Interviewing & Networking Workshop Bernard Koteen Office of Public Interest Advising (OPIA)

What Interviewer is Looking for Kind of person Fit with office culture –Be nice to everyone Commitment to public interest law--specifically his or her area –Why you want this job - crisp answer Any relevant experience, skills not already obvious Communication skills Integrity

Do Your Homework First Summer evaluations Talk to other students –“Who Worked Where” – 2L/3L contact list Alumni OPIA employer files Websites

Do Your Homework First, II Read Interviewing Chapter in Job Search Guide Do mock interviews –With OPIA staff –Mock Interview Program: Dec. 4th, 2-7PM (By sign-up) Think about points and skills you want to convey

When Vacations Telephone interviews – OPIA Student Phone & Fax Room (Lewis 137, Must book in advance and get key) Be on time!

What to Bring/Wear Resumes References Writing Sample Business clothes –Need to be professional –But doesn’t have to be a “uniform”

Personal Attributes Self-confidence, but be humble Enthusiasm Body language

At Interview Itself Establish rapport Focus on specific concerns Anticipate weak spots

Don’t Be… Apologetic Defensive Insecure Negative Too talkative

Do Convey… Commitment to public service Relevant experience Stories Important points –But avoid sounding scripted Be sure to ask questions at the end

Possible Challenges Employer doing all the talking Open-ended personal questions Hostile interviews Numerous interviewers Character or ethical questions –Hypothetical's may come up

Ask Questions, but Defer… Possibility of splitting summers Salary Vacation

What to Find Out Supervision Type of work Hiring timeline Interviewer’s name Names of prior summer interns

Thank You Notes Write them after interview –A note is better than Include a few personal details Enclose requested materials

Networking: A Critical Skill Learn about particular fields Get on the radar screen Tap into the hidden job market Expand list of professional contacts

Nuts and Bolts of Networking Own networks Fellow students - check “Who Worked Where,” 2L/3L contact list, and student group connections Alumni mentors Faculty Panelists at HLS events Wasserstein Fellows “Cold Contacts”

Organizational Networks Lawyer referral committees Bar associations Other professional organizations Local legal newspapers Law Journals and other professional publications Conferences

Informational Interviews Setting up the appointment Most people love to talk Purpose is information, advice, and referrals No transparent job hunting intentions Suggestions on resume / other contacts Thank you notes Maintain contact when possible

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