Interview Boot CampInterview Boot Campfor Indiana Law Studentsfor Indiana Law Students
Turning an Interview Turning an Interview
Into an Offer!Into an Offer!
Part IPart I
Interviews as an Interviews as an Assessment ToolAssessment Tool
EffectivenessEffectiveness Law firms/Lawyers as InterviewersLaw firms/Lawyers as Interviewers
Sometimes directed by the firmSometimes directed by the firm Mostly: Free reign – up to the lawyersMostly: Free reign – up to the lawyers
Types of InterviewsTypes of Interviews
InstructionalInstructional 15 minutes of them talking15 minutes of them talking Time for questions from youTime for questions from you Don’t get frustrated!Don’t get frustrated!
TraditionalTraditional Intro Intro Their questions – can be scriptedTheir questions – can be scripted Your questionsYour questions
Types of Interviews Types of Interviews (cont)(cont)
ConversationConversation Best interviews because you don’t Best interviews because you don’t
feel like you are being interrogatedfeel like you are being interrogated
BehavioralBehavioral Questions based on your past Questions based on your past
behavior will be a good indication of behavior will be a good indication of future performancefuture performance
Tell me about a time when . . .Tell me about a time when . . .
Types of Interviews Types of Interviews (cont)(cont)
Phone InterviewPhone Interview May just call you to chatMay just call you to chat Advantages:Advantages:
You can have and take notesYou can have and take notes You could be in your pajamas (comfortable)You could be in your pajamas (comfortable)
Disadvantages:Disadvantages: Little if any non-verbal feedbackLittle if any non-verbal feedback No interaction – you don’t get to “meet” themNo interaction – you don’t get to “meet” them
Types of Interviews Types of Interviews (cont)(cont)
Phone Interview (cont)Phone Interview (cont) Advice:Advice:
Dress upDress up Stand up – be energizedStand up – be energized SmileSmile Have notes and your resume readily Have notes and your resume readily
available to use during the interviewavailable to use during the interview
Things to Keep in MindThings to Keep in Mind Impressions in first 2-3 minutesImpressions in first 2-3 minutes Be ready for the small talk/ice breakerBe ready for the small talk/ice breaker Hire who they know, like and trustHire who they know, like and trust FocusFocus
Big firms want you to select 1 officeBig firms want you to select 1 office Practice area – varies widelyPractice area – varies widely Geographic focus, know the area newsGeographic focus, know the area news
Research the firm & the interviewerResearch the firm & the interviewer
What are employers What are employers looking for?looking for?
Can you do the job?Can you do the job?
Will you fit into our workplace?Will you fit into our workplace?
Are you enthusiastic about working Are you enthusiastic about working for us?for us?
Can you do the job?Can you do the job?
Do you have the necessary skills and Do you have the necessary skills and experience to perform the job?experience to perform the job?
Be prepared to provide concrete Be prepared to provide concrete examples during the interview.examples during the interview. Directly relevant skillsDirectly relevant skills Transferable skillsTransferable skills All should be applicable to the positionAll should be applicable to the position
Will you fit into our Will you fit into our workplace?workplace?
Are you reliable?Are you reliable? Do you have a strong work ethic?Do you have a strong work ethic? Do you adjust well to change and new Do you adjust well to change and new
challenges?challenges? Do you project self confidence and a Do you project self confidence and a
professional demeanor?professional demeanor? Are you someone with whom they – and Are you someone with whom they – and
a client – can hold a good conversation?a client – can hold a good conversation? Does your personality fit?Does your personality fit?
Are you enthusiastic about Are you enthusiastic about working for us?working for us?
Do you express a sincere interest in Do you express a sincere interest in the opportunity?the opportunity?
Are you presenting yourself as just Are you presenting yourself as just wanting a job?wanting a job?
Do you come off as just fishing for Do you come off as just fishing for the right opportunity – especially the right opportunity – especially dangerous now!dangerous now!
HOW TO BE SUCCESSFUL:HOW TO BE SUCCESSFUL:BE PREPAREDBE PREPARED
Know the Organization & IndustryKnow the Organization & Industry This is your “case” these are your “clients” – This is your “case” these are your “clients” –
you wouldn’t go into court without this you wouldn’t go into court without this knowledgeknowledge
Know YourselfKnow Yourself If it’s on your resume or implied, it’s fair If it’s on your resume or implied, it’s fair
gamegame Know How to Present YourselfKnow How to Present Yourself
SubstanceSubstance StyleStyle
Organization/Industry InfoOrganization/Industry Info
ORGANIZATIONORGANIZATION
WebsitesWebsites Recruiting Recruiting
MaterialsMaterials NALP DirectoryNALP Directory Name & Title of Name & Title of
Interviewer(s)Interviewer(s) Lexis and WestlawLexis and Westlaw Attorney biosAttorney bios
INDUSTRYINDUSTRY
Trade Journals & Trade Journals & Current TrendsCurrent Trends
Informational Informational InterviewsInterviews
Martindale-Martindale-HubbellHubbell
OCPD Team OCPD Team (We know the scoop!)(We know the scoop!)
Also considerAlso consider
Inside scoop on FindLaw:Inside scoop on FindLaw:
www.infirmation.com/bboardwww.infirmation.com/bboard
Network with people you knowNetwork with people you know
Informational Interviews are a must!Informational Interviews are a must!
Knowing YourselfKnowing Yourself
Concrete examples to support top Concrete examples to support top skills (and how you developed them)skills (and how you developed them)
Strengths & weaknessesStrengths & weaknesses Major accomplishmentsMajor accomplishments How do your skills match that job How do your skills match that job
description?description? Future PlansFuture Plans
Your Interview “Cheat Your Interview “Cheat Sheet”Sheet”
Top 5 skills, personal attributes, or work qualities
2-3 Accomplishments
Work Experiences Activities and Involvement
Use Your “Cheat Sheet” To:Use Your “Cheat Sheet” To:
Build your brief introduction or pitchBuild your brief introduction or pitch Practice answering questionsPractice answering questions When you get “stuck” on a questionWhen you get “stuck” on a question Summarize why you should be Summarize why you should be
considered as a candidate at the end considered as a candidate at the end of the interviewof the interview
* The cheat sheet is a great way to practice but it’s best to know * The cheat sheet is a great way to practice but it’s best to know your information cold for the interview.your information cold for the interview.
Your 2 minute Pitch or Your 2 minute Pitch or InfomercialInfomercial
Explain who you are and what you Explain who you are and what you are interested inare interested in
Illustrate past experiences with Illustrate past experiences with important accomplishmentsimportant accomplishments
Convey your strengths and abilitiesConvey your strengths and abilities Conclude by describing your interests Conclude by describing your interests
and their connection to the employerand their connection to the employer This is your opening argumentThis is your opening argument
Examples of pitch lead ins…Examples of pitch lead ins… ““I’m a 2I’m a 2ndnd year student at the Indiana year student at the Indiana
University School of Law - Bloomington, and University School of Law - Bloomington, and I’m interested in pursuing a career in I’m interested in pursuing a career in employment law.”employment law.”
““I was a human resources specialist for 5 I was a human resources specialist for 5 years in a large corporation. My exposure to years in a large corporation. My exposure to employment law interested me so much employment law interested me so much that I decided to attend law school where I that I decided to attend law school where I am a first year student at Indiana am a first year student at Indiana University. My goal is to pursue a career in University. My goal is to pursue a career in employment law.”employment law.”
Experiences and Skills to Experiences and Skills to IllustrateIllustrate
Writing abilityWriting ability Analytical skillsAnalytical skills Research skillsResearch skills Effective oral Effective oral
presentation skillspresentation skills Organization/time Organization/time
management management Quick learnerQuick learner Self starter with Self starter with
demonstrated demonstrated initiativeinitiative
Negotiating skillsNegotiating skills Strong interpersonal Strong interpersonal
skillsskills Team playerTeam player Detail oriented and Detail oriented and
thoroughthorough Use good judgmentUse good judgment Work well under Work well under
pressurepressure Strong work ethicStrong work ethic Problem solving skillsProblem solving skills
So, tell me about yourself…So, tell me about yourself…
VERY important question!VERY important question! Focus on PROFESSIONAL, not Focus on PROFESSIONAL, not
PERSONALPERSONAL Include overview of skills & Include overview of skills &
qualificationsqualifications Think “As an Associate…”Think “As an Associate…” This is your opportunity to use your This is your opportunity to use your
opening argumentopening argument
Frequently Asked Frequently Asked QuestionsQuestions
What are your Strengths?What are your Strengths? Look at the job description and Look at the job description and
target your answerstarget your answers Back up with a specific example to Back up with a specific example to
illustrate what skills you possessillustrate what skills you possess
““My verbal communication skills are My verbal communication skills are strong. I was a member of the Indiana strong. I was a member of the Indiana University Ethics Bowl team and argued University Ethics Bowl team and argued cases in a national competition at which cases in a national competition at which our team placed 3our team placed 3rdrd nationwide.” nationwide.”
““Some of my greatest strengths are my Some of my greatest strengths are my attention to detail and reputation for attention to detail and reputation for following through and meeting deadlines. following through and meeting deadlines. As an editor for the Indiana Daily Student, As an editor for the Indiana Daily Student, my university’s daily campus newspaper, I my university’s daily campus newspaper, I was acknowledged for my outstanding was acknowledged for my outstanding editorial reviews and my timeliness in editorial reviews and my timeliness in meeting multiple daily deadlines.”meeting multiple daily deadlines.”
What about your What about your weaknesses?weaknesses?
Make it skill-based rather than Make it skill-based rather than behavior-basedbehavior-based
Be honest! Everyone has Be honest! Everyone has weaknesses – Do you recognize weaknesses – Do you recognize yours now or will they surface later?yours now or will they surface later?
Could be asked as “If I were to talk Could be asked as “If I were to talk to your last boss, what would they to your last boss, what would they say you could still work on?”say you could still work on?”
Weaknesses (cont)Weaknesses (cont) Turn a negative into a positive: Turn a negative into a positive:
Sandwich TechniqueSandwich Technique ““Time management was a challenge for me Time management was a challenge for me
but I participated in a Franklin Covey but I participated in a Franklin Covey organizational course and now I keep a daily organizational course and now I keep a daily planner which has helped me to become more planner which has helped me to become more effective at scheduling my events and effective at scheduling my events and responsibilities.”responsibilities.”
Beware of “canned” responsesBeware of “canned” responses ““I’m a perfectionist.” I’m a perfectionist.” Translation:Translation: You are You are
difficult to work with!difficult to work with! ““I’m very detailed oriented and will work to I’m very detailed oriented and will work to
make something as good as I can.” make something as good as I can.” – And the – And the weakness is?weakness is?
Answering Difficult Answering Difficult QuestionsQuestions
Strategy depends on nature of the Strategy depends on nature of the questionquestion
Don’t be defensiveDon’t be defensive If appropriate acknowledge the If appropriate acknowledge the
concern, then dissolve itconcern, then dissolve it This does not mean creating a concern This does not mean creating a concern
where there was not one to begin withwhere there was not one to begin with Do your best to spin a negative into a Do your best to spin a negative into a
positivepositive
Other QuestionsOther Questions
Look to the hand-out for a great list Look to the hand-out for a great list of typical interview questionsof typical interview questions
Example – What other firms are you Example – What other firms are you interviewing with? Think of interviewing with? Think of similarities and be honest.similarities and be honest.
Prepare and PRACTICE for each Prepare and PRACTICE for each questionquestion
What questions concern you?What questions concern you?
Your energy, sincerity, enthusiasm, candor, humor,
precision, and style are among the many aspects
that will affect the impression you make.
Employers look for people with both sound academic and interpersonal skills.
Closing the InterviewClosing the Interview Ask intelligent questionsAsk intelligent questions
Carefully RESEARCHED Q’s not just ones Carefully RESEARCHED Q’s not just ones you read off the listyou read off the list
Can demonstrate your level of interest & Can demonstrate your level of interest & enthusiasm & should be something you enthusiasm & should be something you want to knowwant to know
If you want the job, tell themIf you want the job, tell them Get interviewer’s business cardGet interviewer’s business card
Thank You Notes – A Thank You Notes – A MustMust
Could be a letter, a hand written card Could be a letter, a hand written card or an e-mailor an e-mail
All REQUIRE the same level of All REQUIRE the same level of professionalism!professionalism!
All require the same attention to All require the same attention to detaildetail
Can hurt you just as it can help youCan hurt you just as it can help you
Interviewing RecapInterviewing Recap
RESEARCH!RESEARCH! Practice answers to most common ???sPractice answers to most common ???s Understand interview set-up and Understand interview set-up and
agendaagenda Be ready to PROVE anything you say!Be ready to PROVE anything you say! 2 “rules” for every answer2 “rules” for every answer
Relevant to positionRelevant to position Value to the employerValue to the employer
Interviewing TipsInterviewing Tips
YOU ARE INTERVIEWING THE YOU ARE INTERVIEWING THE ORGANIZATION AS MUCH AS THEY ORGANIZATION AS MUCH AS THEY ARE INTERVIEWING YOU!!!ARE INTERVIEWING YOU!!!
Preparation overcomes most Preparation overcomes most obstacles, including nerves.obstacles, including nerves.
Be an engaged listenerBe an engaged listener Remember to BREATHE!Remember to BREATHE!
BREAKBREAK
PART TWO:PART TWO:
STYLE is next.STYLE is next.
Style of InterviewingStyle of Interviewing
Learn how to dress, Learn how to dress, walk & talk during walk & talk during
interviewsinterviews
Part IIPart II
It’s nice to meet you…It’s nice to meet you…
The Hand ShakeThe Hand Shake Let’s practiceLet’s practice RememberRemember
Eye contactEye contact Firm but not too hard pressureFirm but not too hard pressure Repeat their name – it will help you Repeat their name – it will help you
remember!remember!
Getting ThereGetting There
Know where you are going and how to Know where you are going and how to get thereget there
Arrive 10 minutes (no more) earlyArrive 10 minutes (no more) early DON’T BE LATE!!DON’T BE LATE!! Leave “baggage” in the carLeave “baggage” in the car Consider using a portfolioConsider using a portfolio Practice stress reducing strategiesPractice stress reducing strategies
Checking InChecking In Be kind to everyone!Be kind to everyone!
If you don’t know, ask.If you don’t know, ask.
Get rid of your coat, excess items.Get rid of your coat, excess items.
BREATHE!!BREATHE!!
Verbal Communication Verbal Communication TrapsTraps
RushingRushing Speaking softlySpeaking softly Trailing off……. Trailing off……. Speaking in paragraphsSpeaking in paragraphs Answering a question with a questionAnswering a question with a question Not knowing when to quit and so you Not knowing when to quit and so you
just keep talking and talkingjust keep talking and talking Pauses are OK Pauses are OK
Are you nervous?Are you nervous?
Talk FastTalk Fast Voice QuiversVoice Quivers Palms SweatPalms Sweat Knees ShakeKnees Shake StammerStammer
Be aware of your nervous ticks and Be aware of your nervous ticks and practice dealing with them!practice dealing with them!
Non-Verbal TrapsNon-Verbal Traps
Slouching or casual postureSlouching or casual posture Closed and open posturesClosed and open postures Wild extremities!Wild extremities! SighingSighing EYE CONTACTEYE CONTACT Be alive – show enthusiasmBe alive – show enthusiasm
May I have a volunteer?May I have a volunteer?
Sit – demonstrate postureSit – demonstrate posture Body languageBody language GesturesGestures Eye contactEye contact EnergyEnergy
Your Interview StyleYour Interview Style
First impressions are keyFirst impressions are key
A first impression will be made before A first impression will be made before you even begin to speakyou even begin to speak
Walk into the room with purposeWalk into the room with purpose Smile, be friendlySmile, be friendly Embrace your inner confidenceEmbrace your inner confidence
Dress: What Employers Dress: What Employers SaySay
95% of employers say personal 95% of employers say personal appearance has an effect on opinion of appearance has an effect on opinion of applicant’s suitabilityapplicant’s suitability
91% say dress and grooming reflect 91% say dress and grooming reflect
applicant’s attitude towards companyapplicant’s attitude towards company 61% say dress and grooming have an 61% say dress and grooming have an
effect on subsequent promotionseffect on subsequent promotions
Best BetsBest Bets
MENMENSuit, darker color Suit, darker color
preferredpreferred
Pressed shirtPressed shirt
Conservative tieConservative tie
Polished shoesPolished shoes
No wallet bulgeNo wallet bulge
NO cologneNO cologne
WOMENWOMENSuit with pants or skirt Suit with pants or skirt
neutral color (2” rule)neutral color (2” rule)
Neutral hosieryNeutral hosiery
No jangling jewelryNo jangling jewelry
Conservative shoesConservative shoes
No purseNo purse
NO PerfumeNO Perfume
Don’t forgetDon’t forget
Men – no earrings or exposed jewelry Men – no earrings or exposed jewelry except ring (s) – limit one on each hand except ring (s) – limit one on each hand
No tattoos or pierced areas exposedNo tattoos or pierced areas exposed Test drive your shoes – scuff the soles to Test drive your shoes – scuff the soles to
prevent slippageprevent slippage Socks should match pants not shoesSocks should match pants not shoes Clean your nails (neutral polish - Clean your nails (neutral polish -
women)women) Bring your suit in for a reviewBring your suit in for a review
Reasons People Don’t Reasons People Don’t get Hiredget Hired
Poor personal Poor personal appearanceappearance
Overly aggressiveOverly aggressive Inability to express Inability to express
information clearlyinformation clearly Lack of interest or Lack of interest or
enthusiasmenthusiasm Lack of practice for Lack of practice for
interviewinterview
Nervous, lack of Nervous, lack of confidenceconfidence
Over emphasis on Over emphasis on moneymoney
Lack of courtesy Lack of courtesy and tactand tact
Unwilling to start at Unwilling to start at the bottomthe bottom
Lack of eye contactLack of eye contact
Dining EtiquetteDining Etiquette
Scenario #1Scenario #1 You’ve been invited to dinner the You’ve been invited to dinner the
evening before your (on-site) 2evening before your (on-site) 2ndnd interview with a potential employer. interview with a potential employer. They said this will be a casual dinner They said this will be a casual dinner with the selection committee.with the selection committee.
What do you wear to dinner?What do you wear to dinner?
Dining EtiquetteDining Etiquette
Scenario #2Scenario #2 When you arrive at the restaurant When you arrive at the restaurant
the other individuals order a pre-the other individuals order a pre-dinner cocktail.dinner cocktail.
Do you order a drink?Do you order a drink?
Dining EtiquetteDining Etiquette
Scenario #3Scenario #3 Your host has taken you to an Your host has taken you to an
upscale restaurant and as you look at upscale restaurant and as you look at the menu, you have no idea what to the menu, you have no idea what to order.order.
What should you do?What should you do?
WLC Etiquette DinnerWLC Etiquette Dinner
Wednesday, September 10Wednesday, September 10thth Federal Room in the IMUFederal Room in the IMU 4 course meal plus an entertaining 4 course meal plus an entertaining
speaker to guide you through a speaker to guide you through a formal dinnerformal dinner
Tickets available through Tickets available through Women’s Law CaucusWomen’s Law Caucus
Final Notes on DressingFinal Notes on Dressing
Err on the side of conservatismErr on the side of conservatism You can’t take back the first You can’t take back the first
impressionimpression Choose an interview outfit you feel Choose an interview outfit you feel
great wearinggreat wearing Invest in a suit that will serve you Invest in a suit that will serve you
well for years to comewell for years to come
Utilize Your Career & Utilize Your Career & Professional Development Professional Development
TeamTeam Mock Interviews with OCPD staffMock Interviews with OCPD staff Interview Speed Dating Style August Interview Speed Dating Style August
1919thth 5:00 pm 5:00 pm Communications Coaching Communications Coaching
AssessmentAssessment Interview Attire ReviewInterview Attire Review
Interviewing is a skill you can Master! Interviewing is a skill you can Master!
Speed Interview EventSpeed Interview Event
Tuesday, August 19Tuesday, August 19thth – 5:00 pm – 5:00 pm Round-Robin 5 minute interviews Round-Robin 5 minute interviews
with legal professionalswith legal professionals Bring copies of your resumeBring copies of your resume Dress professionallyDress professionally Practice, Practice, Practice!Practice, Practice, Practice! Sign up on SymplicitySign up on Symplicity