This is the second part of a special three part series of columns that covers the essentials of interviewing, UFC- style. From corporate image to hard core interview skills, Sandra dispenses with the trite and true and goes straight to the critical stuff nobody ever talks about… like what to do if you’re late, how much sucking up is too much, what to do with your hands, what to include in your script, how to sell yourself and how to recover if you throw up on your interviewer.
Part Two: Take no prisoners
You bought the suit and the shoes, got the haircut, practiced your smile and making eye contact with other humans. Now comes the hard part. What do you do when you get to the interview?
While it is true that junior associate or summer interviews tend to be more conversational than substantive, you must be prepared to speak coherently about yourself. It always amazes me that candidates are often unable to answer the simplest questions about themselves or their resume. Whether you call it a script, outline or interview notes, you need to know your resume and prepare.
Here’s the Sandra 3-Step Method:
Step 1: Write down 10 accomplishments or major wins achieved for each resume item, work experience or extra-curriculars. You should have a paragraph for each win explaining what you did, how you added value and why you’re hot stuff.
Step 2: Make a list of 20 likely interview questions (i.e. tell us about yourself, why do you want to work here, what are your strengths/weaknesses). Find these questions on the Internet, at your Faculty placement office or in interview books. Answer each question using an accomplishment from your list. Every answer must be supported by an accomplishment. That’s your script and security blanket. Learn it backwards and upside down. You need not regurgitate it word-for-word but absorb it and it will make you look good.
Step 3: Come up with 2 generic questions for any interview and 2 specific ones for your interviewers using information from the firm website. Questions demonstrate interest.
Here are a few more interview survival tips:
- Most interviewers are not prepared. Some are nervous. This makes the Method very powerful. Take control of the interview by plugging your accomplishments and asking questions.
- It doesn’t matter if you’ve said the same thing five times as long as it’s not to the same person.
- Stay in your comfort zone; don’t risk embarrassment by opining on the latest securitization transaction.
- In case anyone asks, your biggest weakness is in fact a thinly disguised quality. For example, “my biggest weakness is that I am relentless when I want to find an answer. When I did the IP moot [insert accomplishment]…” Get the picture?
- Don’t disparage other firms or previous employers. It looks desperate.
- The receptionist is part of the interview process. Be nice.
- Be aggressively nice with the sadistic interviewer. You crack, you lose.
- No amount of sucking up is good. Flatter artfully by showing genuine interest: ask questions.
- If you can pull it off, prepare a funny or witty anecdote relating to an accomplishment that you can share over dinner or cocktails.
- Yes, do a follow-up “thank you” e-mail. Showing interest is always welcome but make sure you get the firm name right!
- Picture the interview war-room with your name up on the board. You are being evaluated every step of the way. Focus and sell yourself.
Most candidates (and interviewers) do not prepare for interviews; preparation gives you an edge. Whether you use the Sandra Method or not, be ready to speak intelligently about yourself. Good luck!
Sandra Rosier is a former Supreme Court of Canada clerk who has worked at large firms in Toronto and Boston. Having come to her senses, Sandra currently works as a tax advisor at a Toronto-based organization. Her etiquette column for lawyers appears every other Monday at lawandstyle.ca. Got a question for Sandra? Email us.