The field of law has many sectors of employment. Among the more sought-after job titles are stenographer,
paralegal, bailiff, mediator, judge and lawyer. One of the biggest deciding factors for employment is the personal interview. The affair can be rather stringent, but a few simple preparations can ensure you are up for the task.Research
Learn as much as possible about the firm or company you are applying to work for. If the interview is for a position at a legal firm, be sure to have a comprehensive understanding of its area of law. Libraries are full of books and resources that can help you study. The internet can also be a helpful repository of legal knowledge. The data base of LexisNexis is particularly notable for its comprehensive catalogue of legal information and public records.
Dress to Impress
Facilities in legal practice often require their employees to dress very professionally. Men are advised to wear business suits, tie and dress shoes. Your suit should be an appropriate color. Black, grey, navy blue and brown colored suits are acceptable. By dressing in suits of other colors, you are risking not looking serious. Women should opt for business suites with trousers or skirt that extends beyond the knees. Women should also wear shoes with conservative heels or without heels at all. Both sexes should sport professional haircuts and styles as well.
Ask Intelligent Questions
The questions an interviewer may ask are largely unpredictable. The only way to prepare for them is to do your homework as mentioned above. However, interviewees are often thrown off guard by the unexpected opportunity to ask them your own questions. Interviewers use this stage of the interview to learn a great deal about candidates. Asking the right questions may turn out to be what separates you from the rest of the candidates. You should consider asking about the standards for promotion, the process of training you might receive if you are offered the job or even how the interviewer likes working for company. You would also be wise to hint at your knowledge of the firm. You might, for instance, ask about a particular case the firm is working on.
No matter what, avoid drawing attention to your own desires such as salary or vacation days. These discussions are best saved for when a formal offer has actually been extended to you.
Related articles
- Interview Tips From a Pro (sodarayg.wordpress.com)
- Lex Mundi and LexisNexis 2011 Global Corporate Counsel Survey on Selection and Use of Outside Counsel in Foreign Jurisdictions Reveals Increase in International Issues (prweb.com)
