Why Firm X? Forum

[Anonymous User]

I'm sure someone has already done a thread on this, but what are credible answers to the "Why firm X?" question? I've never been able to find enough information to get past cliched reasons like "collegial work environment" or practice areas or location, and I feel like that doesn't cut it. I have a callback soon with a smallish New England firm, and their website says nothing truly distinguishing on it. What kinds of things do other people say?

[General Tso]

Did your screening interviewer give you his/her email address and offer to answer any future questions? Now might be a good time to take them up on their offer...

[Anonymous User]

Did your screening interviewer give you his/her email address and offer to answer any future questions? Now might be a good time to take them up on their offer...

No screening interview - got it directly from mailing.

[dood]

...

[Anonymous User]

cliched reasons like "collegial work environment" or practice areas or location DO cut it, in my experience. But make sure to sound super fricking enthusiastic and sincere about it. half the time i dont think it even matters what u say, just u say it with a big fucking grin while looking your interviewer dead in the eye and slightly nodding.

That works for me.

[Anonymous User]

I agree with above poster about practice areas and clients. I also always talked about the size of the firm (big firm = many opportunities, small firm generally = close-knit groups and more substantive work). The why X question was a way for me to show that I researched the firm. Then you can always spin it by asking them back why they chose the firm.