Use mock interviewers' feedback to prepare for your next interview

Evaluations from recent 1L mock interviews are coming in, and comments from local interviewing attorneys suggest several areas in which most students could do a bit more preparation. With Opportunity Forum, Spring OCI and other interview options on upcoming calendars, you can take advantage of these suggestions. Not surprisingly, these common themes appear in much of the constructive criticism:

• Do your research on the firm and interviewing attorney. "Over-research." "Tailor your responses to the particular employer." This is overwhelmingly the most frequent comment from interviewers.
• Develop talking points about your skills, experiences, and goals prior to the interview. Create your "story" to distinguish yourself from other interviewees and then use this theme to respond to the open-ended questions you will get.
• At the same time, "be careful about sounding over-prepared...." Be aware that you can "maintain your high level of professionalism, express well thought-out goals and still allow the interviewer to get a sense of your personality." "Many people conducting interviews value a good personality as much as legal aptitude."
• "Try to answer questions in a narrative style, as it’s easier to remember a story than it is a general response."
• Don't arrive late. Don't arrive too early. If you have extra time (which you should if you allow for traffic, getting lost, etc.), go to a coffee shop or walk around the block. "Arriving at the office ten minutes prior to your interview time is ideal."
• Send a thank you note. Promptly. Email is usually fine, but more than one interviewer noted appreciating a hand-written note. "I am always surprised at how few interviewees bother to send thank you notes, especially handwritten ones. I think that this extra effort really makes candidates stand out because the simple gestures can make you really stand out as an attorney to potential clients."
• Most interviewees received high marks on professional appearance, but a few could still use some polish. Wear a suit. Comb your hair. "Button that top button."