Interview like a Boss: Tips for Making a Lasting Impression
At Mazaheri Law Firm, springtime means it’s time for me to conduct law clerk interviews for a summer clerk position. I remember being a 2L and preparing my cover letter, resume, and writing sample ahead of time just to make sure I made the right impression. For the interviewee, interviews can be anxiety filled. For the interviewer, they can take a turn, particularly if you lose control of the conversation and don’t end up getting the employee your thought you were meeting. After years of interviewing new clerks that have later become great attorneys in the community and elsewhere, today I’m going to share my experience and give both interviewers and interviewees a few tips.
Interviewer look styled by @melanielippman
For the Interviewer:
Be clear on your firm culture, brand, and what you have to offer. Do not veer from this. The best employee is someone that buys into your mission and understands and wants to contribute to your goals.
Check your bias and make sure that you are looking at the candidate objectively.
Gauge the interviewee’s attitude, thought process, social cues, and organizational level by asking questions about their previous challenges.
If possible, conduct the interview in person. Social cues, personality, energy, and assertiveness are best demonstrated in person.
What answers gave you pause during the interview. Would a follow up interview clarify these answers or a call to their references?
Take stock after the interview. Did you leave the interview smiling or were you unsure? Try never to make a selection in a hurry based on an immediate need. The wrong choice will cost you more time than waiting for the right fit.
For the Interviewee:
Be on time. Make sure you show the interviewer you value their time.
Dress to Impress. This is your shot to bring your best foot forward and brand yourself. Even if you hear this office has a more casual vibe, it is respectful to show up suited formally for a professional interview. If I were at an interview for a legal job, I’d be sure to wear a conservative suit and keep my look more muted. As an interviewer, I want to give an impression that I’m formal, but have personality like with this fun floral navy dress and my bright red patent manolo blahnik heels.
Make sure you’ve done your research. It’s important that you know who you are interviewing with and what they stand for. Additionally, have questions prepared to engage the interviewer as to the specifics and expectations of the job.
Show up as a person. An interviewer wants to know who you are to make sure that being a member of the team is going to fit. Show enthusiasm, willingness to work hard, and highlight skills you may bring to the workplace.
Bring a copy of the materials you emailed. Not every interviewer has spent time researching you or looking over your resume. Assume they know nothing about you and bring a copy of your cover letter, resume, and writing sample (in a legal interview) so you show the interviewer you are prepared.
Show up as the best version of yourself. As an employer, I expect you leave the drama at the door. I want to see the best version of you and that’s what your client expects. Take that to heart in the interview process, keeping in mind this is professional job that requires you to give a service. An employer wants to know that you are capable of giving service aligned with their mission.
Wishing you all successful interviews this job seeking season!
xoxo,
Katherine
