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