Prepare

for your interview by researching the employer.

Ask the employer for

1. the format of the interview
2. the names of the interviewers
3. what materials to bring to the interview

Prepare questions to ask the employer and prepare to answer questions including the following:

• Tell me about yourself and why you decided to go to law school?
• What are your strengths and weaknesses and how are you working to improve in your areas of weakness?
• How do you handle conflict?

Practice

your interviewing skills. There are several ways for you to practice interviewing skills:

• Write your answers to the Sample Interview Questions and Sample Behavioral Interview Questions
• Schedule an interview coaching appointment or mock interview with us to practice your interviewing skills.
• Take advantage of attorney mock interview programs we offer, including during OCI (on-campus interviews) in the fall; the MSBA Minority Clerkship program; and the MJF Clerkship program.

Practicing your interviewing skills with an attorney or our staff will give you valuable feedback, self confidence, and an idea of what to expect in the actual interview.

Review and Reflect

on your interview as soon as possible afterward. After your interview, take a few moments to review and reflect on your interview. Write down your initial impressions about the interview while it is fresh in your mind.

• How did you handle the questions?
• How did you feel about the firm and the attorneys you met?
• What were the three most difficult questions you were asked?
• What three things did the interviewer seem to like most about you?
• What reservations or concerns did the interviewers have about you?
• What things impressed you most about the firm or the people you met?
• What did you say or do during the interview that you wish you had not done?
• How would this company or firm and the attorneys or staff you met be a good or poor fit with your career goals?
• Did you give the firm a list of references and have you notified your references about this position?
• How did the interviewers describe the attorneys or staff you would report to?
• Is this the kind of firm or employer you would feel comfortable working with?
• What are the attractions and drawbacks for accepting this position?
• Which interviewer asked which questions?

We recommend that you write individual thank-you notes to each interviewer within 24 hours of your interview.