- Keep in mind that first impressions are lasting ones so you want to go in with good introductions and dress for success. You want to be sure that you show up a little early so you can relax and get prepared. You want to be sure that when you walk in you look professional and that you know what you are doing. Think about the type of person you would want to hire. How would he or she dress? What would impress you? Do not go into an interview with your cell phone turned on and certainly do not sit and text on your phone while you are waiting to be called in for the meeting.
- Watch out for the first few questions of the interview as these are designed to catch you off guard as well as to put you at ease. This is a way for the potential employer to see how you really act so you need to be on your toes and maintain that professional persona about you.
- Know why you want this job, in this particular profession. You want to know all you can about the position and let the employer know why you feel you are a good fit for this position. You can really ruin your chances if you go into the interview uneducated about the position. You should know where you want to be in five years, as the employer will want to know where you see yourself in their company down the road. The employer is looking for people that want to be in a long-term position.
- Educate yourself about the company. When the boss asks you why you would be interested in their company, you need to know all about the company. You can impress them if you do your homework where their company is concerned.
- Don’t be afraid to ask questions. One thing that employers hate, especially those in the legal profession, is to have a potential employee that just sits there waiting for them to ask all the questions and make all the moves. Show them that you are a go-getter. Ask what their plans are for their employees and where they want the company to be in 5 years. You might want to know what type of benefits that they have to offer their employees such as medical insurance as well as perks and life insurance. Do they have a retirement plan?
- Learn the lingo. If you are getting into the legal profession then you need to know how to talk the talk and walk the walk. If you do not understand what they are talking about with the legal jargon then you will not fit into the position.
- Be enthusiastic. You do not want to sound like the only reason you are applying to the position is that there are no other jobs out there. You also do not want to appear overly excited, like you are faking the entire interview.
- Be willing to further your knowledge by taking classes to help you get farther ahead in the company. Ask the employer what they offer their employees in the form of education. Many times they will pay for you to take classes. The amount they pay will depend on the grades you get.
Job interviews do not have to be intimidating if you keep in mind that this is just to see if you will be a good person for the position. You must have impressed them to a certain extent or you would not have the interview in the first place. You know they are interested so use the interview as your chance to make them sure they want you.
