New Year, New Career - How to Prepare for a Winning Interview.

Day One Recruitment interview preparation

New Year, New Career - How to Prepare for a Winning Interview.

And just like that it is 2024. New Year, new goals, and for some of you - new career opportunities are on the horizon.

Interviews, at the best of times, get the pulse racing and are nerve-racking - However, there is something extra that adds to the preparation and build-up towards an interview at the beginning of a new year. Maybe it is because you are full of new hope. Whatever it may be, the adrenaline is high, as is the desire to impress your potential new employer.

So, whether you are a new graduate or a seasoned lawyer, we have just the tips and strategies to help you prepare for the interview and win the legal job of your dreams.

Five Strategies to Be Interview-ready

You dusted off your resume and gave it a new lease of life with up-to-date information highlighting all your skills and experiences -Congratulations! You made it to the interview round - now it is time to make that all-important first impression at the interview.

1. Always be prepared

When interviewing for a legal career, preparation is of the utmost importance if you want to be taken seriously. Therefore, we advise you to prepare to speak about your latest accomplishments; for instance, if you are a Transactional Lawyer, have your deal details front of mind. While there will be limitations to what you can share, be ready to describe the business type, what size transaction, and what novel parts of the transaction you encounter. 

If you are a back-end Litigation and dispute lawyer, discuss your significant matters, what has stood out as being complex or involving multiple parties or new Court rulings. 

For In-House Lawyers, it would be great to have examples of how you have moved with the business’s needs and be able to share a snapshot of what areas of the firm have needed your help. 

A confident ‘elevator pitch’ or summary of your current role is essential. Here is an insider tip: In our experience, clients always enjoy meeting our candidates who can articulate what has worked well, what they would change next time, and other considerations to look at when faced with similar issues in the future. Our clients interview with a conversational style, so it makes for an insightful yet engaging discussion and a better explanation of your skills if you can include some reflection on your matters. 

Your Day One Recruitment consultant will offer you a meeting to go over your interview preparation (this is highly recommended). We can discuss the most relevant scenarios to highlight. 

2. Do your research

When you’re working in the legal industry, research is a must; the same rule applies to the process of interview preparation. So, ensure that you read up on all there is to know about the company or law firm you are interviewing with, including the following.

  • The history of the company.

  • Organisational hierarchy.

  • Corporate structure.

  • Their mission and values.

  • Recent news and press stories mentioning the firm.

A good place to start is their website. Also, look to see if they have a social media presence and even talk to acquaintances from the firm (if you know any) for day-to-day work culture insights. 

3. Practice makes perfect

In-person or online interviews can be nerve-racking, even for the most confident lawyers. Take some time to consider the questions likely to be asked and rehearse your answers. Better still, take your Day One Recruitment Consultant up on their offer of an interview preparation meeting. You can also request a friend or family member to role-play a hypothetical interview scenario with you.

Here are a few quick tips.

  • As well as questions about you, your experience, and how you handle situations, don’t forget to consider questions about the technical aspects of the role.

  • Consider recording your answers so you can review and improve upon them.

  • Practice your closing statement. Remember, this is your one chance to convince them why they should hire you.

4.First impressions count

First impressions count. Whether the interview is in-person or online, ensure you are punctual and well-presented.

  • Know the location of the office and the travel time.

  • Prepare for unforeseen delays by allowing for a little extra time.

  • For online interviews, sign in early and ensure all the technology is working.

  • Smile and establish a rapport with the person interviewing you.

  • Maintain eye contact.

  • If you are interviewing onsite, be friendly with anyone you encounter.

  • Keep an eye on your body language.

5. After interview etiquette

Your Day One Recruitment Consultant will be expecting your call as we are keen to share interview feedback with our client. This keeps the recruitment process moving along as we can share your gratitude for the chance to interview and a final pitch for why they should choose you.

At this point, we can ask any extra questions that were not included in the meeting, or we will hone in on the details of an offer. 

Working with a specialised legal recruiter to boost your career

Have you decided to search for a new future? We are here to help.

Sometimes, two heads are better than one. As specialised legal recruitment agents, we can help you with the following.  

  • Update your resume. You won’t need a cover letter as it is part of our service to discuss your suitability in our candidate reports. 

  • Providing opportunities in law firms and legal teams nationally that meet your expectations and

  • Prepare for interviews.

So, don’t wait for one day. Make your day one today and call 07 3185 5157.

 

Angela Grant