Interviewing Skills

You never get a second chance to make a good first impression. This is your chance to show an employer that you have what they need. The interview also provides an opportunity for you to see if an employer can offer what you want out of a professional career opportunity. In other words, the interview is an important exchange of information. The fact that you have been selected by an employer to go through the interview process is an indication that you look good on paper. The employer also wants to assess your ability in human relationships. This is your opportunity to verify an already positive image of yourself. Always start the interview with a firm handshake. Emphasize your strengths and draw upon your experiences and education to sell yourself. Remember that getting a good job requires just as much preparation and hard work as excelling in law school.

As with all life's experiences, the interview is a situation that has risk. You are extending yourself into a situation that may lead to rejection. You may come away from the interview feeling disappointed in your performance or in the employer. You may feel good about the job and the meeting you had with the employer only to find that a classmate got the position that you coveted. These are called learning experiences. From each interview that didn't turn out the way you'd hoped, there is something to be gained. You have now learned what should have been done in the interview, how a question should be answered, what type of legal opportunity you wish to pursue, etc. Approach each interview with a positive attitude knowing that you will be learning something about yourself in the process.