ACING THE JOB INTERVIEW
The interview is your chance to shine and show the employer why they absolutely need to hire you. Your mission is to uncover their pain points and demonstrate how your skills and experience are the perfect remedy. Remember, making it to the interview means you're a top candidate. Preparation gives you a 41% higher chance of landing the job. You've got this.
Before the Interview: Be Prepared to Impress
1 DO YOUR HOMEWORK.
Review the company's website for clues about its culture and needs. Research your interviewers to find common ground—shared interests or backgrounds can help you connect. While skills and experience are key, being likable and relatable gives you an edge. Preparation is your secret weapon.
2 KNOW YOUR RESUME COLD.
Be ready to discuss anything on it, from that law review article to your 1L internship. Drawing a blank will raise red flags. Refresh your memory the night before.
3 ALIGN YOUR STRENGTHS WITH THEIR NEEDS.
Identify specific examples demonstrating relevant skills. Brush up on any weak areas in your knowledge. Show enthusiasm for learning. Anticipate objections and prepare to overcome them.
4 PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT.
Whether it's a mock interview with friends or talking to yourself in the mirror, find a way to rehearse that works for you. Focus on overall themes vs. memorizing specifics - you want to come across as genuine, not robotic.
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1. "Tell me about yourself." Give highlights, not your life story. Touch on your background, law school experience, and career path. Express enthusiasm for the role and learning more.
2. "Describe a recent project you enjoyed." Choose an example demonstrating skills relevant to the job. Explain the challenge, your role, actions taken, and results achieved. Protect confidentiality.
3. "Where do you see yourself in 5 years?" Show you plan to grow with the firm, taking on more responsibility over time. Convey commitment to the team's success.
4. "Why are you leaving your current job?" Focus on the positives - what you've learned and why this opportunity is a better fit. If pressed, explain how the firm dynamic has changed.
5. "Why are you interested in us?" Do your research to give a specific, tailored answer. Focus on what you can contribute, not just what appeals to you.
6. "What are your strengths and weaknesses?" For strengths, emphasize skills that fit the role - ability to handle urgent matters, multitasking, initiative, teamwork, etc. For weaknesses, choose something irrelevant or already improved upon.
7. "Tell me about a mistake you made and what you learned." Give an example, then emphasize the lesson learned and how you've applied it since. What you learned is more important than the specific mistake.
During the Interview: Make a Connection
Arrive 5-10 min early with copies of your resume in hand. Be courteous to everyone — your interview starts the minute you walk in. Look for ways to build rapport before getting down to business.
Maintain confident, engaged body language. Avoid nervous tics that distract from your words. Treat each interviewer as if they're the first to ask a given question.
Ask thoughtful, open-ended questions to make it a two-way dialogue. Uncover their needs and reiterate how you can help. At the end, summarize key points and express strong interest in the role.
Wrap-Up:
At the end of the interview, summarize your understanding of their need and reiterate your interest by highlighting three ways your experience and goals align with theirs.
After: Seal the Deal
Send a flawless thank you note. Confirm spelling, grammar, and the appropriate format (email vs. handwritten). You've come this far - don't let a sloppy detail cost you the offer.
Questions to Ask During Your Interview
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Earlier [prior interviewer] mentioned [x]. It sounds [interesting, complex, etc.]. Can you tell me more about that?
Can you describe an ideal candidate for this position? (This will allow you to follow up and point out how you meet the criteria.)
Can you describe the type of team members who excel here?
What would a typical day be like in this role?
What are you currently working on?
What responsibilities are top priorities?
What type of work would I do over the first few years?
With whom would I work most often?
This sounds like a great team. What is it that attracted you to this company?
You mentioned [x] – can you tell me more about it?
I understand [company] handled the XYZ matter – can you tell me more?
Finally, be personable! It’s okay to ask lighter questions at the beginning or end that are lighter to build rapport!
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What are your expectations for me in this role?
What’s the most important thing I should accomplish in the first 90 days?
What’s the performance review process like here? How often would I be formally reviewed?
What metrics or goals will my performance be evaluated against?
What are the most immediate projects that I would take on?
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What types of skills is the team missing that you’re looking to fill with a new hire?
What are the biggest challenges that I might face in this position?
Can you tell me about the team I’ll be working with?
Who will I work with most closely? What other departments or units will I interact with?
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How long have you been at the company?
How long have you been a manager?
What’s your favorite part of working here?
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What are the current goals that the company is focused on, and how does this team work to support hitting those goals?
What gets you most excited about the company’s future?
How would you describe the company’s values?
How has the company changed over the last few years?
What are the company’s plans for growth and development?
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How do you typically onboard employees?
What do new employees typically find surprising after they start?
What’s your favorite office tradition?
Do you ever do joint events with other departments or teams?
What’s different about working here than anywhere else you’ve worked?
How has the company changed since you joined?
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What am I not asking you that I should?
Is there anything else I can provide you with that would be helpful?
Is there anything I clarify for you about my qualifications?
What are the next steps in the hiring process?