Call-back advice? Forum

[Annie95]

I'm wondering if anyone has any specific tips for callbacks?

One question I have is whether I should bring copies of my materials to give to the interviewers--I'm sure that they will have received those, probably electronically, and maybe it would look prepared to have paper copies? Or maybe that would look odd?

[Anonymous User]

I'm wondering if anyone has any specific tips for callbacks?

One question I have is whether I should bring copies of my materials to give to the interviewers--I'm sure that they will have received those, probably electronically, and maybe it would look prepared to have paper copies? Or maybe that would look odd?

Biggest piece of advice would be to just relax and know the firms well. Have a "Why X Firm" answer prepared for each callback, and make it something sincere (but not a canned answer). It can't hurt to have extra copies of your materials, but I would assume firms will have it on file from OCI already.

Seriously though, focus on being relaxed and just having a conversation with the people you meet. Don't overthink it. Shake hands, ask them how their day is going, and let the conversation flow naturally. If you are genuine about your interest in the firm and show enthusiasm for being a great attorney, I have no doubt you'll do just fine.

[janereacher]

In addition to the above, I would also prepare for some of the more typical behavioral questions - challenge working on teams, what you are like as a leader, challenge you’ve experienced, etc.

[JHP]

DEFINITELY bring extra copies of materials. I was in CB interviews where there were, unbeknownst to me, 2 interviewers at a time rather than 1 and at least one of them didn't have a copy of my materials on hand. Sometimes people forget where they put their materials in the frenzy of the workday, so don't assume they'll have your materials.

Another tip is to make sure you're actually listening to what your interviewer says to you. Too often I meet with students who are too in their heads and so focused on what they'll ask me next they miss everything I'm saying only to ask me about something I literally JUST told them. It's annoying and, while I know they're nervous, it's not a positive harbinger for ability to pay attention.

As another poster said, you absolutely have to view this as a conversation. The moment you feel like "this is when I'm in the hot seat," you'll get nervous and over eager, the interviewer will feel it and it'll make them anxious, and it doesn't leave a positive impression. If you remember it's just a conversation with another human being (albeit with you being prepped with some things you want to talk about), it will go much more smoothly and your interviewer will feel like they're talking to a potential coworker, not a sweaty law student.