Preparation before the interview

• Make sure you know the dress code of the organisation; if it is not clear from the invitation to interview correspondence, ring and ask.
• Make sure you know your journey - how long will it take? Check whether there are any expected delays if travelling by public transport or road works if travelling by car. It is never impressive to be late.
• Thoroughly review your application/CV. Be comfortable with what you have written and be prepared to answer questions about it.
• Think about the types of questions you may be asked - if you were interviewing, what would you want to know? Make sure that, whatever you decide to talk about in the interview, you know well and can talk clearly and intelligently about it.
• Research the firm and think about why you are particularly interested in joining it. Find out what major deals/matters the firm has been involved in, look at the website, etc.
• Be prepared to talk about why you are particularly interested in a career in the law. How have you come to make the decision?
• Gain as much exposure as you can to the people who work in the firm. You can do this by attending drinks receptions, presentations, workshops or any other events that organisations run either at your university or in their offices. Your careers service may even be able to put you in touch with relevant alumni.
• Attend mock interview sessions run either by potential employers or your careers service.
• Try to settle your nerves before the interview/assessment day.
• Interviews are a two-way process; you are there to find out about the employer as well. Therefore, think about what you would like to find out about the firm / organisation - most interviewers give you a chance to ask questions (generally at the end of the interview).

During the interview

• When you meet the interviewer(s), shake hands firmly and maintain eye contact. Remember their names.
• Speak clearly and concisely.
• Try not to fidget.
• Think about the way you are sitting, try not to cross your arms as this looks defensive and not relaxed/confident. At the same time, try not to slouch, or look too laid back.
• Take your time to answer questions. If you are unsure as to what the interviewer is asking of you, ask for clarification.
• If you do not know the answer to a question, be honest and say so. Tell the interviewer how you would go about finding the answer, if appropriate.
• When asked to provide examples to demonstrate your capabilities, use the best examples you have, but do not use the same example for every question. Some thought should have been given to what examples you might use prior to the interview.
• Use a balance of academic, work experience and extra-curricular activities in your examples.
• Make sure you listen to and answer the question - try not to go off on a tangent.
• Always ask the interviewer(s) questions.
• Portray yourself honestly, but in the best light possible.

After the interview

• Review how you got on. Think about what you did well and what could be improved.
• Reflect on the questions the interviewer(s) asked and the examples you used in response.
• Think about what you liked and disliked about the organisation you visited.
• Make learning notes for your next interview.