Interviews and interview tips
First interview
This is with a member of our Recruitment team. It is competency based, focused on the skills and abilities questioned on the application form. This process enables us to assess your abilities at first hand and to expand on the written answers given. The more specific and focused you are, the better you are likely to perform.
Critical thinking exercise
A critical thinking exercise is used to assess your analytical skills further by asking you to make judgments or statements derived from passages of information. The exercise will take place when you attend the first interview.
(If you are applying for our summer scheme you will be required to complete a first interview and critical thinking exercise.)
Final interview and case study exercise (for training contract applications)
A positive first interview and test result will lead to a final interview and case-study exercise with two partners. The case-study exercise is designed to assess your ability to analyse information, reach conclusions, generate and present ideas. You will be asked to analyse information in a non-legal context and prepare a presentation to the partners. This will be followed by a competency-based interview.
If successful at this stage, an offer of a training contract will be made.
Preparation
- Assess your strongest and weakest points
- Think about your own experiences - academic, social and work related
- Have examples ready
- Find positives from your weaknesses
- Think about what questions you want to ask
- Carry out research on the firm, the role and the legal marketplace
- Make sure you know where you are going and who will be interviewing you
- Think positively
Body Language
- First impressions matter
- Be confident
- Smile
- Don’t slouch - adopt a smart posture
- Shake hands firmly
- Dress smartly, professionally and comfortably
Focus
- Listen to the question
- Be informative in your response
- Try to expand where you need to