The principles of interviews are universal, but they might be slightly different depending on the position you’re applying for. Applying to a law firm may be one of the most difficult positions to grasp when graduating law school.

                Your preparation must start before you’re interview ever takes place. In fact, to even get the interview, you must have a grade A resume. You may feel as though you shouldn’t be egocentric, or come off as cocky, but a resume is your chance to brag about yourself. They’re looking for accomplishments that stick out. You can’t overdue a resume as long as everything you say is true. Be confident, be up to date, and be accurate on your resume.

Like most interviews, dress to impress. You will be wearing a suit just about every day in your new position, so dress like you’ve already been given the job. Suit, tie, vest if you have one.

Next, know the firm you’re applying to. Make sure they know you’re first choice was their firm. They were your #1, it makes you more likely to be theirs. Research any senior associates or partners that will be interviewing you. Know their most notable cases, they’re specialization if they have one, where they went to school and graduating year. They know everything about you, impress them by showing them you know of them as well.

The most important part is knowing your role in the firm. If they offer you junior associate or clerk, know what you will be doing. They want to train you as little as possible. You need to be prepared to jump straight in to the firm and help. Their thoughts could be that a prepared person is someone ready to work as soon as they say the word “hired”. Know your duties, your bosses, and your responsibilities that are stated and implied in the firm. The most important thing is to show you know what you will be doing, and that you know well how to do it.

The next thing they will be looking for is whether you fit in. They worked hard to get where they are today, they want to see the same in you. Do you have negotiating skills, conversational skills, can you manage your time well, do you do your homework, and do you break under pressure. They’re looking into your personality, they’re looking at the person, not the achievements or the sparkly suit; they want to see what’s underneath.

They’re going to ask questions, a lot of them, but you have to know yourself inside and out to do well. What are you strengths? Weaknesses? Be confident but also know your flaws. They’re going to question your knowledge of the legal system, which is what you went to school for. The most important question they’re going to ask is “why should we pick you over other candidates?” What advantages can you give them compared to other candidates? Everyone has something special to offer a firm, whether it be their work ethic or their relationship with co-workers, pushing them to succeed. You have to show them why you’re special.

Lastly, you need to ask questions, show them you were paying attention as well. You weren’t going through the motions, you were there, listening to every word they said, their words are important to you, make sure they’re aware that you were paying attention.’

No interview is easy but remember a few simple things and be prepared, your interview will go better than you think. The most important thing is being ready for anything they will throw your way.