How to Prepare for a Legal Job Interview

Congrats! You’ve cleared those first few hurdles and landed an interview in the legal sector. But how do you continue your winning streak so that you can actually land the job as well?

While a job interview can feel daunting, it doesn’t have to be. In fact, with the right research and preparation, you can soar through with flying colours.

And the preliminary work you put in is often the difference between getting the offer or not.

You’ve already passed the test on paper. But the interview is your chance to let your personality, professionalism and presence shine.

By learning what to research, which questions to ask and how to follow up afterwards, you’ll be well on your way to nailing the interview and securing your dream job.

 

1. It all starts with research

Self-assured and prepared. That’s how you want to step into the interview room. But how do you cultivate a confident mindset? It all starts with online research. From investigating the company’s values to understanding the job description – research sets the foundations for a successful interview.

Study the job description

The job ad should describe the general tasks and responsibilities of the role, as well as the qualifications and skills required.

When you know the specific skills they are looking for, it’s important to identify how you can position your experience and strengths to match the role.

Also, don’t shy away if it seems slightly out of your depth. You wouldn’t have been invited in for an interview if they didn’t see your potential.

If you don’t have the exact experience they’re looking for, consider what transferable skills you have that would help you succeed in the role.

Get acquainted with their website

When it comes to learning more about an organisation, its website is your first port of call. There, you should find relevant information on their mission, news, culture, clients and services.

And be sure to pay attention to what’s been happening in the organisation over the last 12 months.

Perhaps there’s been a joint venture, an announcement of their top legal ranking or some impressive pro bono work.

Referring to and asking about these facts (when relevant) will show your interest in the organisation – while highlighting that you take initiative.

Spy on the company and recruiter’s LinkedIn

Worried you’ll look like a total stalker?

Don’t be. Alerting the employer that you’ve studied their LinkedIn profile is nothing to be embarrassed about. In fact, it shows how interested you are in the business and position.

LinkedIn is a helpful platform to find out recent company announcements. It’ll also help you get a more rounded view of the people who will be interviewing you – including what they look like. This makes it miles easier to recognise them on the day (plus it’ll help you remember names during the interview).

So get snooping. There’s no shame – only gain.

Ask meaningful questions

Now that you’re a whiz on what the company and role is all about, it’s time to put your knowledge into action.

Reflect on what you’ve learnt and start formulating relevant questions based on this information.

It might go something like this: ‘I saw on your website that your company places a strong emphasis on creating gender equality in leadership positions. This is also very important to me too. What could I get involved in at your firm to help with this initiative?’

A question like this demonstrates research, critical thought and genuine interest. So start jotting down ideas – and you’ll be way ahead before even stepping into the interview room.

 

2. Focus on your first impression

We all know first impressions matter. But did you know that it takes just seven seconds for someone to start forming an idea of you? Research suggests we can even start identifying traits like trustworthiness in one tenth of a second. So how do you ensure you put your best foot forward in these crucial early moments?

Plan ahead

Nothing says ‘thank you, next’ like tardiness. So do the legwork before the day of your interview to make sure you arrive on time.

Look up transport options to the interview location. If you’re driving, remember to factor in traffic – and if you’re taking a tram or train, account for possible delays.

Aim to arrive at least 10 to 15 minutes before your interview time.

This will give you the opportunity to quieten your mind and get into the right headspace beforehand.

Dress to impress

Now to the tough stuff. What on earth do you wear?

Opt for a well-fitting suit and a classic shirt. It’s best to stick to blacks, whites and other neutral tones. But if you’re craving some colour, green, blue or pastel shades are suitable options.

Make sure your shoes are polished to make sure you’re striking a professional tone.

While every workplace has different dress standards, it’s better to overdress than underdress. As a golden rule, if you’re unsure on a clothing item, choose another option.

Say hello with a smile

When you meet your interviewer, you want to appear warm and friendly. And what conveys that better than a smile?

Researchers have also found that smiling – even when it’s forced – can ease stress and lower heart rates. So it’s a win-win.

And be sure to accompany your friendly smile with a confident handshake and direct eye contact.

 

3. Breaking down the interview

Interviews can be high pressure. But to make them a little more bearable, it’s reassuring to know they generally share some common themes. First up, you’ll be asked about yourself – this is your elevator pitch.

Then you’re likely to encounter some motivational questions. Afterwards, you’ll get the chance to demonstrate your skills using real-world examples.

Know your way around these common questions

When you first enter the interview, you’re likely to be asked some stock- standard ice-breaker type questions. These are your opportunity to build rapport and make a good impression in those first few crucial moments.

While every interview is different, practising your answers to these questions will give you a head start:

1. Can you tell me about yourself?
2. Why did you want to become a lawyer?
3. What accomplishments are you most proud of?
4. What are your long-term career goals?
5. What are your strengths and weaknesses?
6. Why should we hire you over other candidates?

Demonstrate your interest in the job – and the organisation

Motivational questions typically follow from the introduction. These allow your interviewer to assess your interest in law, the role and the organisation.

When answering these questions, aim to align your key motivators to those of the organisation.

For instance, if you’re asked, ‘what will you bring to this position?’, you could use your answer to weave in some of the key values the company holds.

Other common questions include:

1. Why do you want to work at our firm?
2. What areas of law appeal most to you?
3. What interests you about the legal system?

Show that you’re competent and capable

Behavioural questions are designed to help the interviewer understand who you are, the way you think – and how you approach real-life challenges.

While these questions are designed for the recruiter to get to know you, they are also a chance for you to present yourself in the best possible way.

Here are some sample questions to practise your responses to:

• Teamwork: Tell me about a time when you worked in a team that performed well. What was your role and contribution?
• Communication: Describe a time when you’ve used your communication skills to resolve a dispute.
• Initiative and innovation: Describe a time where a problem arose and your supervisor was not available? How did you manage the situation? How did things turn out?
• Adaptability/flexibility: Can you describe a time when you had to adjust quickly to changes that you had little control over? How did the changes impact you?
• Problem solving: Describe a time when you identified a potential problem and resolved the situation before it became serious.
• Relationship building: Give me an example of a time when you had to deal with conflict. What was the outcome?
• Tolerance for stress: Describe a recent situation when you were under a great deal of pressure. How did you handle it?
• Time management: Give an example of a time when you had to manage multiple tasks and/or competing deadlines. How did you perform?
• Adaptability/flexibility: Working with people from diverse backgrounds or cultures can be challenging. Tell me about a time when you were presented with a challenge adapting to a person from a different cultural background.

A word of advice

It’s incredibly important to prepare and practise your answers to potential questions. However, you also need to tailor your answer to the specific question you’ve received on the day – not the one you thought you’d be answering or would like to be answering.

Utilise your transferable skills

Everyone’s been there before. You’re asked a question that you’re not entirely sure how to answer. Maybe you haven’t had the chance to use the exact skill you’re being asked about. Or maybe you have used it, but just not in a work environment.

Here, it’s important to remain calm and remember that your interviewers don’t expect you to know everything yet. After all, there’s a high chance you’re applying for an entry level role.

In these situations, it’s best to draw on your transferrable skills. For instance, you may have never been in a management role at work. This can make answering a leadership question seem problematic at first.

But maybe you lead a group project while studying or were captain of your local sports team. These roles are just as relevant to mention – and show how adaptable you are too.

The key here is to think of situations outside of work where you’ve had the chance to demonstrate the skill, or a comparable one, and then use this to showcase your abilities.

4. Follow up like a pro

While we make first impressions quickly and instinctively, our exit impression can be just as powerful – and defining.

How to follow up (and what to say)

The best way to follow up is with a ‘thank you’.

According to a survey, 91% of employers like to receive thankyou messages. Yet another report found that only 43% of candidates send them.

So by sending a follow-up email, you’re giving yourself an easy way to stand out. It’s also just good manners.

Luckily, it doesn’t have to be complicated. Your email should be simple and straightforward.

Make sure you:

• Greet the employer by their first name
• Thank them for taking the time to meet with you (and mention how much you enjoyed the meeting)
• Say you’re following up about the job you interviewed for (be specific when mentioning the job – including your interview date and the position title)
• Reinforce your interest in the position

When to follow up

It’s best to send a follow up email as soon as possible.

Ideally, you should do it the same day as the interview – or the very next. Just try not to leave more than 24 hours.

And don’t worry, it won’t be perceived as sucking up. A follow up email conveys good manners and a keen interest in the job, which is exactly what you want to communicate in this competitive market.

Patience is a virtue

It’s important to be patient. The employer is likely considering several applications and may be holding other interviews throughout the week.

At the end of the interview, the recruiter may tell you when they expect to make a decision.

But if they don’t, don’t be afraid to ask.

If you still haven’t heard back after this date, leave another 24-48 hours before following up again.

How it looks in action

Re: Interview on Wednesday at 9AM

Hi <Name>

Thank you for taking the time to meet with me on Wednesday to discuss the <job title> position.

It was lovely to meet you and learn more about <Company name> and the role.

I am writing to follow up to see if you have any feedback or further questions for me at this stage?

I’m very interested in the position and am excited to hear about the next steps.

Looking forward to hearing from you.

Kind regards

<Your name>