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Interviewing & Networking Workshop Bernard Koteen Office of Public Interest Advising (OPIA)
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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
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Do Your Homework First Summer evaluations Talk to other students –“Who Worked Where” – 2L/3L contact list Alumni OPIA employer files Websites
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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
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When Vacations Telephone interviews – OPIA Student Phone & Fax Room (Lewis 137, Must book in advance and get key) Be on time!
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What to Bring/Wear Resumes References Writing Sample Business clothes –Need to be professional –But doesn’t have to be a “uniform”
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Personal Attributes Self-confidence, but be humble Enthusiasm Body language
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At Interview Itself Establish rapport Focus on specific concerns Anticipate weak spots
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Don’t Be… Apologetic Defensive Insecure Negative Too talkative
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Do Convey… Commitment to public service Relevant experience Stories Important points –But avoid sounding scripted Be sure to ask questions at the end
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Possible Challenges Employer doing all the talking Open-ended personal questions Hostile interviews Numerous interviewers Character or ethical questions –Hypothetical's may come up
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Ask Questions, but Defer… Possibility of splitting summers Salary Vacation
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What to Find Out Supervision Type of work Hiring timeline Interviewer’s name Names of prior summer interns
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Thank You Notes Write them after interview –A note is better than email Include a few personal details Enclose requested materials
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Networking: A Critical Skill Learn about particular fields Get on the radar screen Tap into the hidden job market Expand list of professional contacts
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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”
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Organizational Networks Lawyer referral committees Bar associations Other professional organizations Local legal newspapers Law Journals and other professional publications Conferences
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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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