UDSL Job Search Manual - University of Dayton

More documents

Recommendations

Info

Tips for Successful Interviews First Impressions The old adage, “You only get one chance to make a first impression” certainly holds true when it comes to interviews. If you are dressed inappropriately, appear unprofessional, or have a limp handshake, you are unlikely to overcome the initial negative impression you have created in the mind of the interviewer. On the other hand, if you dress like a conservative professional, exude an air of confidence, and deliver a firm handshake with appropriate eye contact, you have passed your first test. Attire The goal is to fit in and let your personality shine through. Be remembered for your personality, not your clothes. It is important to be both comfortable and fashionable. Women should wear a conservative dark-colored suit, preferably one with a skirt below the knee in length. Shirt and shoes must very conservative and jewelry and makeup should be at a minimum. It is suggested that you do not wear any perfume or scented lotions as many people are allergic to scents. Men need to wear a suit, preferably navy, black or dark gray. A professionally cleaned and pressed white cotton shirt is best with a conservative tie, polished shoes, and a matching belt. Jewelry must be at a minimum. One simple ring and a watch is plenty. Definitely do not wear earrings, necklaces, or powerful cologne. Handshake & Eye Contact A firm, confident handshake is the goal. A “limp fish” turns off most people. On the other hand, a knuckle-breaking shake is no good either. Throughout the interview, be sure to maintain adequate eye contact with the interviewer without staring. Confidence It is important to show the interviewer you are confident in your abilities, but not arrogant. Don’t be afraid to sell the skills and attributes you bring to the table. An interview may be your only chance to make your case as the best person for the job. Preparation Know the Firm In order to properly prepare for an interview, gather information about the employer such as number of partners and associates, office locations, practice areas, recent cases, attorney biographies, and representative clients. Most of this information can be found on the firm’s website. This will enable you to speak intelligently about the employer’s practice during the interview and formulate appropriate questions. This public information can be gathered through a number of sources such as www.lexisnexis.com/lawschools, www.westlaw. com, NALP forms, www.martindale.com, and other literature about the employer. More information about an employer can be collected from internal sources such as UDSL alumni or classmates who currently work there or have in the past. These sources can shed light on things such as work environment, values, what the employer looks for in associates, prospects for the future, and billable hours. Professors, local attorneys, and the CSO director may be able to provide additional information. Legal publications which survey new associates can also provide valuable inside information such as: American Lawyer, National Law Journal, and Insider’s Guide to Law Firms. 31
Know Yourself Proper preparation for an interview includes a lengthy self-assessment. You must be prepared to speak intelligently about what qualifies you for the position you are seeking. We recommend you follow this 7-step program: 1. Make a List of Your Accomplishments (personal and professional). 2. Note Job-related strengths (transferable skills) that each accomplishment proves. Example: Your Accomplishments: ◗ Received CALI Award for Evidence ◗ Won Walter Rice Moot Court Competition ◗ Financed 100% of college expenses through part-time work (up to 30 hours week) ◗ Started lawn service business that grew from $20,000 to $50,000 in annual sales over just two years Transferable Skills: ◗ Well-versed in evidentiary issues ◗ Effective oral and written communication skills ◗ Organize time well; strong work ethic ◗ Proven self-starter 3. Prioritize Your Strengths (similar to how you organized your cover letter). Prioritize those transferable skills that would be most desirable to the interviewer. For instance, let’s say you are interviewing with a litigation firm. Your list of prioritized strengths might begin like this: ◗ Effective communicator-proven through Moot Court success ◗ Know evidentiary issues-proven by receiving highest grade in the class ◗ Excellent time management skills-proven through the ability to work up to 30 hours per week while attending college full-time and graduate cum laude 4. Be ready to subtly sell these points during the interview. 5. Know your resume, cover letter and writing sample. Bring copies in a leather portfolio. 6. Remember to be familiar with current events-an important part of many interviews is “small talk” to create rapport. To adequately prepare, be sure to read about local and national events in the newspaper and watch the news on the day of the interview. Avoid discussing controversial subjects such as politics and religion. 7. Be aware of body language. While a candidate is interviewing for a job, the interviewer is evaluating both the words uttered and the body language exhibited. Entire books have been written on the messages we communicate through body language, but a few tips should help you avoid sending the wrong message. ◗ Sit up straight ◗ Don’t cross arms ◗ Don’t fidget ◗ Never look at your watch ◗ Maintain eye contact without staring Often we are not even aware of the mixed signals we send with our non-verbal communication. Be sure to ask a friend or relative whether you display any nervous or annoying habits. Do you unwittingly wink at the person you are talking to? Do you look around the room while speaking? Do you tap your fingers when you are nervous? Do you slouch down in your chair? Do you have a nervous laugh? It is best to be aware of your habits so you can control them during an interview. 32
Page 2 and 3: UDSL Job Search Manual Table of Con
Page 4 and 5: Staff Tim Swensen Assistant Dean, D
Page 6 and 7: Internships, Fellowships and Writin
Page 8 and 9: Career Planning Guide To be effecti
Page 10 and 11: ___ Law professors ___ Undergrad sc
Page 12 and 13: How to WOW Prospective Employers In
Page 14 and 15: exceptional work ethic, ability to
Page 16 and 17: Arthur B. Radley aradley@hotmail.co
Page 18 and 19: Thomas J. Robinson 423 Cheyenne Dri
Page 20 and 21: Cover Letter Writing 19
Page 22 and 23: e at least one inch all around the
Page 24 and 25: A targeted mailing to a large numbe
Page 26 and 27: UNSOLICITED APPLICATION LETTER 35 S
Page 28 and 29: UNSOLICITED Maude E. Atkinson 5435
Page 30 and 31: THANK YOU LETTER 107 Westminster Ro
Page 34 and 35: The Interview General Reminders An
Page 36 and 37: Networking Tips 35
Page 38 and 39: Bar Exam Information 37
Page 40 and 41: The Ohio Bar Examination The State
Page 42 and 43: Due Dates: February 2006 Ohio Bar E
Page 44 and 45: State Contact Information Date/Loca
Page 46 and 47: Judicial Clerkships Benefits of a J
Page 48 and 49: Careers in Federal Government Worki
Page 50 and 51: LawMatch Reference Guide 49
Page 52 and 53: NALP Guidelines 51
Page 54 and 55: Summer Employment Provisions for Fi

UDSL Job Search Manual - University of Dayton

Create successful ePaper yourself

Delete template?

Save as template?