Why Should We Hire You?

What You Can Expect at Your Next Law Firm Interview

It doesn’t have to be the job interview from hell if you’re prepared. The following are some of the questions an interviewee might reasonably expect during a legal job interview. From each of the six categories here, do your best to develop concise, well-organized responses. And, remember, the one unspoken question is always, ‘Why should we hire you?”

INTEREST LEVEL

> Why are you interested in working here?

JUDGEMENT/PROBLEM-SOLVING

> Assume you’re a new associate here, how would you handle a situation in which the partner is unavailable, and the client needs an immediate answer to a question?

> Assume you’re by asked by two partners to complete two different assignments, but you have only time enough to complete one. What would you do?

> Tell me about your last big mistake. How did you handle it?

LEADERSHIP

> What attributes do you have that would install client confidence?

> When you’re in a team/group/committee setting, how often are you chosen to be a leader? Why? Are there times when you choose not to lead? Why?

> Describe a situation in which you acted as a leader that was particularly satisfying to you.

INTERPERSONAL SKILLS

> Tell me about a time when you worked as part of a team.

> What is your favorite and least favorite aspects about teamwork?

> What do you do when you know you need help or more expertise?

> Have you had a person who acted as a mentor at some point in your life? Tell me about him/her.

> What skills do you believe that you have that would contribute to a team effort?

> Why do people like working with you? Why might people not like to work with you?

> Tell me about a time when you were in a pressure situation. Why do you think this situation arose? What, in hindsight, were you most dissatisfied with about your performance? What do you wish you had done differently?

> Tell me about a task you accomplished as a member of a group which you now believe you could have handled better alone.

> When disappointment or failure occurs in your life, what do you do?

> Describe an event in your life that has had a major impact on you.

> How do you help others who are in crisis or under stress?

> What is your favorite non-law-related activity?

> If you had an extra hour in the day, what would you do with it?

INDEPENDENCE/GOAL DIRECTION

> Have you ever undertaken something just to prove to yourself or others that you could do it? What non-law-related goals do you have that you would like to accomplish in the next few years?

> Which of your accomplishments are you most proud of? Why?

> If you don’t get a job with this firm, what will you do?

– Adapted from the law firm interview exercise at the Indiana University School of Law