Santa Clara University School of Law Pre-Screen Interview Information Session Presented by: SCU Law Career Services

What is a Pre-Screen Interview? A pre-screen interview generally refers to a very brief interview lasting approximately 20-30 minutes in length. The purpose of a pre-screen interview is to provide an introduction and to determine if you are a candidate that will warrant further investigation and questioning. In essence, a pre-screen is very much like a round one date. You meet, you exchange basic information, you try to market yourself in the best and most valuable way possible and each party assesses and processes the information obtained.

Preparing for a Pre-screen DO YOUR RESEARCH! a) Firm website, additional online sources b) Chambers Associates c) Nalpdirectory.com d) SCU Law Jobs e) Other One of the very first questions your interviewer will most likely ask you is, “Tell me, what do you know about our firm? Why are you interested in working [said firm/office]?”

Preparing for a Pre-Screen Know your resume and additional materials inside and out. Start to think about how you would respond to questions like: “Why are you interested in [said practice group(s)]?” “What in your background demonstrates your interests?”—This can be academic, practical, a combination, other…

Preparing for a Pre-Screen Additional questions can be in the form of behavioral or situational based environments: “Can you describe an experience in your practical work where you were faced with a challenge, and what you did to pro-actively come up with a solution?” “What was the end result and what did you learn from that experience?”

Preparing for a Pre-Screen The personal section of your resume counts! Many pre-screen interview conversations tend to focus on abstract and/or legally unrelated topics. This is a tactic by the interviewer to try to relate to you, and to see if you will acclimate to the culture and environment of the firm or office. Popular topics include: Sports Travel Leadership, Greek and extra-curricular activities

The Day of the Pre-Screen Pre-screen interviews are a well-tuned machine. Don’t be late. Arrive 10-15 minutes early for your interview. Sometimes, the interviewer will be ahead of schedule and you don’t want to keep them waiting. Provide LCS with your current cell phone number and update in SCU Law Jobs.

Make It a Conversation The best, most successful interviews are those that have natural fluidity. The art of the conversation. Answer questions with thought and detail. Ask questions throughout the interview that compliment what the interviewer is discussing.

Make It a Conversation Discuss your experience in a way that will focus on the application of (direct use of) your academic and practical work. Discuss your knowledge of research, writing, critical analysis, any practice area or specific exposure (client intake/advising) that you have had exposure to. Discuss how you can compliment their legal team. HOW ARE YOU GOING TO APPLY YOUR SKILLS AT THE FIRM?

The Evaluation Most likely, the interviewer will either have a formal evaluation form, or they will take notes based upon certain criteria. This includes (but is not limited to): Your experience (both academic and practical) Activities (leadership, involvement, diverse interests) Your PRESENTATON (the way you present yourself both verbally and physically) Interest in employer and office/area

Post Interview Thank your interviewer for their time. Get a clear idea of when you might hear back from them. WRITE A THANK YOU NOTE!!! Thank you’s can (and should be) emailed within 24 hours or less after the interview). Personal touch: If you choose to write an additional hand written thank you, make it professional, polite and brief.

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