10 Tips for Making an Outstanding First Impression at Your Legal Interview

10 Tips for Making an Outstanding First Impression at Your Legal Interview

We are all anxious at an interview, whether it's starting a new job, or closing a big business transaction. The pressure of a legal interview might be intense, you usually have just a couple of moments to make a strong first impression and many variables to consider.

It's normal to feel intimidated by the possibility of an interview, but there are a few things you can do to help you make a good first impression!

Whatever level of your legal career you are in, you will find yourself in an interview scenario eventually, whether for a contract or a traineeship. Regardless of whether you’re getting ready for an in-person interview or a video interview, here are some steps that follow into account.

Prior to the interview:

1.Research and study the firm

Although this may appear to be an unsurprising one, it is unquestionably one of the most crucial. You want to be able to match your skills and experience to the organisation and its ideals, so research what the company is looking for on their channels such as social media.

Be mindful that everyone will have access to basic information on the web, so any further research you can conduct will make you a stronger applicant. This might involve communicating with employees at legal firms or contacting anybody you know who has worked or was a trainee there.

2.Have your own set of questions ready

 An interview is a chance for the business to ask you questions about your experience, your personal life, or your level of expertise. However, an interview is the finest time for you to interrogate your interviewers and ask your own queries. This is your time to learn more about working with the company and to highlight your commitment.

It is essential that your questions have a real and sincere tone. Don't ask a question that you might simply answer by visiting their web pages. Asking educated questions will impress people, but you should also ask things that are personally relevant to you.

3.Determine your skills

While you cannot anticipate which questions will be asked of you, you will typically have enough information to determine the skills being examined.

If you've been given a job description, it will most likely be in the form of a list of desired and necessary competencies. The majority of the interview will almost certainly be spent assessing these abilities.

Even if you don't have a document, the job description or some research into comparable positions can give you a fair indication of the skills your employer is likely to be searching for.

Getting ready for the interview

4. Dress for success

The attire you choose may have a huge impact. It could make you feel more confident to dress formally on your interview. It's crucial to appear like the professional you're attempting to portray. You should opt for more formal corporate attires rather than smart casual.

Choose simple, sober-coloured clothing that would be both comfortable and easy to move in. Feeling confident and seeming professional are your main priorities when choosing your interview attire. Consider a different choice if an outfit makes you feel uneasy.

5. Don’t be late

Many people despise being late. Plan your route. Consider your destination, journey times, and transportation alternatives. Try to arrive with plenty of time in case anything unplanned happens, you could use the spare time to relax and lessen anxiety as well.

6. Use appropriate body language and gestures.

It is equally important to analyse how you act and react. Maintain good eye contact, smile, and greet everyone in the room. Smiling puts people at ease and gives a friendly impression of oneself, whereas handshaking firmly shows respect. Maintaining eye contact displays you as a positive and friendly person, but avoiding eye contact might be perceived as 'shifty' or nasty - not ideal for an interview.

7. Communicate clearly

In interviews and meetings, make sure you don't stutter and that you can be properly understood. This will help the conversation go more smoothly and effectively. It also helps you to establish a rapport through small conversation.

8. Be prepared for "out-of-the-box" topics

These are intended to measure your ability to think critically, analyse situations under pressure, and remain calm. There are no definite correct or incorrect answers. Interviewers are more concerned with how you approach the assignment than with your eventual answer.

9.Consider your strategy

Have you ever thought that first impressions might begin even before you meet the person conducting the interview or session with you?

Inquire about the next steps. Some individuals believe that asking an interviewer for a timeframe is impolite. In fact, it's a good thing since it demonstrates your dedication to the offer. It's also appropriate to thank your legal recruiter or interviewer for the meeting and raise any unanswered queries.

Remember that the interview is a two-way conversation: the role must be a good fit for you. Don't let yourself be concerned; you have control over the information you provide to the interviewer, so ease yourself of the tension and master that legal job interview.

10. Be interested

You should act in your interview as if you truly desire the job, even if you are unsure whether the role is a suitable fit for your skills. Your listener will notice whether you are interested.

Leave no doubt in the interviewer's opinion that you are enthusiastic about their company. Be excited about the possibility of working there, but not excessively so. They want to hire someone who is truly eager to work for them and succeed. Don't be scared to show them how great you are.

For support or career advice, check out our resources:

• view the latest vacancies at Gazette Jobs, where you can sign up for job alerts and upload your CV

• read our comprehensive career development advice

• visit our careers YouTube channel to find videos which cover common career queries.