A guide to the mechanics of OCI, callbacks, etc. Forum

[thesealocust]

Too desperate, with the possible exception of your credentials being extremely strong for the firm and needing to get over the yield-protect hurdle. Even amongst the top firms in NYC that routinely face yield issues amongst one another, they expect candidates to develop a feel for the firm via callbacks and second visits, so implying a first choice at a screening interview will look immature and probably won't improve your chances.

If you have no ties to the market and stats way above where they usually hire, it might be worth be more specific about your desire at the firm though - since they might realistically be skeptical of your interest.

[Anonymous User]

Too desperate, with the possible exception of your credentials being extremely strong for the firm and needing to get over the yield-protect hurdle. Even amongst the top firms in NYC that routinely face yield issues amongst one another, they expect candidates to develop a feel for the firm via callbacks and second visits, so implying a first choice at a screening interview will look immature and probably won't improve your chances.

If you have no ties to the market and stats way above where they usually hire, it might be worth be more specific about your desire at the firm though - since they might realistically be skeptical of your interest.

Thanks. The interview is pre-select and I'm from the market the firm is in, so it seems like I should mostly play it cool. I spoke to an alum who works there to get a feel for the firm, I'm guessing dropping that in the interview is sufficient to show genuine interest?

[thesealocust]

Should be!

[5ky]

Yeah should be no problem. I think that shows good effort and interest.

Once when I was OCI-ing, I was in the middle of 25 generic NYC corporate screeners, all the firms were the same basically. Had one firm ask why I wanted to work there, I gave my usual spiel but also added in that I had talked with a current associate (somebody I knew from UG) over coffee who worked there and really liked it and recommended it, etc. For whatever reason, they kept pushing "why X specifically" that I basically just gave up. I referenced my contact so many times but they were wholly unimpressed.

It was the only firm who really didn't buy my "why X", which was disappointing since it was better for them than most of the other places I was interviewing. No CB obviously, but those are the breaks of the game. Just an unusual and uncommon situation.

[Anonymous User]

Got an offer today I'm going to take

Cancel callback for tomorrow? Don't wanna waste people's time

If so, what's the best way?

[arklaw13]

Got an offer today I'm going to take

Cancel callback for tomorrow? Don't wanna waste people's time

If so, what's the best way?

Dear Recruiter:

I have decided to cancel my callback interview. I have received another offer which I plan to accept. I hope you understand. Thank you for your interest in me.

Sincerely,

You

[thesealocust]

If it's a large firm and not explicitly prohibited by your career services office, then it's a smart and reasonable thing to do. Waste of time and money otherwise, and (large) firms are quite used to being nimble on these scheduling details.

[Anonymous User]

Was in another interview when my interviewer from another firm called a left a voicemail callback invitation. She specified that an email would be sent to schedule the interview but she wanted to let me know now. Should I call her back and thank her in addition to responding to the email to schedule the interview?

[grand inquisitor]

Was in another interview when my interviewer from another firm called a left a voicemail callback invitation. She specified that an email would be sent to schedule the interview but she wanted to let me know now. Should I call her back and thank her in addition to responding to the email to schedule the interview?

no need but fine if you want to

[Anonymous User]

So you should respond saying thank you to an email from interviewer inviting you for a call back?

[Anonymous User]

How much contact do the interviewers have with legal recruitment? I just accidentally scheduled myself for the wrong week for 2 CBs and contacted both offices in a panic to change them. Auto ding for being an idiot?

[Anonymous User]

I had to change a flight because another callback came in. The flight the firm put me on, however, is exactly two hours after my callback with another firm (in a different city). They did that because it was cheaper; I let them know that I had a callback that day and would be cutting it close.

If I miss that flight, the scheduling firm pays for me to have a new flight, right?

[Anonymous User]

When recruiting said the hiring committee was meeting on X day and you would hear back that same day but there's only radio silence, after how many days is it appropriate to call recruiting and ask for an update?

[thesealocust]

When recruiting said the hiring committee was meeting on X day and you would hear back that same day but there's only radio silence, after how many days is it appropriate to call recruiting and ask for an update?

Never. Or else maybe like, several weeks to a month?

Seriously, I promise, they haven't forgotten about you. They're busy and things take time and schedules change, and it's horrible to be stuck waiting, but there's nothing to be gained by pestering them after you've completed your interviews. If they have come to a decision, you would know (or it would be in the mail). If they haven't, you calling or emailing won't speed them up.

The only exception is if you have an offer at another firm that will expire soon, so you need to press a firm that hasn't decided for a decision. Otherwise just wait it out. I know it sucks.

[Anonymous User]

Thought so but good to know for sure. Thank you!

[Anonymous User]

Does anyone know the protocol on canceling an out of town callback several days before the callback? They purchased a non-refundable ticket because it was significantly cheaper. I already have offers in another city I would accept and would prefer not to waste their/my time and resources. At this point should I just go?

[UnicornHunter]

Does anyone know the protocol on canceling an out of town callback several days before the callback? They purchased a non-refundable ticket because it was significantly cheaper. I already have offers in another city I would accept and would prefer not to waste their/my time and resources. At this point should I just go?

Nope, cancel.

Read, like, 3 posts up for a good example of how to do so.

[BaberhamLincoln]

What's a long time between callback and offer/rejection?

Going on 12 business days from callback with the firm I really want and 7 from another I liked

[Serett]

What's a long time between callback and offer/rejection?

Going on 12 business days from callback with the firm I really want and 7 from another I liked

I'm at 19 and 18 days

[Anonymous User]

What's the protocol on re-applying to a firm that rejected you during OCI? 2L at a T3 and really liked a couple of firms that rejected me, can I email the recruiter, reapply at winter 1L OCI, or is there any option?

[xael]

I have interviews T, W, Th, F, M, T, so I have one host firm covering for all of that. If I cancel the Friday one, do I have to let my host firm know? As in, I could see it being cheaper to fly me home and have me pick a new host firm for the M and T interviews. They didn't give me any shit about covering the weekend, though.

[thesealocust]

I have interviews T, W, Th, F, M, T, so I have one host firm covering for all of that. If I cancel the Friday one, do I have to let my host firm know? As in, I could see it being cheaper to fly me home and have me pick a new host firm for the M and T interviews. They didn't give me any shit about covering the weekend, though.

Stay the weekend! And don't cancel Friday. If you like, super need to, consider trying to double up two firms you don't love and shortening by a day (that's how I did it back in the day while spending a weekend in NYC). But 2x CBs in one day really is brutal, so wouldn't recommend it for your top choice(s).

Btw the general rule is one night per firm no questions asked, anything else - even if it seems more efficient or economical - is tricky, particularly when you're asking for so much cooperation from the firms on the reimbursement front.

[Anonymous User]

I had a screener outside of EIP last night. Is the time frame for calbacks similar to EIP - meaning I'm in trouble if I haven't heard anything yet - or does it take longer, meaning I may still have a chance?

[thesealocust]

I had a screener outside of EIP last night. Is the time frame for calbacks similar to EIP - meaning I'm in trouble if I haven't heard anything yet - or does it take longer, meaning I may still have a chance?

No way to know. They have less incentive to move super fast though for sure.

[Anonymous User]

another reimbursement question that's probably dumb but I just want to check--is it okay to turn down an offer from my host firm before I've gotten my reimbursement stuff in?