Fall Recruiting Interview Workshop University of Minnesota Law School Career Center

The Screening Interview: To Assess 3 Things ■ Skills/abilities/potential ■ Fit – communication/interpersonal skills –Do we like you? –Everyone is a potential client. Law is a service business. –Sincerity in interest ■ Enthusiasm –Be engaged –What do you know about us? –Do you want to work here? Why?

Rule #1: Be Prepared ■ Research ■ Get an “agenda” if possible ■ Dress for success ■ Rehearse (Mock Interviews) ■ Pack Your Bag ■ The 3 lists you should make: ■ Three reasons to hire me ■ Three reasons you want to work there ■ Your three questions to them

Rule #2: Anticipate the Questions ■ Don’t forget to talk about what is on your resume ■ Law school – grades, classes, experiences ■ Skills and abilities – strengths, unique points ■ Experience/Accomplishments ■ Why them? Why you? ■ Future Goals ■ Hypotheticals / Behavioral-Based Questions – STAR Method ■ Anecdotes!

Rule #3: Ask Questions ■ Show that you have done your homework – don’t ask questions that you should know the answer to (NALP form / website data) ■ Questions with “an eye toward the future” ■ Preface question with knowledge statement ■ Bring interviewer(s) into your questions ■ The questions that matter to YOU! ■ Pitfalls: salary, minimum billables

Rule #4: Be Cool (& Calm) ■ Breathe ■ Stop while you’re ahead ■ TMI (about you or the interviewer) ■ Don’t beat yourself up ■ Don’t make excuses ■ Use your sense of humor ■ Be honest

Rule #5: Be “Nice” ■ Remember: Most of the interview is about “fit” ■ Everyone you meet is an interviewer ■ Everyone may be from another generation ■ Don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through ■ Body language

Rule #6: It’s Not Over When you Walk Out the Door ■ Thank you letters – send the same day! ■ Know what’s next and how best to communicate/follow- up ( vs. phone)

What Employers Want ■ Understanding of client service – who the employer represents ■ Distinguish from other employers interviewing with ■ Connect with the firm – previous events, networking, etc. ■ Focus on long term goals – not simply summer ■ Personable and engaged and genuine ■ Possess general professional etiquette – in person, social media, , etc.

Biggest Mistakes ■ Acting Bored or Cocky – No entitlement ■ Not Dressing Appropriately ■ Interviewing with No Knowledge of the Employer ■ Keeping Your Cell Phone On ■ Not Asking Good Questions During the Interview ■ Asking About Pay Before You Have the Job ■ Spamming Employers with the Same Resume and/or Cover Letter ■ Failure to Remove Unprofessional Photos/Content on Social Networking Pages, Blogs, etc.

Practice Questions ■ Tell me a little about yourself. ■ Why did you pick Minnesota? ■ Why should I hire you? ■ Tell me about your Contracts grade. ■ Why did you decide to go to law school? ■ Why do you want to work here? ■ What is Moot Court? ■ Where do you see yourself in 5 years? ■ Why aren't you on Law Review? ■ Tell me about a time when you had to exercise leadership over people who were not inclined to be led by you.

Ethics in Accepting Job Offers ■ For questions on how to handle job offers, we encourage you make an appointment to speak with your career counselor ■ Please remember, acceptance of an offer represents a commitment to the employer, and receiving a better offer is not an ethically acceptable reason to renege on your acceptance ■ Your repudiation of an offer that you have previously accepted could cost your fellow students important job opportunities

NALP Principles and Standards for Law Placement and Recruitment Activities Review: KEY POINTS: ■A student can hold open a maximum of five offers at one time. ■An offer will remain open for 28 days (starting the day following the date of the offer letter). ■Students must "re-affirm" their interest in the offer 14 days into the 28 day offer window if written in offer. ■Students may request an extension of the offer with the employer if needed. ■Offers made before the start of the student's law school's fall interview program will not expire until at least 28 days from the first day of the interview program (September 14 for U of MN Law students).

Questions? Career Center