Presenting yourself effectively at interviews

What happens when an employer wants to meet you? You have wowed them with your carefully constructed CV. We’ve told them why we feel you’re right for the job. Now it’s your turn to prove to them why you deserve the post.

Most importantly, be yourself – your best self.

Never pretend to be someone else – be honest about who you are, what you do, what you have achieved, and what else you can bring to the job.

Prepare in advance

Make sure you have directions, a comprehensive job description. And do your research – use online research tools to check out the firm, the interviewers, and the department who are hiring. Review the firms website, but don’t regurgitate it. Read the legal press, for more general background information. And know your own CV inside and out.

Consider what questions you may be asked.

What are your strengths? Your weaknesses?
How would your friends describe you?
What three words would you use to describe yourself?
What do you enjoy about your current role – and why do you want to leave your current employers?
Why are you specifically interested in this particular law firm? This department? This position?
Where do you see yourself in five years time?
Describe your most significant professional achievement?
Describe the most difficult problem you have encountered professionally – and how you resolved it?
Do you like to work as part of a team?
How do you work under pressure?

Your response to a tough question may have negative connotations. Always remember to highlight the positive consequences of your actions.

First impressions are paramount.

Be polite at the security or reception desk as this is often where your demeanour is first judged.

Be punctual and smart.

Most interviewers make an initial decision within the first 5 minutes, so be there on time. Ensure you are smartly presented, in a suit, with polished shoes, brushed hair, and have a mint before you go into the interview. If you suffer from nerves, take deep breaths before entering the interview room. And if you suffer from sweaty palms, have a tissue in your pocket.

Be brief and concise.

Don’t go off at a tangent. Answer the questions you are asked. What you say, how much you say, and how you say it is very important, so ensure your responses are well thought out. This said, small talk prior to the interview can be very important to break the ice, so enter into it cordially and politely.

Mind your body language.

Walk tall into the reception. Sit tall in your seat. Smile. Retain eye contact at all stages. At no stage cross your arms, and limit your hand gestures.

Prepare some questions of your own.

Towards the end of an interview, you will almost certainly be asked if you have any questions. It is always useful to have a few intelligent questions to hand – it shows interest in the job, and provides an opportunity to demonstrate that you have thought through this opportunity with care. Do not ask about salary and benefits – this is a matter to be discussed with your agency.

At the end of the interview.

Always ask what the next stage of the process is. Thank the interviewers for their time, smile and shake hands. Once you have left, call your recruitment consultant to discuss how things went.