Here are
some tips to get you started:
1. Be
yourself, be honest and try to relax.
2. Be prepared. Make sure you understand the process and have
researched the firm. Speak to current students.
3. Know your resume and cover letter. Anticipate questions and
consider responses. Understand what your strengths and skills
are and how best to highlight them through examples.
4. Understand your own goals and objectives: to make a
favorable impression, to collect information about the firm and
to assess your own “fit”.
5. Understand the firm’s goals and objectives: to provide
information about the firm, to collect information about you, to
assess your “fit” with the firm and to leave you with a
favorable and accurate impression about Davies and our selection
process.
6. Think about why you are interested in Davies and articulate
your reasons. Do not be afraid to ask tough questions or raise
any issues of concern.
7. Identify the qualities of your ideal firm – practice areas,
culture, size, work/life balance, opportunities for growth or
travel. Be sure to ask the interviewers about issues that are
important to you. Engage in conversation and ask questions that
show you are interested in the firm and the type of work. Try
not to be too "scripted" or prepared but remember to adapt to
the conversation (i.e.. sometimes answers to questions can
appear "canned"). Get a feel for the firm: the values,
opportunities for continuing education and growth, social
atmosphere etc.
8 Wear comfortable business attire. Ask interviewers for their
business card.
Common Interviewing Mistakes
-
Lack of
preparation: no knowledge of firm’s practice areas, values and
approach.
-
Nervousness: try to relax: remember on paper you have already
met the firm’s standards.
-
Not
listening to question asked: be responsive and ask for
clarification if unsure.
-
Not
engaging in conversation: interact with the interviewers and
ask questions.
-
Being too
scripted or prepared.
-
Going
overboard on flattering the firm: unfortunately, this rarely
comes across as sincere.
-
Not showing
enough interest in the firm: we want people who want to be
here.
-
Forgetting
that dinners/cocktails parties are still part of the
interview/selection process.
-
Not having
an answering machine or cell to enable firms to reach you
during the week.
-
Inappropriate attire: business attire is advisable for
interviews, dinners and receptions.
