Interview Tips -- Basic Approach

This quarter, we’re talking about interviewing skills.  We’ve already discussed the importance of researching the firm or organization, understanding the position, dressing for success and the role of body language.  This week, we’re focusing on a strengths-based interview strategy. 

Many interviews begin with either “Tell me about yourself” or “Walk me through your resume.”  The real question, however, is “How are you valuable to me?” 

To answer this question successfully, you must know what your strengths are and be able to relate those strengths to the job description and the firm or organization’s culture or mission. 

·                     Take inventory of your strengths: Are you an excellent researcher?  Are you passionate about fighting for the disenfranchised?  Can you write or argue your way out of a paper bag?  Are you a tireless worker?  Are you comfortable talking to people who are in distress?  Do you have a strong academic record? 

·                     Remember the job description.  What were the skill or trait words used in the job description?  Is the organization looking for someone who is organized?  An excellent writer?  Someone who thrives in a busy office?  Someone who is passionate about their cause?

·                     Keeping the job description in mind, choose three strengths and say, “My strengths include ____________, ______________, and ______________; which of these would you prefer I talk about first?” 

·                     The interviewer will choose or will let you choose.  Give the best example of when you demonstrated that strength.  Your example should be short and clear – no more than 2 minutes.

·                     Ask: “Is that the kind of information you want?  Would you like another example in this skill area or shall I go on to another?”  By asking this question, you will guide the interview so your greatest strengths are clearly communicated.

The Basic Approach to Interviewing:

·         Listen to the question

·         Think through the answers you could give

·         Answer briefly and to the point

·         Use only positive information

General Tips:

·         Be yourself

·         Speak clearly

·         Seek clarification if you don’t understand the question

·         Don’t be afraid to ask for time to think

·         Keep your answers relevant to the question

·         Ask questions!  Leave the interview knowing about training, job locations, when you should expect to hear the outcome of the interview, etc. 

Next week: Behavior-based questions, the STAR method, and how to answer tricky questions

Interview Tips -- Be Prepared & Dress for Success

This quarter, the Professional Development Tip of the Week will focus on interviewing skills.  The interview skills you develop will benefit you in your career far beyond helping you get a great job. 

If you have been called for an interview – congratulations!  This means that firm or organization thinks you meet their basic qualifications, based on your resume and cover letter.  Now, they are looking for something more.  Are you a good fit for the culture of the firm or organization?  Can they see themselves working with you?  Do you have the intangible skills required for meeting with clients or other attorneys?  Will you bring something new to the work environment, or will you be a drain on the environment?

At a fundamental level, all interviewers are asking the same question: How can you be valuable to me?

To show value, follow these steps for success.  We’ll be reviewing each one over the coming weeks. 

•                    Research the firm or organization

•                    Understand the position

•                    Dress for success

•                    Know your strengths and value

•                    Talk about your strengths

•                    Learn to answer different types of questions

•                    Be prepared to ask good questions

•                    Actions speak louder than words – think about body language

•                    Look for ways to connect with the interviewer

•                    Practice your interviewing skills

•                    Send a thank-you letter

Research the Firm or Organization:

•                    Research will help you show how you match what the organization or firm needs. 

•                    Look for the firm or organization’s mission, core values, management style, culture, growth areas, projects and practice areas. 

•                    You can find this information on firm/organization websites, directories (like Martindale-Hubbell Law Directory or NALP Directory of Legal Employers ), or in queries for newspaper articles or law journals through Lexis or Westlaw. 

•                    Don’t forget to look for network connections that can help get the conversation started

Understand the Position:

•                    Know what the employer is looking for

•                    Print the job description and highlight “skill” words

•                    During the interview, discuss your strengths and experiences that match the job description

•                    Develop questions to ask at the end of the interview based on your research -- it demonstrates your desire to understand the position and the organization or firm

Dress for Success:

•                    For men, wear a dark suit and a collared shirt with a conservative tie.  Be sure to button your shirt all the way up.  For women, a dark skirt or pantsuit is appropriate, with a modest blouse or shell.  Keep jewelry simple. 

•                    Remember: you want the interviewer to remember you and talk about you with their colleagues, not your unusual tie or giant earrings. 

•                    Focus on your grooming.  It may seem obvious, but be sure to shower and use deodorant on the day of the interview.  Avoid excessive perfume or cologne.  Comb your hair.  Women with long hair should consider putting it up or pulling it back into a low ponytail.  When in doubt, err on the conservative side. 

Networking, Part 4

Last week, we talked about expanding your Level 3 connections at CLEs, job fair and other presentations. This week, we’re talking about how to expand your Level 3 contacts at networking or social/informal events.

Before you go, prepare!

- Attend as many receptions and networking events as possible so you can practice working a room before it really counts

- Before attending, get organized and do your research. Try to find out who will be there and then try to find information about other guests you want to meet.

- Prepare an practice a short script so you know how to introduce yourself. It’s good to say your name, school you attend and year, and perhaps your reason for attend the event – all in ten seconds.

- Skim the news before each event so you can talk intelligently about current events.


Food & Drink:

- Always eat before the event – your main goal is to meet people, not to satiate yourself

- Hold your drink in your left hand so you can shake hands with a warm, dry hand

- Keep only a small amount of food on your plate at any one time; stick with small foods that are easy to eat with one hand and take small bites you are readily available to answer questions and make introductions

- Drink alcohol in moderation

- Do not chew gum

- Don’t camp out at the refreshment or beverage table


What to Wear & What to Bring:

- Go for business casual (slack or skirt with blouse, sweater or collared shirt). Ties and sport coats are appropriate too.

- If you’re not sure what to wear, ask a colleague, email the event organizer, or check the event website for attire instructions or photos of previous events. When in doubt, err on the side of conservative and dressy.

- Professional-looking purses and briefcases are appropriate, but keep in mind that you want to keep your hands free so you can shake hands and exchange business cards. Try not to bring your backpack, lunch sack or other unnecessary baggage.

- Where your name tag on your right side so it is easy to read when shaking hands. Be sure to write legibly on your name tag.


Bring:

- Ample supply of business cards and 1-2 business holders (a place for your cards and a place for the cards you receive)

- Breath mints

- One or two nice writing pens

- Napkin or handkerchief

- Knowledge of the event you’re attending and, if possible, knowledge of other guests

- Knowledge of current events

- Positive attitude

Networking, Part 3

Last week, we talked about how to spread the word that you're looking for a job among your Level 1 Contacts and how to maintain your network.  This week, we're talking about how to expand your Level 3 Contacts (people you don't know, but are somehow connected to already) and turn them into Level 1 Contacts.

One of the best ways to expand your Level 3 Contacts is to join professional organizations and committees.  Organizations, committees, clubs, WSBA small sections, WSBA committees, local and minority bar associations, and other groups provide a wonderful opportunity for you to meet other professionals in your field who might have job openings, know of job openings or referrals, or provide support for your job search process.
- When you join an organization, look for contacts in their member directory.  Attorneys who hold executive offices within an organization are a great place to start -- they are expecting people like you to contact them!
- Attend meetings and presentations.  After a presentation, you could approach the speaker and introduce yourself and ask if you could meet them sometime to ask a few questions about their line of work or the topic of their presentation.  You can also network with other attendees by making small talk about what they found helpful in the presentation, where they work, etc.  Be sure to get business cards from the people you meet.
- Attend organizational social hours, happy hours and other "informal" events
- After meeting someone new, be sure to follow-up with a thank you email or quick phone call within a week!

Another great place to expand your Level 3 Contacts is at career fairs and receptions, like the Public Interest Law Fair or Diversity Fellowship Receptions.  The CPLD and CPS regularly invite alumni and employer representatives to talk to students about careers. These events provide an easy, safe way for students to develop relationships with contacts who are specifically interested in helping students explore careers or find jobs.  Even if you don't think that you would be interested in the organizations at these events, attending the event is worthwhile because the attorneys who are there will have friends who work in other practice areas and for other firms or organizations. 

Networking, Part 2

Last week, we talked about taking inventory of the people you know -- your Level 1 Contacts (people you already know), Level 2 Contacts (the people your Level 1 Contacts already know), and Level 3 Contacts (people you don't know, but are somehow connected to -- like alumni).  It may seem basic, but the next step toward networking your way to a new job is to spread the word among your Level 1 Contacts that you are looking for a new opportunity!

- Tell your Level 1 Contacts what skills you have and how you are hoping to use them in a job setting
- Say something like, "As you know, I've been in law school.  I will be graduating in 2011/12/13.  I am looking for a full-time job I can start after graduation (or a position this summer).  I would like to utilize my skills in legal research, persuasive writing and trial advocacy in a litigation setting.  I am open to various employers and job titles.  Please keep your eyes and ears open for opportunities that might match my skill set.  I would also appreciate referrals to others who might have information about interesting job possibilities.  Thank you for your time and support."
- Holiday cards are a good way to touch base with loved ones.  Birthday cards or phone calls can also be an effective method of keeping in touch -- and most people will tell you their birth date (minus the year) if asked.

Maintaining Your Netowrk

Maintaining your network is critical to success, but doesn't need to consume all of your time.
- Stay organized -- keep track of who you're contacting, when, how you found them, what you discussed and your next steps.  You can use this Legal Employer Tracking Template.  Create a plan for keeping in touch over time.
- Be gracious, flexible, considerate and appreciative of your contacts
- Express interest in others -- most people love to talk about themselves and their work, so expressing interest is a great way to build a connection
- Diversify your networking strategies -- use more than one pathway to meet people and stay connected
- Stay positive
- Don't ask directly for a job (this puts others in an awkward, uncomfortable position).  Instead, ask for advice, contacts and suggestions for your job search.

The Great America Workaround: 8 Ways to Tackle Obstacles at Work

Professional development is an ongoing process. This article highlights things one can do to develop as a professional. Taking initiative rather than waiting to be instructed to do things, being a problem-solver, focusing on high impact things, and just getting things done are important. We should also consider all of these things in the context of team playing and collaboration with others. Vault is an online resource for law students and can be accessed through the Foster Library at:
http://lib.washington.edu/business/guides/careers.html

Networking, Part 1

We've all heard that networking is the key to getting a great job in a tight economy, but how does one network without turning into the business card wielding schmoozer that everyone dislikes?  The first step is to remember that networking is simply making a new friend (usually in a specific field or organization). 

Getting started:
- Keep an open mind about who might be helpful -- it truly is a small world and all of us are connected with fewer degrees of separation than you might expect
- Clarify your goals -- know what you really want to get from networking opportunities: knowledge of employment sectors, career fields, employers, departments, job titles, etc
- Know your strengths -- talking about strengths allows contacts to get to know you quickly and opens you up to careers and job titles you've never even heard of
- Identify potential contacts (see below) and a strategy for networking with them
- Develop a short personal script with 1) your name, 2) your organization, interests and/or skills, and 3) what you want from the other person.  Adapt your script based on context, goal, context, etc.

For example, "My name is XX and I am working on my JD degree at the UW Law School.  I am passionate about business and tax law.  I particularly enjoy working with small businesses and entrepreneurs.  I'm wondering if you can give me some ideas about what organizations, departments or job titles might make good use of my skills."

Identify Potential Networking Targets

Make a list of people, job titles, and/or organizations who you want to meet, and make a list of the people you already know.  Once you have taken inventory of your contacts, you'll be able to create a plan for meeting new people.

Level 1 Contacts are people you already know personally (such as friends, family, teammates, neighbors, church members, book club members, etc) and professionally (like current or former classmates, teachers, bosses, coworkers, doctors, dentists, hairstylists, etc).

Level 2 Contacts are people you know through your Level 1 contacts -- friends of your friends.  Ask your Level 1 Contacts if they can refer you to others who might have helpful information, or reach out to alumni or faculty for referrals.

Level 3 Contacts are people who you do not know, but with whom you are connected in some way -- graduated from the same college, members of the same organization, etc.  Great ways to quickly expand your Level 3 Contacts include joining specialty groups on LinkedIn, inlcuding the UW Law School Alumni group (even if you're still a student), and joining WSBA practice area small sections and attending CLEs in those practice areas.  If you attend an event, set a goal of meeting 1-3 attorneys at each event.