Interview tips

Whether you are attending an interview for a vacation scheme or a training contract, you will need to ensure that you are fully prepared in order to impress potential employers with your talents and experience.

You will be observed and assessed on a number of different attributes so be aware that the interviewer will be noting your behaviour, ability to answer questions, the way in which you answer a question and your body language.

• Prepare- Failing to prepare is preparing to fail. Make sure you do your research on the firm you are being interviewed by i.e. be able to name some of their recent clients, elements of their training you find attractive etc. Don't regurgitate the firm's website  
• Practise answering 'potential' questions in advance - make sure you can substantiate/support everything you say during the interview.
• Get reading - be ready to discuss commercial/business issues that you have been following, along with current affairs
• Know why you want to become a solicitor - have a clear idea of why you want to become a solicitor
• Have some questions to ask the interviewer - compile some relevant questions you can ask at the end of the interview as 99% of the time you will be asked if you have any questions
• Know your strengths and weaknesses - spend time identifying your unique selling points and ensure you can explain any weaknesses on your CV.
• Arrive early - plan your journey in advance and give yourself plenty of time to get there. Arrive at least ten minutes early.
• Dress appropriately - be smart and professional. You never get a second chance to make a first impression
• Don't panic - there is no harm in asking questions about the format of the interview or the preferred method in which the answers should be presented
• Be confident - maintain eye contact with your interviewers.  Don't forget to smile!
• Listen carefully - avoid asking for the questions to be repeated