Interview Perfection

During OCI my second year of law school I was often asked, how do you interview so well? Well, I had been interviewing since I was like 4! Between twirling pageants and Miss Texas, I was a pro! if I got in the door, I got the job. With the job market rather sucking in the law department at the moment (have you seen the NALP stats?) I thought I would share my keys to success!

First things first, is your resume is updated? (thank the Lord for adjustable margins — it fits on one page!), directions to the interview are printed?, and you’ve Google-imaged the perfect hairstyle and practiced it three times? and have actually driven to the place to ensure you get there in time? Ok, here we go!

Don'ts:

• Never talk badly about your previous employer, boss or co-workers, no matter how bad the situation was. It’s tacky, classless, and better left to be discussed behind closed doors with your girlfriends over wine!
• Never talk about partying, no matter how laid back the interviewer or corporate culture seems to be. An interview is not the time or place to discuss what you did last night, your weekend partying, or your hangover. Swear words aren’t cool either!
• When asked the “what’s your weakness?” question, don’t say that you work too hard or that you’re a “people person.”  (seriously people.... no one likes everyone they meet!) Be honest, but professional. My go-to: I tend to over analyze things and make issues where they aren't any, but better safe than sorry.
• wear anything too short or too low or too "in" unless you know the culture. Skirt or dress when interviewing with a man in a male-dominated field. It's ok to be a woman!
• Cross you legs at the ankle, not the knee!

Dos:

• Have questions to ask the interviewer, office culture, room for growth...
• Have a copy of updated resume and writing sample on hand
• Control the conversation... key here conversation. This is not a test or a press conference, talk to the person.
• Know what you are good at and how you can make it sound fabulous, or make your experience relate to the job you are interviewing for... be creative.
• Follow up ASAP! If you got their card, send a quick email thank you, but ALWAYS follow up via snail mail as well. A hand written note goes a long way!
• Have some idea of what this place does, or what kind of law they practice. Know big clients, or cases, or something about them you can throw in. Research you interviewer.... same school? church? social orgs? bring it up! People love to play the connection game.

These are just a few simple tips and tricks. But I also recommend practicing. Mock interviews are the key!