Seeking advice after Pre-OCI ding Forum

[Anonymous User]

Top 10% at CCN, on LR. Dinged by NY V10 firm after pre-OCI callback. I appeared composed and positive, and had no trouble filling the 30 minutes with each interviewer. I gave detailed answers supported by examples to all questions. I did not ask anything about things like compensation/benefits; my questions only reveal that I was interested in the firm and the work they do, and received thoughtful responses.

Some potential signs: the interviewers just asked questions by going over my resume item by item and then left some time for my questions, so some interviews didn't really feel like an organic conversation. I did prepare my answers beforehand because I really worried about forgetting what I wanted to say. One interviewer said to me something like "people who think they're smarter than anybody else don't do well here." The only reason I could think of for that remark is that I mentioned I wanted to work on exciting and difficult legal issues for the why law/X firm question. Maybe I shouldn't have said that even if it's true. Or maybe they saw me as ingenuine because I tried to appear like a more confident version of my usual, introverted self.

Now I'm really worried about my interviewing skills. I understand luck plays a great part in this game and this is only my first interview, but I can't help wondering whether I also treated interviews in the wrong way to begin with. Thanks so much in advance for your advice.

[NoLongerALurker]

You'll be fine. Don't overthink it. Rinse/repeat/get offers.

[Lawman1865]

Top 10% at CCN, on LR. Dinged by NY V10 firm after pre-OCI callback. I appeared composed and positive, and had no trouble filling the 30 minutes with each interviewer. I gave detailed answers supported by examples to all questions. I did not ask anything about things like compensation/benefits; my questions only reveal that I was interested in the firm and the work they do, and received thoughtful responses.

Some potential signs: the interviewers just asked questions by going over my resume item by item and then left some time for my questions, so some interviews didn't really feel like an organic conversation. I did prepare my answers beforehand because I really worried about forgetting what I wanted to say. One interviewer said to me something like "people who think they're smarter than anybody else don't do well here." The only reason I could think of for that remark is that I mentioned I wanted to work on exciting and difficult legal issues for the why law/X firm question. Maybe I shouldn't have said that even if it's true. Or maybe they saw me as ingenuine because I tried to appear like a more confident version of my usual, introverted self.

Now I'm really worried about my interviewing skills. I understand luck plays a great part in this game and this is only my first interview, but I can't help wondering whether I also treated interviews in the wrong way to begin with. Thanks so much in advance for your advice.

You're top 10% on LR a CCN, I mean this honestly, you'll be fine. It doesn't sound like you did anything overtly wrong, sometimes they just don't go your way. While an organic conversation is best, the "ask about the resume, then finish with 10min for questions at the end" scenario is totally normal and results in callbacks and offers all the time.

Sometimes they just aren't a good fit or the interviewer just isn't into it. Just be yourself, seem interested in what they have to say, and ask some good questions about the firm.

Also, don't use "ingenuine". It might technically be a word on some dictionary out there but you should say disingenuous, or even ungenuine. I don't know of anybody who says ingenuine (at least in the U.S.)

Good luck on the interviews! Keep positive and you'll be fine.

[nixy]

I suspect the person who told you that people who think they’re smarter than everyone is else don’t do well there probably wasn’t top 10% and on LR at CCN.

You’ll be fine. Sometimes a place just isn’t a good fit, even when you don’t do anything wrong.

[Anonymous User]

I was in the exact same position: top 10% and LR at a CCN. I can't remember the exact numbers but I got dinged from at least two of my fiveish CBs. It's entirely normal for people in our position.

Don't take it personally, though I know that's easier said than done. Maintain your self-confidence as best you can, think about how you can do a bit better next time, and move on. You're going to get offers, you're going to get rejected again. That's the process.

[Yea All Right]

You're almost certainly fine; it might've just been a lack of fit with that firm. For general interview tips, be friendly, smile, and don't come across as stuck-up. I'm not saying these were your problems with your first callback, but in general some interviewers may feel defensive when they see you're top 10% and on LR at CCN.

[Anonymous User]

OP here. Thank you all for your advice and encouragement!

[UnfrozenCaveman]

I think a good thing to remember for anyone going through this is that you could do everything right and not get an offer. You don't have full control over this. Rejections happen.

[Mullens]

This may sound counterintuitive, but your posts reads like you’re trying too hard and coming off as rigid or robotic. I had similar credentials to you and had this problem with my first few callbacks. Don’t be afraid to let some of your personality through.

Now that I’m on the other side of the table, it can hard to interview someone who comes across as too polished or too serious. Your interview is in the middle of my otherwise busy day that’s full of a fair amount of boring work. I’d rather shoot the shit and talk about the firm casually than be peppered with intense questions (delivery of said questions makes a huge impact).

I did the best on callbacks where I wasn’t as interested or even knew far less about the firm and interviewers and I think it’s because I was just generally more relaxed.

[Anonymous User]

This may sound counterintuitive, but your posts reads like you’re trying too hard and coming off as rigid or robotic. I had similar credentials to you and had this problem with my first few callbacks. Don’t be afraid to let some of your personality through.

Now that I’m on the other side of the table, it can hard to interview someone who comes across as too polished or too serious. Your interview is in the middle of my otherwise busy day that’s full of a fair amount of boring work. I’d rather shoot the shit and talk about the firm casually than be peppered with intense questions (delivery of said questions makes a huge impact).

I did the best on callbacks where I wasn’t as interested or even knew far less about the firm and interviewers and I think it’s because I was just generally more relaxed.

Thanks for the advice. Does this also apply to OCI screeners? I'm worried that being relaxed might be interpreted as being uninterested, but I do agree that I might have tried too hard. It's so hard to find the right balance...

[Yea All Right]

IMO there's no difference in how you act at a screener vs a callback. Also, being relaxed shouldn't make you come off as disinterested if done right; it's more about presenting yourself as a normal, confident person who isn't uptight or nervous. Basically you want to seem like a colleague who is pleasant to be around.