Be ON TIME
Timeliness is a vital to your first impression. Show up at least 10 minutes prior to your scheduled interview in order to allow ample time to collect yourself, grab a coffee or water, and introduce yourself properly. This promptness solidifies your reliability.
Dress like a Professional
For Women
“Suits are vital. Muted and dark shades work best. While black, gray, and navy blue suits are always appropriate. What you wear under your suit is important, too. Pick a collared shirt or a blouse with a high or crew neck. Modest V or scoop necks are acceptable only if no cleavage is revealed. Select closed-toe shoes with a low-to-moderately high heel (traditionally called “pumps”) in neutral colors. Keep your shoes in good condition and polish or shine them when needed. Wear clean and simple jewelry and simple makeup to avoid distracting your interviewee.”-https://law.missouri.edu/careers/pdf/interviewdressguide.pdf
For Men
“Men’s interview suits should be dark. Think black, gray, navy blue, or very dark brown. Shirt selection is also important. White and ivory shirts are classic choices and are always appropriate for law firm interviews. Make sure your shirt collar will stay in place during the interview. Your tie should coordinate with your suit and shirt. Select ties made of silk or silk-blend fabric. Wear black mid-calf or over-the-calf dress socks (navy blue socks can be worn with navy blue suits) with black dress or dark burgundy/brown shoes.”- https://law.missouri.edu/careers/pdf/interviewdressguide.pdf
Prepare your résumé
Be sure to print 2 to 3 fresh copies of your resume before the interview. “Your legal experience should be the primary focus of your résumé. Include non legal experience only if it demonstrates something of significance, such as prior business experience in your chosen practice area or your ability to succeed academically while supporting yourself.” –http://www.americanbar.org/publications/young_lawyer_home/young_lawyer_archive/yld_tyl_jul07_dalenberg.html
Choose an appropriate writing sample
Even if you are not asked to, bringing a writing sample has be a very effective way to proving your law skills. Choose a sample that may pertain to the area of law you are interviewing for, that way the interviewee can further see your genuine interest.
Talk about the law
Speaking about the law is vital to your interview success.
“Take advantage of every opportunity that presents itself to showcase your ability to cogently discuss legal issues. If your interviewer begins discussing his or her own practice (rather than yours), show an interest, ask questions, and try to engage in a dialogue. No one can evaluate your analytical ability if you do not display it.”
Be Knowledgeable about the firm, beyond its website
Go beyond the firm’s website to learn about the firm’s main practices. If you are unable to find more information be sure to ask about the firm’s current endeavors and managing practices to show you are looking to learn more beyond what is readily available online.
Ready Resources
- Changing Jobs: A Handbook for Lawyers in the New Millennium, Third Ed. 1999. PC # 5110425. Law Practice Management Section and Young Lawyers Division.
- Objection Overruled: Overcoming Obstacles in the Lawyer Job Search (Manual). 2000. PC # V00OOOB. Career Resource Center.
- https://law.missouri.edu/careers/pdf/interviewdressguide.pdf
- http://www.americanbar.org/publications/young_lawyer_home/young_lawyer_archive/yld_tyl_jul07_dalenberg.html
Molly Merkin is a undergraduate Junior Communications major and Entrepreneurship minor at Santa Clara University. Her interest in Marketing and Communication has pushed her to gain many experiences in the professional field. Her work with the Santa Clara Entrepreneurship Board, Nordstrom INC, Waters Fine Foods, and the Santa Clara Law Office of Career Management, have built her knowledge of professional dress and personal branding as well as landed her two internship opportunities this summer where she hopes to further grow her professional branding and marketing skills.
