How to Interview for a Summer Associate Position at a Law Firm

Appearance counts: looking confident, enthusiastic and relaxed sends a good message to an interviewer.

A summer job working as an associate in a law firm can be a great way to beef up a law student's resume and gain good work experience. Getting to that point, though, requires prerequisites, including an interview for the position. Making a good impression with the employer could make or break the chance of getting into the firm. Preparing for the interview and knowing how to perform well in the process will help candidates better their chances of being successful.

Instructions

1. Know as much as possible about the firm. Research information about it prior to the interview using the Internet, publications, pamphlets or through other people who have connections to the firm. This will help with crafting answers that have more substance or can be used to ask targeted questions to the interviewer.

2. Do a self-assessment of skills and abilities. Think about how they would contribute to what the interviewer will be looking for in a candidate. It is likely this will be asked about during the interview. Be honest and show enthusiasm about current skills and abilities.

3. Reflect on questions before giving an answer too quickly. Take a moment to generate the talking points; organize them, and give a clear response. There may be some questions for which the answer does not come out clearly or that cause your thoughts to be scattered. Listen carefully to the question, and try to focus on the main point or what the interviewer wants to know to avoid this.

4. Ask good questions. Doing this will demonstrate interest in the position to the interviewer. It is also a good chance to show research effort and knowledge because learned information can be strategically placed in with a question. There are many basic inquiries that an interviewee can also ask during the interview.

5. Make a good impression. This is not just limited to performing well during the interview. This includes dressing well, appearing confident when giving answers but still keeping a relaxed composure and having additional copies of a resume, transcript and references available if needed.

6. Find out the next step. Do not leave the interview without knowing what to do next. Will there be a follow-up call? When and if should there be an expectation to hear something? Find out whether the interviewer will follow-up or if the interviewee should do that part.

References

• Indiana University: Interviewing Tips