Whether trainee, assistant or partner, all had to go through a similar process.  It is sometimes easy to forget how daunting the interview process for a training contract can be, especially when faced with your first interview. 

The Legends

At university (over a decade and a half ago now), I remember exchanging first and second-hand interview stories with my colleagues.  What I heard must have had some impact on me, as I can still recall much of what was discussed.  I remember that one acquaintance of mine applied to a law firm by CV and covering letter and listed one of his hobbies as playing football.  As a consequence, he had been asked to "explain the game of football to aliens!".  The key point here being able to explain something you know well to someone who has never seen it before.

Another student was asked "if you could invite anyone around for dinner, whether past, present or fictional; who would it be and why?".  This reminded one of my friends that he had been asked a similar question which was "If you could give a speech to a thousand people what subject would it be on and why?"

These types of questions are designed to try and catch the candidate off-guard and see how they react to a question that they might not have anticipated.  Questions of this type could simulate a court hearing where a judge asks you something that you are not prepared for.  In this type of scenario, it is how you answer, as well as what you answer that is important.  If your answer is delivered in a calm, cool and well thought out manner, the interviewer will be suitably impressed.  After all, it’s not always knowing the law, but knowing where to find the law and the answer to the question at hand.

A further story described an interview at which there had been four interviewers, one in each corner of the room, all asking quick-fire questions of the candidate who sat on a swivel chair in the middle of the room.  The candidate span around to keep up with the questioning and answer sequence.  Apart from general amusement, one assumes that the test here is to see if a candidate can move the back of the chair to the wall in order to assess whether the candidate uses his initiative when facing a difficult situation. 

Another interesting example of creative questioning, which was not at a law firm, told of an interviewer who, in the middle of asking an unrelated question, stopped and broke into a story about his journey to work, describing how he had passed several cars, post boxes and various streets, and then carried on with the initial line of questioning.  Just before the end of the interview, he asked the candidate what the second car that he had passed that morning.  Whilst being slightly unnerving, this sort of exercise can assess your attention to detail. 

The Reality

However, most modern firms now take a contemporary approach to interviewing and there are  few, if any, trick questions asked.  Most questions will focus upon a persons CV as well as technical questions related to the role.

An interview at a law firm will usually consist of two interviews.  The first is typically with graduate recruitment and the second is with one or two partners.  The interviews are often accompanied by some form of test (usually psychometric or business related).

The graduate recruitment interview usually starts with the candidate being asked to give some background details, i.e. to confirm what stage they are up to in their studies or why they decided to pursue a career in law and perhaps in particular commercial law.  The interviewer will then go on to ask questions focusing on what the individual has written down on their application form or CV such as "tell me more about X?", or "what was your role in Y?".  This is an ideal opportunity to sell yourself and the experiences that you have had.  

Typical questions also include "what has been your biggest challenge to date?"; "what experience of working in a team have you had?"; and "how do you organise your study and extra-curricular activities?".  Have a think about potential answers to commonly asked questions such as these when preparing for the interview. 

One of the most important questions is: ‘why do you wish to be a solicitor or commercial solicitor?’

The next stage of the interview process is an interview with a partner.  The structure of this interview is often very similar to the interview with graduate recruitment and a lot of the same ground may often be covered.  However, there may be a few more challenging questions and themes. 

Performing Well

Commercial Awareness

One main topic that always seems to be tested is commercial awareness.  You could be asked to comment on a current deal in the market place or a recent event in the news.  Casting a keen eye over the pages of the Financial Times and keeping up-to-date with current affairs will help you develop awareness and knowledge of the commercial world.

Alternatively, you may be asked about vacation jobs.  Questions might range from "was the company well run?" to "how would you improve the organisation?".  If you have worked before or have changed professions then your commercial awareness may be tested with more detailed questions.

Law

Although your academic background will be proven on your application form, some firms still like to ask the occasional question on the law.  You might be asked "What is a tort?" or "tell me about a case that interests you."   It is worthwhile brushing up on your knowledge of the main areas of law, together with any particular areas that you have focused on, for example, in a dissertation.

X-factor

It is very hard to describe everything that makes the perfect candidate, but the interviewer knows it when he/she sees it.  Confidence can also go a long way.  Many candidates will be nervous and the interviewer will try and see through this, but a degree of confidence in this situation will make you stand out in the interviewer's mind. 

Another way to stand out is to research the firm.  90% preparation and only 10% perspiration is the key here.  One question that is often asked is "why have you applied to us?" and to respond by saying that the firm has a good culture, good work and that it is friendly is not sufficient, as this will apply to many firms.  You need to identify why that particular firm stands out from its rivals, where the firm is positioned in the market place and its strategy.

Other/Interpersonal Skills

The good news is that your academic qualities are taken as given and the hard part of getting your foot in the door is over.  The focus now is on a whole range of personal attributes and skills that will be assessed at the interview. 

At interviews evidence of team playing and leadership skills may be sought.  The ability to be clear and concise, as well as listening and asking appropriate questions is often tested too.  You may also be required to give examples of organisational skills and to demonstrate your knowledge and understanding of the legal industry.  Throughout the interview there will be a range of skills tested, such as your ability to think on your feet, communication and your interpersonal skills. 

One area where interviewees often fall down is in answering a question very quickly without taking time to pause and think about the answer they are going to give.  Take time to pause and absorb the question before answering, rather than rushing in with a quick reply or prepared answer and then having to change or alter your answer halfway through your response.

Take care to let that genuine interest which led you to apply to the firm in the first place come across in the interview.  Don't let your interviewer think you are treating this as just another interview on the list.  Above all, don't panic!  After all you will be talking about a subject that you know the most about, which is you! 

Tips

• Before the interview, spend time researching the firm and if possible the people that maybe interviewing you.  Usually, the website of the firm details current work that the interviewer has been involved in or look in the legal press.
• Familiarise yourself with your submitted application form and CV so that you can elaborate on any areas if asked to.  This will help you to avoid 'yes' and 'no' answers to questions and assist the interviewer in generating a conversation with you that will put both parties in a relaxed and natural frame of mind.
• Have examples ready of your achievements and experiences and bring them into your answers to the questions.
• Prepare well!  Some careers services offer mock interviews and psychometric tests. There are various books and guides on interviews available which include example interview questions.   
• Be positive, interested, enthusiastic and relaxed.  This is your big chance to create a good impression and sell yourself to the interviewer.

And remember, once you’ve qualified and are developing your career in the City as a solicitor, should you wish to make your next career move then come and talk to www.legalrecruitment.net  (we also often have a range of paralegal positions available and are happy to give career advice as well).