The interview - Making a good impression

You’ve already made a good start – you have an interview!

What does this tell you?

• Based on your CV, the Interviewer is satisfied you can perform the job on offer
• You are on the shortlist of candidates – the odds are now in your favour
• You have overcome the first hurdle in the selection process; any perceived shortfalls you may have had regarding your CV have not presented any problems, therefore be positive

What next?

• Think logically – what does the Interviewer know about me? Apart from what is detailed within your CV, nothing. What is the Interviewer going to do to find out more about me as a person/my suitability for the role/the company culture/any reservations? Put yourself in the Interviewer’s position and think what questions would you ask. You would probably ask open questions about your CV – your study/career profile/your interests/aspirations etc. You need to be truthful in your CV and know it inside out.
• Thinking logically can help you prepare and be able to expand on your CV and help the Interviewer gain the information needed and more importantly, the information you want to give about yourself. Remember, you have control of the information - the Interviewer asks the questions but you alone decide how to answer them and what information you divulge. Putting yourself in the Interviewer’s position and by preparing possible answers to these questions will not only help you but also the Interviewer. Remember, the Interviewer is only human (usually!) and the majority have not been thoroughly trained in interviewing skills – so help them in your preparation and be able to give the information they need to assist the selection process.

Do your Research

• Check the Practice/Company Website and other marketing media sources

Questions

• Consider what may be asked – the obvious and not so obvious
• Think what difficult questions you might struggle to answer and prepare accordingly.
• Examples:
  
  - Tell me about yourself
  - Why did you leave your last position?
  - What are your strengths and weaknesses?
  - Why do you want to work here?
  - Why should I employ you?
  - What is your 5 Year Plan?
  - What kinds of people do you like to work with?

Remember, there will be very few closed questions so be prepared and able to answer open questions thoroughly

The Process

• Assessment Centres/Group activities/Social activities/Psychometric testing are used by some companies although rarely in the legal field
• Know who is going to interview you. Will it be a one-on-one or a panel? Check their profile
• What stage of the selection process is this?

On the Day

• Know where you are going
• Arrive early
• Dress smartly – first impressions are very important
• Be positive and confident – firm handshake
• Remember the importance of non-verbal communication – smile, make good eye contact. Acknowledge when the Interviewer is speaking – nod your head. Lean forward while listening and when replying.

Structure

• The main focus of the Interviewer will be to determine whether you have the necessary experience and track record to be able to do the job. Other considerations may include your academic and professional qualifications, your general intelligence, your disposition, and your interests/any special aptitudes that may be relevant and importantly, will you fit in with the culture.
• Usually at the end of the interview, you may be asked if you have any questions. Be careful here not to interview the Interviewer by asking opinions or suggestions. At this stage of the process you should have a clearer idea regarding the role and the requirements If you are interested in the position you could begin by making an opening statement (previously prepared) confirming your interest, the position matches their needs with your skills and experience and then ask a question e.g. what would I be involved in during my first six months of joining and what would you expect me to achieve etc.
• Always thank the Interviewer/s for their time, reiterate your interest in the position and follow up later with a letter of thanks in a similar vein

Remember PREPARATION & PLANNING is the key.