Interview preparation

First, the good news. The fact that you have an interview means you are almost there. You may be feeling anxious and nervous. It's only natural. But the important things to keep in mind are:

• Interviewers do not waste their time. An interviewer's time is expensive. You deserve to be on the shortlist. You have a realistic chance of getting the job.
• By being on the shortlist the odds of winning the job have been significantly reduced in your favour.
• An interview is a golden opportunity to illustrate your enthusiasm and passion for the role.
• Be positive!

Second, be prepared. A world-class sportsman once said: "The more I practice, the luckier I get".

This is also true of interviews. Candidates are more or less prepared – and it can make a difference.

How to prepare for your legal job interview

Research has shown that over 80% of interviewees do little or no preparation before an interview. That's good news for you. Using these notes has already put you in the top 20% and significantly increased your chances of success.

Research the firm

• Check out its website. This will often provide good information. Many sites list recent press releases, but you can also conduct a wider search to get the bigger picture on specialist areas or other information.
• Contact the firm's marketing department for up-to-date literature.
• Use your network to get a behind-the-scenes view.

Know your CV

Know your CV inside out. Be ready to expand on any decisions you've made on study and previous career moves. Be confident about talking about your key achievements.

Prepare some questions and answers

• Take time to consider questions you might be asked and practice your responses.
• Prepare a brief career overview in response to that popular kick-off question 'tell me something about yourself'. Be ready with plenty of examples to illustrate your skills and how you could contribute to the company.
• Think about questions you'd like to ask. Those which invite thought and comment are more memorable to the interviewer than those which request specific detail. This is also an excellent opportunity to illustrate your understanding of the firm.

Research the interview process

Find out the format of the interview process:

• How many interviews will there be?
• Does the firm carry out psychometric testing?
• Who will be conducting the interviews?

Find out about the interviewer

If you are interviewed by a partner find out as much as you can about him or her and the work they do. The firm's website should carry partner profiles.

The day of the interview

Make sure you know where the interview is taking place and allow yourself plenty of time to get there. If you're going to be late, call the firm and let them know. Make sure you know roughly how long the interview will last. You don't want to be fretting about your next meeting.

Arrive a little early for the interview. Ten minutes spent in the reception will give you time to collect your thoughts and a chance to read the firm's brochures and study recent press releases. Listening to the receptionists and watching the comings and goings can provide a valuable insight into the type of firm you might be joining.

Presentation

Communication is said to be 93% non-verbal; 55% of that figure is visual. Ask yourself 'Do I look the part?' Always dress to impress. You never get a second chance to make a first impression. Get a second opinion and check that your choice of interview wear creates the right impact.

Look in the mirror and check your posture. Relaxed shoulders present an open and confident manner. A strong but not over-bearing handshake and a natural smile complete the positive picture.

Just think, you've hardly said a word and your interviewer is already thinking, 'Great, looks good…confident…I could see this candidate fitting in round here'.

Have some additional copies of your CV with you.

Comments

[Trainee Solicitor Jobs]

Be part of the 80% who don't prepare for an interview at your peril. Its so obvious when someone has done some preparation and it also usually helps the interviewers as a well prepared interviewee can ensure they give them the most relevant information about themselves in order to make a judgment about their suitability for the role.

[Jack Henry]

Most people don't look into the company they are going to for the interview. When it comes to your chance to ask questions, if you can ask something specific about the company itself it demonstrates you have your own initiative.

Jack Henry