INTERVIEWS

Being invited to an interview means you have already overcome the first hurdle and an employer is seriously considering you for the job. Take confidence from this and approach it with a positive attitude.

Having a good background knowledge of the firm will help put you at ease and make you appear more authoritative. Research is key – check out their website and download any literature they may have produced. Read what the legal directories have to say about them and search online to find recent coverage of their activities in the legal journals or regional and national newspapers. Your recruitment consultant will give you a more in-depth insight about their culture and values.

Prepare answers to any difficult questions you may be asked and rehearse these with a friend. For example, what attracts you to the firm? Why do you want to leave your present role? What are your strengths and weaknesses? What mistakes do you feel you have made in the past and what have you learned from them? If you have any particular problems or issues, discuss these with your recruitment consultant.

Even if you are not sure the role is for you, don’t be half-hearted. You may be pleasantly surprised at what it has to offer or it may be that a more suitable opportunity comes up in the future with the same firm. It is better to creative a positive impression and decline the job gracefully than appear lacking in motivation and live to regret it.

Speak to your recruitment consultant afterwards to convey any positive feedback or discuss any further questions you may have. Ensure you stay in contact with him or her in the event that you are offered the role or invited back for a second interview.