Interviewing Tips and Techniques, Lecture Series Spotlight

by George W. Burbidge II, Christensen & Jensen, Salt Lake City

Practice interviewing to identify strengths and weaknesses
    There is a noticable difference in those who participate in practice/mock interviews and those who don't.

• Avoid appearing excessively nervous or unnatural
• Avoid talking too fast or too slow
• Don't give answers that are too long or detailed
• Project confidence vs. arrogance

Research the employer before the interview
   Applicants who do not know basic information about the firm indicate that they are not very interested in the firm.

• Web sites contain a great deal of information about law firms and other employers
• Find out who has worked at that firm as a summer clerk or intern and ask them questions

Find out the name(s) of those conducting the interview
   If you do not have the names of the people who will be interviewing you, see if the firm's website identifies the member of their hiring committee.

• Get their name(s) right
• Research them.  What are their areas of practice?  What activities or hobbies do they have?  If they are trial attorneys, find out cases they are involved with by researching them on Westlaw or Lexis

Always have questions to ask

• What would you like this job to have? (practice areas, time requirements, flexible schedules, personalities, mentoring, methods for getting feedback, prospects for long term employment)
• Does this firm do that or have that?
• The best questions show that you have researched the organization and get the interviewer to talk

Be prepared to talk about everything on your resume

• Do not pad your resume with activities or accomplishments that you cannot back up
• Hobbies and interests, etc., should be something that you can talk about with passion

Be prepared to talk about your grades and classes, especially if you did not do well
Dress appropriately
Turn your cell phone off
Bring extra copies of your resume
Bring a pad of paper and pen
Be on time --Know where your interview will take place and where to park
Do not badmouth prior employers, other interviewers, or other law firms

Questions you must be prepared to answer
   Do not memorize answers to expected questions, or at least do not give the impression that you have memorized the answers.

• Tell me about yourself
• Why are you interested in our firm/organization?
• What are your career goals?
• Where do you see yourself in 5/10/25 years?
• Why did you decide to go to law school?
• What is your greatest weakness?
• What is your greatest strength?
• What has been your favorite class in law school?
• Any question the employer may ask

Remember, interviews are difficult for the person doing the interview, too.
Keep in mind that the interview is a dialogue, not just an interrogation.

(Handout from presentation given 8/31/2010)

Avoid the "Seven Deadly Sins" of Interviewing

In this tough job market you need to do all you can to ace a coveted job interview. You need to avoid common mistakes. Here are 'The Seven Deadly Sins of Interviewing.'

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/38882416/from/toolbar

Who's My Counselor?

There have been a few changes with the career counselors and their responsibilities.  Listed below are the counselors, their main areas of focus, and their contact information.  A counseling calendar is coming soon where you will be able to schedule appointments via the website, but until then, just send us an email to set up an appointment.

Career Service Counseling 

1Ls
Externships
Job Fairs
Admitted Law Students (have not yet started school)
Karen Andrews, Off Campus Recruiting Coordinator
Email
801.422.5479

2Ls
On Campus Interviewing
Public Interest Career Tracks (including government or JAG)
MariLee Allred, On Campus Recruiting Coordinator
Email
801.422.1857

3Ls
Judicial Clerkships
Non-traditional Career Tracks
Beth Hansen, Director
Email
801.422.4572

LLMs
Alumni
Mary Hoagland, Assistant Dean
Email
801.422.7831

Secretary 801.422.3685
Email

Welcome Back Students!

Welcome back everyone!  It's good to see you back at school.  Hopefully you've all had a great summer, doing things that you loved.  If you were working or doing externships this summer, we'd love to hear about them.  Send me a quick email with a paragraph or two telling us about your summer and any pictures you'd like to include.  (Email) We'd love to highlight your experiences in the blog.

On Campus Interview (OCI) Info

We're starting to hear back from firms about on campus interviews. If you are invited to interview with a firm, you will receive an email from MariLee Allred with the details and instructions on how to schedule an interview time. A list of firms we've heard back from is posted on the Symplicity home page. You can check there any time to see what firms have sent their student selections.  https://law-byu-csm.symplicity.com/students

If you've applied for resume collects, the firm will contact you directly if they'd like to see you for an interview.

If you have any questions about this process or anything else to do with OCIs, please email, call, or drop by.

Remember:  if you don't get a job through OCIs, don't worry!  A majority of our students get jobs through other avenues (referrals, externships, networking, etc.), especially if they don't want to work for a large firm. 

Best of luck to you all in your job search--remember, if you need some help, advice, sounding board, etc. regarding your job search, don't hesitate to schedule an appointment or drop by the office.

Wasatch Wellness Run

Wasatch Wellness Run

August 21st, 2010
9:00am
Mount Timpanogos Park, Provo Canyon


A 10k, 5k run or 1 mile walk all with chip timing. The event will also host massages, dancers, bounce houses, face painting, breakfast and cash prizes. Proceeds for the event will directly benefit the friends of Wasatch mental health and their mission to eliminate the stigma of mental illness. For more information visit: http://www.wasatchwellnessrun.com/