Doing your homework is important, especially during callbacks, small-firm, and government interviews. Never interview “cold.” Even during initial interviews, you must know a substantial amount about the employer and the interviewer. This chapter tells you how to prepare for all kinds of interviews by doing research, anticipating questions, and finding common conversation topics. …
What you bring with you into the interviewing room is just as important as your appearance and your answers. Yet, many people focus solely on appearance and preparation while forgetting to pay attention to what they carry. What you bring with you should communicate that you are professional, confident, and well-prepared, and provide ready “take-aways” for busy interviewers. Your pack…
You must be well-dressed for your legal interviews if you want to make a good first impression. It is amazing how many intelligent, otherwise qualified candidates lose interview points because they ignore the basic dress code. Some women, for example, make the mistake of wearing short skirts, pantsuits, or tank tops to their interviews. Some men forego ties, sport garish colors, or wear too much c…
Regardless of your credentials and experience, once you got the interview, you must put your best foot forward. True, some firms have strict GPA (grade point average) cutoffs; and even if you are an interviewing rock star, these Wachtells and Cravaths may not give you the light of day if you do not meet their criteria. But the good news is, for the vast majority of legal employers, these criteria …
Interviewing is like dating: It involves the art of mutual seduction and possible commitment. You are trying to look attractive to potential employers, while they are trying to woo you in turn. You use interviews to figure out if you are a good match. After an employer is willing to commit, you may tell them you are not ready to settle down until you see what else is out there. In this delicate in…
Almost every interview culminates with the dreaded question, “Do you have any questions?” You may be so happy to have survived the interview that asking questions is the last thing you want to do. But if you feel the urge to blurt out that you have no questions, stop and think: “No” is the wrong answer here! Asking questions is an important part of the interviewing game…
A law job interview is very similar to a first date. You must make a good first impression if you want to receive a follow-up invitation. You already have what it takes to get your foot in the door—you would not get an interview if you did not. Now you must also show your interviewer that you are sociable, likeable, and normal. As with first dates, your conversation with potential employers…
Illegal or inappropriate questions and remarks are surprisingly common during legal interviews, considering that such interviews are conducted by lawyers. It appears that no amount of sensitivity training can do away with them completely. Although it is impossible (and unnecessary) to list all different examples of illegal or inappropriate questions, there are two basic types: First, there are the…
By the time you are interviewing, you cannot change much about your resume. Your grades are what they are, as are your extracurricular activities, journal membership, law school, and employment history. But what you do have control over is you. As you are preparing for your interviews, you may find it helpful to evaluate your candidacy from the employer's perspective. Put yourself in your i…
Lawyers are prone to rude behavior, so you are bound to encounter it at least once during your interviews. If you feel that a question or remark is inappropriate, remember to respond in a calm manner Read Answering Inappropriate or Illegal Questions to help you plan your reaction to rude behavior. At the same time, learn to distinguish between rudeness and legitimate work-related situations. For e…
Most candidates attend a number of interview lunches, which are often a part of callback and lateral interviews. Although lunch interviews are more common, breakfast, dinner, and cocktail interviews are not unheard of. The important thing to remember here is not to treat these interviews casually. Even when your interviewers are the same age as or younger than you, maintain professionalism and dec…
This chapter addresses the major differences between interviewing at big and small firms. But be aware that there are many variations in interviewing styles at different firms, and many firms, especially medium-sized firms, which are not discussed here, may fall at any spot on the spectrum. This chapter provides general advice for interviewing at larger (200-plus attorneys) and smaller (50 or less…
This speed-dating metaphor really sums up the key features of on-campus interviewing. Similar to dating, an on-campus interview involves getting to know someone in a very short time, convincing him or her that you are an attractive candidate, and sounding interesting enough for him or her to want to see you again. …
Most larger firms hire law students through their summer programs. Additionally, some small and mid-sized firms hire students on a part-time basis during the law school year. You have a good chance of getting a job during your law school career regardless of your law school, seniority, and academics. You just may have to work harder, depending on how these factors play out. When preparing for your…
Clerkship opportunities are rare, and interviews for them are difficult to get. Most judges receive hundreds of applications per opening. Your chances for success depend first on your application materials, and second on your interviewing skills. Accordingly, this chapter goes beyond addressing how to excel in clerkship interviews and discusses how to help you get them in the first place. …
The competition for government jobs is stiff. Although the work done in different government agencies varies greatly, there are two common denominators when it comes to getting a government position. First, it requires more thorough research and preparation; second, with a few exceptions, most government positions require prior work experience or relevant skills. Keep this in mind as you contempla…
Regardless of the economy, the demand for experienced young lawyers is always high. It is not uncommon for associates to receive daily calls from headhunters trying to recruit them. Lateral candidates have options: They can move up to higher-ranked firms, go to smaller firms with better partnership prospects, or obtain in-house or part-time positions. Many take advantage of these opportunities: So…
The process of making a move in-house is complex. There is often very little information available about in-house job openings, compensation structures, and employers’ backgrounds. This is why working with a headhunter during this stage of your career has significant perks. Legal recruiters, especially those specifically catering to the in-house job market, are an invaluable resource when i…
Headhunters—also called recruiters—broker talent. They act as liaisons between law firms and attorneys, find out about openings, market candidates who may fit the profile, and help convince both parties they are a good match. Once the match is made, they receive hefty fees for their services (typically, 25 to 35 percent of the candidate's base salary). Sounds easy enough. In r…
