3 Tips For Succeeding & Selling Yourself In Your Big Law Firm Interview
Posted on: 25 January 2017
If you are trying to secure a position with a larger law firm, here are a few tips that will help you put you on the path of success with your law firm interviews.
#1 Research The Law Firm
Don't go in blind to the interview. You should know as much about the law firm as possible before you arrive for your interview. Read all of the pages on their website. Read the biographies of each lawyer and take down notes of what stands out about the lawyers in their law firm. If you know who will be interviewing you, be sure to research their background.
Look at the type of information and advice that the law firm shares on their website like http://www.vanblk.com. Read their blog even if it is targeted at clients. This will give you an idea of what the law firm focuses on and what they want clients to know about them.
Google and search for articles that contain the law firm's name as well as the names of the partners of the law firm. This is a good idea to learn about cases where the firm has generated press coverage.
Taking the time to do in-depth research on the philosophy of the law firm, the types of cases they take, and their partners' backgrounds is a great way to understand better what the law firm is looking for in a new attorney. It can also help you craft your answers and questions to fit the vision and feel of the law firm.
#2 Dress For The Job You Want
Next, as you prepare for the interview, make sure that you dress for the job you want. If the law firm has a very corporate culture, make sure that your outfit is really formal. If the law firm has a more casual culture, make sure that your outfit fits.
Also, make sure that you are comfortable with your outfit. You don't want to be sitting there adjusting your outfit throughout your interview. That will be distracting and unprofessional.
Finally, make sure that you feel attractive in what you are wearing. You know what looks good on your body; keep that in mind when dressing for your interview. If you feel comfortable and attractive in what you are wearing, you'll feel more confident.
#3 Strive To Develop Rapport
Your interview with a large law firm is not just about impressing the interviewer; it is also about developing a rapport and connection with the interviewer. This will help increase the chances that you'll get asked back for a second interview.
When you start your interview, make sure that you look your interviewer in the eye and make offer a solid handshake. When your interviewer is talking, don't get ahead of them or cut them off. Listen attentively to what they are saying and take notes if that helps you focus better.
When appropriate, paraphrase statements that the attorney interviewing you used. This is a great way to show that you are paying attention.
You already have the training that you need to be an attorney; when you get a law firm interview, the key is to sell yourself and show that you fit in with the law firms corporate culture. The best way to do that is to study the law firm and use that information during your interview, work to develop rapport and dress professionally and comfortable.
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