Summary: Harrison Barnes provides some of the best tips available for acing your law job interview.
In yet another useful, insightful article, Harrison Barnes, a legal recruiter with BCG Search and LawCrossing.com, offers tips and tricks to attorneys to help them nail job interviews. For the entire list of tips, check out the full article, “Top 23 Law Firm Interview Tips: How to Excel in Law Firm Interviews.”
Barnes opens by covering some of the basics. Of course, you must dress for the occasion, and must be mindful of your body language. Be prepared to discuss your resume in detail.
Why do some attorneys have a hard time succeeding in law firms?
Listening is one of the most important parts of an interview. According to Barnes, the interviewer should do at least 80% of the talking during an interview. It is also good practice to paraphrase what the interviewer said back to him or her because it demonstrates that you are paying attention.
Snag some bonus points with the interviewer by showing that you’ve done your homework: study the law firm’s website, read articles about the firm on the Internet, and talk to as many people as possible about interviewing at the firm—such as past or current employees, or past interviewees.
Getting into sports law isn’t as easy as some people think.
As for that awful “What is your worst quality?” question, Barnes suggests responding with saying you are a workaholic and you cannot let a problem go until it is has been resolved.
As for thank you notes, Barnes suggests skipping this step. It may backfire or even make you appear desperate.
Even if you hated your last job, do not say anything negative about your past employer during the interview. Instead, say that you want increased responsibility with a firm that offers growth, or you want to be at a firm that is a better match for your personality and skills.
Check out LawCrossing Concierge to increase your chances of landing a job.
If your interview involves going out to a restaurant, be mindful of what the interviewee is ordering and order something similar. Remember to be kind to the server, as the interviewer is watching your behavior carefully.
Be sure to check out the article, “Top 23 Law Firm Interview Tips: How to Excel in Law Firm Interviews,” to learn all 23 tips.
Source: BCG Search
Photo credit: blogs.jobs.ac.uk