Interview Tips

So go ahead, take a look but most importantly don’t forget to be YOU!

The Basics:

• Turn up roughly 5-10 minutes before your interview.
• Dress in a professional manner.
• Turn your phone off.
• Make a mental note to monitor your body language. Are your arms crossed? Are you making eye contact?
• Remember, your interviewer is trained to look out for these things!
• Try to relax. We know it’s nerve racking, but if you’re fully prepared and know what to expect then you can let the inner you shine and your interviewer/s will be able to see the real you!
• Ask questions at the right time. This is your chance to ask them to clarify any points because this is about sharing information with both parties.

Before your interview:

You should find out:

• Where the interview will be held.
• Who will be interviewing you.
• How long the interview will go for.
• If they will test you.
• If there is anything specific about the interview such as any role playing etc.
• What the firm or organisation specialises in.
  

i.e. always take time to read their website. Most employers will assume that no knowledge equals no interest.

• The firm’s origins and where they operate.
• The number of the firms employees. You should be aware of not just overall staff numbers, but the breakdown where possible to i.e. partners, solicitors, support staff.
• Any recent press comment/coverage – this can usually be found on the firm’s website.

Preparation:

It is important to make sure you do your research and practice or run through any questions you feel you will have difficulty answering. A few things that you may want to go through include:

• Have you been given your job spec? Have you read it and understood it all? Are there any areas which you need clarification?
• Figure out what makes you right for the role and why you want it.
• Think about it from their perspective. If you were the interviewer, what would you be looking for? What would your concerns be? If you’ve had a few short term roles and moved around you can bet they will question you about it, so be prepared and answer honestly.
• Prepare a series of examples for any competency based interviewing. Competency based interviews are designed  to showcase your previous successes and achievements. A good area to start in would be your organisational skills. Our consultants are trained in behavioural interviewing techniques and are more than willing to advise candidates on best practice behavioural interview strategies.

During your interview:

This is your first chance to show the employer what you are made of!  Bear in mind you may be a little nervous, but your interviewer may be too.  Interviewing is a skill and not everybody enjoys doing it! Don’t forget that first impressions DO count – you will be observed from the moment you arrive to the moment you leave.  Try to create a good impression with everyone you meet – dress smartly, smile and always remember to thank your interviewer for seeing you.  Make good eye contact, sit alertly and look confident – even if you don’t feel it!

• Although your experience will be laid out clearly on your resume, the employer needs to hear it in your own words in order to assess the ‘depth’ of your experience. This will also be used to assess various personality attributes, such as communication skills and confidence.
• Listen to questions and answer them as honestly and fully as possible.  An experienced interviewer will not be impressed by ‘text book’ or ‘rehearsed’ answers.  
• Always be ready to give examples of situations and scenarios i.e. “one of my main strengths is. …………to give you an example of this”…
• Take each point in turn and ask for clarification if necessary.
• If you don’t know the answer, say so.
• Don’t give one word answers such as ‘yes’ or ‘no’. These are conversation killers and should be avoided at all costs – always try to elaborate.
• Use ‘I’ not ‘we’ unless you are talking about team work.
• Towards the end of the interview, you need to give the employer an indication of why you are interested in their position and your future aspirations.

Interview Questions:

Naturally we can’t predict every question that is going to be asked in an interview, but below are some common interview questions that will give you an idea of what to expect and what to prepare for.

• Why do you want to work with us?
• What are your strengths?
• What are your weaknesses?
• What is the most difficult problem you have come across and how did you resolve it?
• What are your future goals?
• Why do you want to leave your current role/why did you leave your last role?
• What can you bring to this company?

When it is your turn to ask questions, use it as an opportunity to:

• Show what you know about the firm/organisation.
• Clarify any areas of uncertainty about the job.
• When the favourite winding up question is used “do you have any questions about us?” you  should always try to have a couple in hand just to demonstrate your interest.
• If you find that at the end of the interview all your questions have been covered, then always make a point of re-assuring your interviewer that you had a couple of questions, but they were covered in the interview.
• Finally always leave a positive impression and thank the interviewer for their time and consideration.

Do’s and Don’ts

• Do as much research as possible about the firm/organisation before your interview.
• Do be excited by the prospect of your interview and show the interviewer that not only are you   keen, but knowledgeable too.
• Do arrive on time.
• Do dress smartly.
• Be confident and alert and most importantly be yourself.
• Make good eye contact with your employer.
• Listen carefully to questions and answer them fully.
• Don’t drive to the interview if it may make you late or nervous.
• Don’t ask too many questions.
• Don’t mumble – always speak clearly and precisely.
• Don’t be afraid to take a list of questions into the meeting with you.
• Don’t use yes and no answers  - always try to elaborate and give examples and or scenarios where possible.
• Finally – Don’t despair if you don’t get the job – use the experience as practice!

After your Interview:

You should take some time to reflect on how the interview went.  Make some notes on the questions asked and how you think you performed. 

Hopefully you’ll be successful first time round. If not don’t worry; make the most of your experience, learn from it and make use of it for your next interview.

GOOD LUCK from all at GR Law!