Callback from screener I am convinced did not like me Forum

[Anonymous User]

Has this happened to anyone else? I found it pretty bizarre. I thought the conversation was forced, that the interviewer either didn't like or didn't react to any of my answers or attempts at a normal conversation, and that we probably wouldn't have clicked as colleagues. Do some firms just auto-callback anyone who makes the grade cut-off?

[Anonymous User]

I had a somewhat similar experience with an interviewer that seemed generally uninterested in me and unmoved by my answers to his borderline rude cross-examination. I was sure that he didn't like me, but sure enough, he called me personally to tell me about the callback and he was VERY nice on the phone. I think sometimes the coldness is just an interviewing tactic, or sometimes you just get an interviewer who is in a bad mood. It doesn't mean they didn't like you.

That said, yes, I think some firms do call back certain law students even when the interview doesn't go that well. It's one of those balancing acts -- the better your credentials, the worse your interview can go while still earning you a callback.

[Anonymous User]

Agree that coldness and intensity can be interviewing tactics. Your interviewer may have just wanted to put you on the spot. Of course, grades way above the cutoff can make the difference, too, although it's hard to imagine a recruiting commitee overriding an interviewer on grades alone.

[Anonymous User]

I know that firms usually divide people up into 3 categories based on resume/GPA

1. Going to get a CB unless they are completely socially awkward/ say something offensive
2. Need a strong interview to get a CB
3. Not going to get a CB no matter how well the interview goes

I agree with the above posters that interviewers sometimes adopt a certain style to see how you react. I've also gotten CBs after interviews that I thought were really awkward. Keep in mind that not every attorney is well adjusted socially, so even though you know it is awkward they may see nothing wrong with how the interview went.

Regardless at this point you got the CB, and there is a 0% chance that you will be interviewing with them when you go on your CB, so put it out of your mind. Good luck.