are the key things that drive or motivate you?
• What really winds you up in the workplace?
• Describe your greatest challenge so far.
• Describe a difficult work scenario and how you managed it.
• Where do you see yourself in two to five year's time?
• What are your career aspirations?
• What would you say about your current and last employers?
• Describe your preferred company culture.
• If you could have your time again, what career would you choose?

            Questions to ask your interviewer

• How has this vacancy arisen?
• How would you describe the firm/company culture?
• What do you see as the key challenges of this role?
• How do you differentiate yourselves from your competitors?
• What are the organisation's major business objectives in the coming year?
• How are employees measured in terms of performance?
• What processes exist to support employees in their career development?
• How would you describe the firm/company's values?
• What key issues currently face the organisation?
• What can I expect to be involved in during my first six months of joining?
• What are the department's priorities during the next six months?