Topic 5.0 Mock Interview

Preparing and Delivering Presentation in Job Interview

Critical Truth for Job Interview Success

Source:

SCENARIO• Sending out the CV (Resume) but

not getting interviews.• Landing interviews but not getting

offers.

• Sending out the CV, getting interviews then getting offers, landing the job, pass probation period, getting promotion ($$$) and set the career target.

Interviewers Objectives:Interviewers Objectives:

• Find the most suitable person for the job

• Look for specific skills or expertise• Encourage you to express yourself

fully• Assess whether you would ‘fit in’ to

the organisation/team• Assess whether you would be a good

representative for the firm/chambers• Sell the company

Types of Interview:Types of Interview:• Chronological• Criteria based• Pressurised• ‘Off the wall’• Technical• Panel• Telephone/video• Combination, e.g. 1st interview on telephone, then 2nd

face to face.

Interviewers Objectives:

• Find the most suitable person for the job• Look for specific skills or expertise• Encourage you to express yourself fully• Assess whether you would ‘fit in’ to the

organisation/team• Assess whether you would be a good representative for

the firm/chambers• Sell the company

PreparationPreparation

Practicalities :• Check timetables/route; overnight stay if necessary. • Allow extra time for delays• Plan what to wear : dress code - formal• Need to feel comfortable – break shoes in beforehand;

loose clothing• Techniques for dealing with nerves• Confirm your attendance in advance

Interview Preparation:Interview Preparation:• Re-read application form/CV• Research employers website, brochure, company

annual reports, business plan. Newspaper articles, legal websites. Use legal contacts.

• Keep up to date with current issues in law via newspapers and journals

• Think about questions you might be asked, and plan responses

Interview Preparation:Interview Preparation:• Draw up a list of skills/competencies you think the

firm/chambers are looking for, and think of examples how you can demonstrate these

• Consider your ‘Unique Selling Points’ – i.e. what makes YOU the ideal candidate

• Find out who will be interviewing you : which legal department do they belong to/what is their specialism

• Prepare some questions to ask at the interview

Types of Questions:Types of Questions:• Biographical : Tell me about your education/ career/

experience to date• Motivation/Commitment : Why are you interested in___ area

of law ? Why have you applied to us ? Why the career change ?

• Competence : What are the key skills for a high street lawyer ? What are your strengths ? What can you bring to this job ?

• Scenario : What would you do if…?• Opinion : What do you think about…?

Types of Questions:Types of Questions:• Legal Developments/Current Issues : e.g. the impact

of Human Rights legislation• Business Awareness : What experience do you have of

the business world ?• Off The Wall : Who would you like to be stuck in a lift

with and why?• Ethical : Should the NHS be sued if the result is less

money available for healthcare ?

Beware of trick/what if/difficult questions!

Handling QuestionsHandling Questions :• Allow yourself thinking time : Not too long or employer

may conclude you cant think on your feet• Seek clarification : “Would you like me to continue?”,

“Would you mind repeating the question?”, “Can you re-phrase that ?”

• Answers to open ended questions should avoid rambling/ going off at a tangent

• Think of body language – open/confident; eye contact; expansive gestures;

• Smile!

Skills Employers Look For :Skills Employers Look For :

• Communication skills• Honesty / integrity• Teamwork• Interpersonal Skills• Organised approach• Commercial awareness • Motivation / initiative

• Strong work ethic• Analytical skills• Flexibility / adaptability• Computer skills• Drive and ambition

Questions That Test These Skills:Questions That Test These Skills:

• Commitment : Tell me about a time when you have perhaps doubted your decision to study law

• Team work : Have you been involved in a project where a colleague was not pulling their weight ? What did you do about it ?

• Organised approach : Tell us about a deadline you have had to meet which you found challenging/ what did you do ? How did you resolve any problems ?

Skills Based Questions contSkills Based Questions cont :• Initiative : Tell me about a recent situation where you

have been really thrown in at the deep end ?• Drive and ambition : Can you give me an example of an

occasion or task when you felt you had stretched yourself ? How did you react ? What was the outcome ?

• Commercial Awareness : Can you identify any new legal services, products, or growth areas which our clients may be interested in over the next year or two ?

Your Questions :Your Questions :• The Organisation : strategic goals; challenges they are

facing; which markets/clients are most important to them and why

• Training : Explore training/development opportunities, e.g. non-legal training, secondments, mentor

• Working Conditions : line management, assessment of performance; prospects for becoming a partner & timeframe

Avoid questions on salary, holidays, bonuses until you have been offered the job. Avoid questions that could be seen as a criticism.

Common Mistakes :Common Mistakes :• Poor/lack of preparation• Lack of knowledge about job/ employer/ current legal

issues• Negative about self or previous employer• Using “We” instead of “I”• Not giving examples to back up statements• Not relating answers back to the job• Lack of motivation and enthusiasm

Post Interview :Post Interview :

• Reflect on performance : were you positive; were your answers full enough

• Note down questions asked for future reference• Request feedback on your performance from employer• If unsuccessful, learn from your mistakes• Discuss with Careers Adviser• Stay positive!