Seeking advice as someone who is terrible at interviews Forum

[Anonymous User]

Hey all. I have a make-or-break interview coming up this week. Thing is, objective evidence seems to point out that I'm terrible at interviews. I never get through first rounds. I've done mock interviews with careers and they didn't point out anything that looked like it would contribute to an automatic ding. Some feedback I've gotten are along the lines of controlling signs of nervousness, being more 'outgoing'. Thing is, even in interviews where I've felt confident, outgoing, well-prepared, I've been dinged.

I know interviews depend on the particular person, the particular partner interviewing, etc. etc. And I've gone over generic advice like 'be charming' or 'offer structured answers'. If anyone could offer any more concrete advice on what exact things have worked for them or in their knowledge makes a difference in making the interviewer think 'offer' rather than 'ding' I will be very grateful!

[mephistopheles]

if you post a video of a mock, i could critique

[Hutz_and_Goodman]

if you post a video of a mock, i could critique

+1

you need honest feedback which is easier from strangers than people who you know.

[Anonymous User]

Hey all. I have a make-or-break interview coming up this week. Thing is, objective evidence seems to point out that I'm terrible at interviews. I never get through first rounds. I've done mock interviews with careers and they didn't point out anything that looked like it would contribute to an automatic ding. Some feedback I've gotten are along the lines of controlling signs of nervousness, being more 'outgoing'. Thing is, even in interviews where I've felt confident, outgoing, well-prepared, I've been dinged.

I know interviews depend on the particular person, the particular partner interviewing, etc. etc. And I've gone over generic advice like 'be charming' or 'offer structured answers'. If anyone could offer any more concrete advice on what exact things have worked for them or in their knowledge makes a difference in making the interviewer think 'offer' rather than 'ding' I will be very grateful!

Posting a video of yourself is a bit freaky...I would record yourself and watch yourself..

Couple common mistakes:

(1) People don't have a story down. "Tell me about yourself" is not a time where you talk about your youth and upbringing. Tell them why you will make a great attorney based on your prior experience. Same applies for why XXX firm or why XXX city; give it a business spin (e.g., you guys are best in tech law, SF is the best place for tech law which is what I want to practice because I did ....)

(2) Not being enthusiastic. This one is tough to discern, but usually happens to some people who end up telling the same stories over and over again (e.g., I had a friend who spent two years in Africa - guess how much he talked about that during interviews).

(3) There is no "punch-line." Law school resumes are pretty homogeneous; there are million other students with similar GPA, work experience, volunteer experience etc. Why are you and how are you different than Joe who just interviewed before you?

Remember this is a sell-job. Interview thinking like you are a salesmen trying to sell that leather portfolio you brought into the room with you. Good luck!

[Anonymous User]

Hey all. I have a make-or-break interview coming up this week. Thing is, objective evidence seems to point out that I'm terrible at interviews. I never get through first rounds. I've done mock interviews with careers and they didn't point out anything that looked like it would contribute to an automatic ding. Some feedback I've gotten are along the lines of controlling signs of nervousness, being more 'outgoing'. Thing is, even in interviews where I've felt confident, outgoing, well-prepared, I've been dinged.

I know interviews depend on the particular person, the particular partner interviewing, etc. etc. And I've gone over generic advice like 'be charming' or 'offer structured answers'. If anyone could offer any more concrete advice on what exact things have worked for them or in their knowledge makes a difference in making the interviewer think 'offer' rather than 'ding' I will be very grateful!

When you enter the interviews, make eye contact and have a genuine smile on your face. Maintain eye contact through the handshake, which should be firm. A good technique is to make a mental note of the person's eye color, because it forces you to make good eye contact. Come in confident, introduce yourself, and make sure to remember their name. Do not underestimate the power of first impressions: people make subconscious decisions about how they gauge others in a matter of seconds, and if you lose them at this stage, it is near impossible to win them back.

While speaking with the interviewer, mirror their body language in subtle ways. If they are sitting comfortably and leaning back a bit, do the same. Match the interviewer's demeanor and energy--if they are a louder, energetic person, then bring your energy up and get on their level. Vise versa for quieter or softer-spoken people.

Maintain good eye contact throughout the interview and be confident and articulate in your answers. Don't ramble on in your answers--keep it to about a minute or less per answer, which should be more than sufficient. If this is an issue, DO MOCK INTERVIEWS so that you practice getting asked all manner of possible questions--at first, you will struggle to find the meat and potatoes of your answer to certain questions, but once you have found good answers to those types of questions in a mock, make that "good" part the only thing you actually focus on in an interview. This is a good way to build the "structured" answers you reference (i.e., developing your narrative and answers through mock interviewing).

Many interviewers also test you on your ability to ask good questions--do not ask technical questions about the firm or summer program, they will glaze over from boredom. Rather, ask questions that show you have initiative, such as "what are the characteristics or qualities that allow junior associates to really shine at your firm?"

When you leave, thank them for their time using their first name (which you have remembered) and give them another quality handshake with a smile.

Most of all, just slow down and be confident, and do not underestimate body language and mirroring!

[m079]

1. Have genuine, funny stories and anecdotes that you can incorporate seamlessly into your "serious" answers. I.e., don't just spout off jokes.
2. Be optimistic.
3. With every answer, show that you make decisions intentionally and that you are where you are right now because you wanted to be and you made it happen.
4. "Be charming" - this isn't generic advice. It means show enthusiasm, be GENUINE, be exactly who you are. People can tell when you are trying to be something or someone you are not.
5. Ask intelligent questions. When they give you an answer, be able to respond by bringing up your experience. "What strengths do you look for when you are thinking about which associates to work with you on deals?" [Answer.] "Ok yeah, it's interesting because I have to admit that that was something I really struggled with in X job. [This is how I learned to build the strength]."
6. Show that you are the kind of person who takes initiative and responsibility over your projects/life. (Kind of related to #3--being intentional).
7. BE GENUINE. But be the best version of yourself. Think of your ideal self-- confident, HAPPY, secure, well-liked, etc. How would you act? Watch videos of interviews with famous people if you need to. Become that best, ideal version of yourself. The point of this isn't to become someone else-- it's to create confidence and eliminate insecurity.
8. Don't actively sell yourself. It's tiresome and unless you really have amazing things to say, you're unlikely to impress the interviewers that much.
9. Get the interviewer talking about him or herself as much as you possibly can. Do not feel the need to sell yourself or actively steer the conversation, unless you are massively "underqualified" in the sense that your grades/experience is really below-average. In which case you should be very subtly selling yourself through anecdotes that SHOW, DON'T TELL.
10. Whatever you are telling the interviewer, be ARTICULATE and KNOWLEDGEABLE. Don't practice an eloquent spam answer b/c when they ask you details you're going to flounder. Just practice having conversations with everyone around you--including strangers--and pay attention to how articulate you are being. Tripping over words is OK but it should be because you are talking passionately/enthusiastically, not because you're nervous and sputtering.

I think I could say more but I can't think of anything else right now. FWIW, I got callbacks from the majority of my firms, most of which are V10s.

*Edited to add: the more they are genuinely laughing and smiling, the better. To be a good interviewer, you should be able to get a read on the interviewer's reactions and general mood. Bored? Enjoying your company? Etc.*

[narfkarta]

Think about the interview as a "meeting." You don't want to work for an asshole do you? So the employer has to impress you just as much as you have to impress him.

When you go in with this frame then you are more relaxed and treat the interview like a conversation more than as an interrogation.

Also at the end shake hands and ask for his business card.

[Anonymous User]

1. Have genuine, funny stories and anecdotes that you can incorporate seamlessly into your "serious" answers. I.e., don't just spout off jokes.
2. Be optimistic.
3. With every answer, show that you make decisions intentionally and that you are where you are right now because you wanted to be and you made it happen.
4. "Be charming" - this isn't generic advice. It means show enthusiasm, be GENUINE, be exactly who you are. People can tell when you are trying to be something or someone you are not.
5. Ask intelligent questions. When they give you an answer, be able to respond by bringing up your experience. "What strengths do you look for when you are thinking about which associates to work with you on deals?" [Answer.] "Ok yeah, it's interesting because I have to admit that that was something I really struggled with in X job. [This is how I learned to build the strength]."
6. Show that you are the kind of person who takes initiative and responsibility over your projects/life. (Kind of related to #3--being intentional).
7. BE GENUINE. But be the best version of yourself. Think of your ideal self-- confident, HAPPY, secure, well-liked, etc. How would you act? Watch videos of interviews with famous people if you need to. Become that best, ideal version of yourself. The point of this isn't to become someone else-- it's to create confidence and eliminate insecurity.
8. Don't actively sell yourself. It's tiresome and unless you really have amazing things to say, you're unlikely to impress the interviewers that much.
9. Get the interviewer talking about him or herself as much as you possibly can. Do not feel the need to sell yourself or actively steer the conversation, unless you are massively "underqualified" in the sense that your grades/experience is really below-average. In which case you should be very subtly selling yourself through anecdotes that SHOW, DON'T TELL.
10. Whatever you are telling the interviewer, be ARTICULATE and KNOWLEDGEABLE. Don't practice an eloquent spam answer b/c when they ask you details you're going to flounder. Just practice having conversations with everyone around you--including strangers--and pay attention to how articulate you are being. Tripping over words is OK but it should be because you are talking passionately/enthusiastically, not because you're nervous and sputtering.

I think I could say more but I can't think of anything else right now. FWIW, I got callbacks from the majority of my firms, most of which are V10s.

*Edited to add: the more they are genuinely laughing and smiling, the better. To be a good interviewer, you should be able to get a read on the interviewer's reactions and general mood. Bored? Enjoying your company? Etc.*

Not OP but this was good advice.
Can you speak more on adapting to the interviewer? If the interviewer is stern/bored/tired and generally unresponsive to your enthusiastic gestures, what do you do?

Also, should you match your interviewer or be one step above them (in terms of enthusiasm)

[m079]

1. Have genuine, funny stories and anecdotes that you can incorporate seamlessly into your "serious" answers. I.e., don't just spout off jokes.
2. Be optimistic.
3. With every answer, show that you make decisions intentionally and that you are where you are right now because you wanted to be and you made it happen.
4. "Be charming" - this isn't generic advice. It means show enthusiasm, be GENUINE, be exactly who you are. People can tell when you are trying to be something or someone you are not.
5. Ask intelligent questions. When they give you an answer, be able to respond by bringing up your experience. "What strengths do you look for when you are thinking about which associates to work with you on deals?" [Answer.] "Ok yeah, it's interesting because I have to admit that that was something I really struggled with in X job. [This is how I learned to build the strength]."
6. Show that you are the kind of person who takes initiative and responsibility over your projects/life. (Kind of related to #3--being intentional).
7. BE GENUINE. But be the best version of yourself. Think of your ideal self-- confident, HAPPY, secure, well-liked, etc. How would you act? Watch videos of interviews with famous people if you need to. Become that best, ideal version of yourself. The point of this isn't to become someone else-- it's to create confidence and eliminate insecurity.
8. Don't actively sell yourself. It's tiresome and unless you really have amazing things to say, you're unlikely to impress the interviewers that much.
9. Get the interviewer talking about him or herself as much as you possibly can. Do not feel the need to sell yourself or actively steer the conversation, unless you are massively "underqualified" in the sense that your grades/experience is really below-average. In which case you should be very subtly selling yourself through anecdotes that SHOW, DON'T TELL.
10. Whatever you are telling the interviewer, be ARTICULATE and KNOWLEDGEABLE. Don't practice an eloquent spam answer b/c when they ask you details you're going to flounder. Just practice having conversations with everyone around you--including strangers--and pay attention to how articulate you are being. Tripping over words is OK but it should be because you are talking passionately/enthusiastically, not because you're nervous and sputtering.

I think I could say more but I can't think of anything else right now. FWIW, I got callbacks from the majority of my firms, most of which are V10s.

*Edited to add: the more they are genuinely laughing and smiling, the better. To be a good interviewer, you should be able to get a read on the interviewer's reactions and general mood. Bored? Enjoying your company? Etc.*

Not OP but this was good advice.
Can you speak more on adapting to the interviewer? If the interviewer is stern/bored/tired and generally unresponsive to your enthusiastic gestures, what do you do?

Also, should you match your interviewer or be one step above them (in terms of enthusiasm)

I don't think you should try to match your interviewer. Your interviewer may very well be bored, tired, stern. (Many of mine were.) But a positive manner can change that--trust me. Making them laugh and being interesting and enthusiastic (but not annoyingly so) can lift their mood if you are effective. Don't match them. You have to be resilient and nonplussed.

Ultimately, as a lawyer, you will have to deal with difficult partners, associates, clients. You have to learn to present a pleasant, confident and professional demeanor nonetheless.

[Anonymous User]

1. Have genuine, funny stories and anecdotes that you can incorporate seamlessly into your "serious" answers. I.e., don't just spout off jokes.
2. Be optimistic.
3. With every answer, show that you make decisions intentionally and that you are where you are right now because you wanted to be and you made it happen.
4. "Be charming" - this isn't generic advice. It means show enthusiasm, be GENUINE, be exactly who you are. People can tell when you are trying to be something or someone you are not.
5. Ask intelligent questions. When they give you an answer, be able to respond by bringing up your experience. "What strengths do you look for when you are thinking about which associates to work with you on deals?" [Answer.] "Ok yeah, it's interesting because I have to admit that that was something I really struggled with in X job. [This is how I learned to build the strength]."
6. Show that you are the kind of person who takes initiative and responsibility over your projects/life. (Kind of related to #3--being intentional).
7. BE GENUINE. But be the best version of yourself. Think of your ideal self-- confident, HAPPY, secure, well-liked, etc. How would you act? Watch videos of interviews with famous people if you need to. Become that best, ideal version of yourself. The point of this isn't to become someone else-- it's to create confidence and eliminate insecurity.
8. Don't actively sell yourself. It's tiresome and unless you really have amazing things to say, you're unlikely to impress the interviewers that much.
9. Get the interviewer talking about him or herself as much as you possibly can. Do not feel the need to sell yourself or actively steer the conversation, unless you are massively "underqualified" in the sense that your grades/experience is really below-average. In which case you should be very subtly selling yourself through anecdotes that SHOW, DON'T TELL.
10. Whatever you are telling the interviewer, be ARTICULATE and KNOWLEDGEABLE. Don't practice an eloquent spam answer b/c when they ask you details you're going to flounder. Just practice having conversations with everyone around you--including strangers--and pay attention to how articulate you are being. Tripping over words is OK but it should be because you are talking passionately/enthusiastically, not because you're nervous and sputtering.

I think I could say more but I can't think of anything else right now. FWIW, I got callbacks from the majority of my firms, most of which are V10s.

*Edited to add: the more they are genuinely laughing and smiling, the better. To be a good interviewer, you should be able to get a read on the interviewer's reactions and general mood. Bored? Enjoying your company? Etc.*

Not OP but this was good advice.
Can you speak more on adapting to the interviewer? If the interviewer is stern/bored/tired and generally unresponsive to your enthusiastic gestures, what do you do?

Also, should you match your interviewer or be one step above them (in terms of enthusiasm)

I think that showing more personality when the interviewer goes into your interests whether through stating opinions on what basketball teams will surprise this year, or asking more personal questions becomes fair game. I think that where it's all about work experience and education you need to be more formal. But it's all personality specific. I got CB's where interviewers were obviously bored from the first minute. It's important to recognize emotions, but also important to recognize that most of them have nothing to do with you. It's likely that they're bored because they've spent 4 straight hours in the same 6 by 6 cell doing 20 minute screening interviews.

[ymmv]

It's somewhere in between. Reading social queues is a difficult thing to teach. In this case it's a balance of matching their tone and level to some extent while also projecting genuine enthusiasm, without going overboard.