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How to Prepare For Clerkship Interviews Via Skype?

Posted: Fri Apr 10, 2020 5:28 pm
by Anonymous User
Has anyone had experience with this? I have an interview for an appellate clerkship with the judge's clerks (who told me I would be interviewed by the judge at a later date if she decides). Past clerks told me the interview with the clerks have been more about "fit" than any substantive law (clerks for the past 5 years consistently said the interview was all fit and no substantive law questions), and only lasted 30 minutes (in person obviously).

But given Covid-19, the clerk who reached out to me said the interview will be 1-1.5 hours via Skype. I can't see "fit" questions lasting an hour?

What type of questions should I expect and how should I prepare?

Re: How to Prepare For Clerkship Interviews Via Skype?

Posted: Fri Apr 10, 2020 8:10 pm
by Wild Card
To be honest, it's no different than an in-person interview. In that sense, it's possible for an interview to last 1 hour or so.

I dressed formally even though I was at home. (Yes, I even put on my dress pants.)

Don't let technical difficulties throw you off, I guess.

Re: How to Prepare For Clerkship Interviews Via Skype?

Posted: Fri Apr 10, 2020 8:15 pm
by Anonymous User
Wild Card wrote:To be honest, it's no different than an in-person interview. In that sense, it's possible for an interview to last 1 hour or so.

I dressed formally even though I was at home. (Yes, I even put on my dress pants.)

Don't let technical difficulties throw you off, I guess.
OP here, and thanks for the advice. Should I assume the content will be along the lines of what former clerks have discussed? It's odd to me that they consistently all said the interview with the judge's clerks was 30 minutes "get to know you" type questions, (followed or preceded by talking to the judge the same day) and yet these clerks referred to it as a "screening" lasting over an hour and that I wouldn't even be speaking to the judge for this round.

Re: How to Prepare For Clerkship Interviews Via Skype?

Posted: Fri Apr 10, 2020 8:45 pm
by Wild Card
Anonymous User wrote:OP here, and thanks for the advice. Should I assume the content will be along the lines of what former clerks have discussed? It's odd to me that they consistently all said the interview with the judge's clerks was 30 minutes "get to know you" type questions, (followed or preceded by talking to the judge the same day) and yet these clerks referred to it as a "screening" lasting over an hour and that I wouldn't even be speaking to the judge for this round.
Sorry, I misread your post. In your case, the clerks might be subbing for the judge in a way. So they might just ask you two or three more "screening" questions and also give you more time to ask your own questions.

And then, later on, the judge will have her own interview with you, during which she'll ask you similar questions.

Re: How to Prepare For Clerkship Interviews Via Skype?

Posted: Sat Apr 11, 2020 1:17 pm
by VirginiaFan
Does the Judge's name start with a T? If so, message me.