Hi guys,
I'm a k-jd with no w/e and I'm really fortunate to have gotten a callback in SoCal set for next week.
I've never even done a screening interview before (actually I've only done one interview in my life period)
So could you guys help me on what to prepare? They told me that it will be all afternoon with several attorneys.
I was thinking:
1. study up the basics of the firm + 2. know what every part of my resume is signaling + 3. synthesis: why my strengths go with your firm = "good fit"
I will schedule a mock interview with my school, but it will be on the phone.
btw, I'm socially normal/likable, but seriously inexperienced (and it shows)
Callback Help Forum
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Anonymous posting is only appropriate when you are revealing sensitive employment related information about a firm, job, etc. You may anonymously respond on topic to these threads. Unacceptable uses include: harassing another user, joking around, testing the feature, or other things that are more appropriate in the lounge.
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ymmv
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Re: Callback Help
You're on the right track. An indispensable interviewing tip in any context: ask people (appropriate) questions about themselves whenever possible. They will talk and talk, saving you the trouble of thinking of things to say, and they will remember you more fondly for it. Everyone is a narcissist at heart.TFALAWL wrote:Hi guys,
I'm a k-jd with no w/e and I'm really fortunate to have gotten a callback in SoCal set for next week.
I've never even done a screening interview before (actually I've only done one interview in my life period)
So could you guys help me on what to prepare? They told me that it will be all afternoon with several attorneys.
I was thinking:
1. study up the basics of the firm + 2. know what every part of my resume is signaling + 3. synthesis: why my strengths go with your firm = "good fit"
I will schedule a mock interview with my school, but it will be on the phone.
btw, I'm socially normal/likable, but seriously inexperienced (and it shows)
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toothbrush
- Posts: 2388
- Joined: Thu Jul 05, 2012 2:21 pm
Re: Callback Help
I will start by saying I haven't done a CB interview or screener, but have interviewed many times and have been told that I am a strong interviewer.
Some general tips:
Be positive - everything that you say should spin to be positive. For example, if they asked "How did you like Contracts", and you hated Contracts, don't say that. Say something like "It was a great class because it exposed me to an area of law that I was very unfamiliar with" or something - don't say you hated it.
Ask good questions - Yes, there are "stupid" questions. Do some research into the people you think (or know) will be interviewing you. Ask questions about their recent cases, advice they have on how they go to where they are (certain skills that they feel were essential to learning to get to where they are), etc.
Default to them - This also sounds stupid, but don't cut them off. If you have something more to say, let them finish. You should be letting them talk a lot... that's a good thing. Chances are they won't remember specifics of what you say (if it's not egregious), but will remember a "generally good time."
Look conservative - Don't have anything for them to divert their eyes to or form a judgment about. Check TLS for what conservative dress is, if you do not know. The only thing they should remember is the experience as a whole - if they remember your cufflinks, you failed.
Be generally grateful - You presumably want this job and are happy to have a CB. Of course don't say thank you a million times, but be respectful and grateful for the experience. Even if it crashes and burns, this is a good opportunity to learn and practice interviewing. Be grateful for their time and to be chosen to interview with them. They are undeniably more interesting than you and more busy than you.
Be willing - As a k-jd with little WE, don't take a strong stance on interests (unless you are being interviewed for a certain area). I find it's better to say "I haven't had the opportunity to explore every area of law and would love to work in a big firm like X because of the ability to work with diverse areas of law, clientele, and associates" or something to that effect. Be willing and flexible to do whatever they have in mind for you. if you say you want X, but they want Y, you are out - even though you probably don't want X more than you want a job.
All of these opinions are my own.
Good luck!
Some general tips:
Be positive - everything that you say should spin to be positive. For example, if they asked "How did you like Contracts", and you hated Contracts, don't say that. Say something like "It was a great class because it exposed me to an area of law that I was very unfamiliar with" or something - don't say you hated it.
Ask good questions - Yes, there are "stupid" questions. Do some research into the people you think (or know) will be interviewing you. Ask questions about their recent cases, advice they have on how they go to where they are (certain skills that they feel were essential to learning to get to where they are), etc.
Default to them - This also sounds stupid, but don't cut them off. If you have something more to say, let them finish. You should be letting them talk a lot... that's a good thing. Chances are they won't remember specifics of what you say (if it's not egregious), but will remember a "generally good time."
Look conservative - Don't have anything for them to divert their eyes to or form a judgment about. Check TLS for what conservative dress is, if you do not know. The only thing they should remember is the experience as a whole - if they remember your cufflinks, you failed.
Be generally grateful - You presumably want this job and are happy to have a CB. Of course don't say thank you a million times, but be respectful and grateful for the experience. Even if it crashes and burns, this is a good opportunity to learn and practice interviewing. Be grateful for their time and to be chosen to interview with them. They are undeniably more interesting than you and more busy than you.
Be willing - As a k-jd with little WE, don't take a strong stance on interests (unless you are being interviewed for a certain area). I find it's better to say "I haven't had the opportunity to explore every area of law and would love to work in a big firm like X because of the ability to work with diverse areas of law, clientele, and associates" or something to that effect. Be willing and flexible to do whatever they have in mind for you. if you say you want X, but they want Y, you are out - even though you probably don't want X more than you want a job.
All of these opinions are my own.
Good luck!
