The Importance of Keeping an Interview

I recently have had candidates ask me etiquette questions about going to a previously scheduled interview after new circumstances arise. The issue can be anything from no longer being interested in the firm to having a busy week at work to having received an offer from another firm. In ninety percent of the circumstances, my advice remains the same: keep the interview, show up, be your usual charming self and try to get an offer! There are several reasons for this advice, but let me at least expand upon a few.

1.            The legal community is smaller than you think. You never know where your career will take you, which partner will join your current firm, who you’ll need a favor from in the future, who opposing counsel may be, etc. You want everyone in that small legal community to have the most favorable impression of you possible and not think that you are flaky or uncommitted or a litany of other potentially false impressions.

2.            You never know what you may find. Though you may initially think a certain firm isn’t the best fit for you because of something you heard, or something you read, or for some other reason, you really never know how you will mesh with a specific group of people in a particular office. You owe it to yourself to show up, check it out and see how it works for you.

3.            You have to look out for yourself. Even if you went on an interview at another firm and even received an offer, you don’t know if something will arise during your conflict check or if some other unforeseen circumstance will result in you not actually working for that firm. In the meantime, you should continue to interview and get offers from the firms that you are interested in so that you have a choice to make and can make it after getting first-person experience at each firm.

Those are just a few reasons why it’s important to keep an interview after you’ve accepted it, but every situation is different. If you have concerns or a circumstance arises, call your recruiter and discuss the situation so they can fill you in on all of your choices and their thoughts and experience with the issue. At the end of the day, you are both trying to find you the best job possible so work together as a team!

Interview tip of the day: Transform your interview into an enjoyable conversation vs. a dry Q&A session

If you have been offered an interview by a law firm, generally the firm’s hiring group has already determined that you are qualified for the open position (at least “on paper”).  An in-person interview is a great way for a firm to learn more about your personality and the way you present yourself, and to gauge if you would make a good cultural “fit” with the firm.

As much as is possible, try to transform any interview into an enjoyable conversation, rather than a question and answer session.  Many people get nervous in interview situations and wait passively for the interviewer to ask questions before speaking.  Most interviewers will have a better impression of you if you are actively engaged in the interview and also show genuine interest in them and their backgrounds.  Therefore, try to market your strengths and accomplishments as much as you can- however, if a more personalized conversation begins, let the conversation flow.  In doing so, you will hopefully have presented yourself as someone that your interviewer would be happy to have as a colleague.

Interview tip of the day: Leave any emotional baggage at home.

It’s not a secret that looking for a job and interviewing can really take an emotional toll on someone. Within the legal field, it is a reality that some interviewers will take it upon themselves to be unfairly rude or harsh to potential candidates- just because they can.

It is important to “shake off” all prior negative interview experiences. You don’t want to unconsciously “self-sabotage” yourself in any future interviews, by coming off as bitter or defensive. Thus, remember to leave any emotional baggage regarding this issue, at home.  Doing so will allow you to be focused and positive at your interview, which will go a long way in creating a good impression.

You landed an interview! Now breathe…

The market is tight and you’ve been looking for quite some time. Then, suddenly, you get the call from your trusted recruiter–an interview! Now, stop, take a deep breath and relax.

I was recently asked whether it is possible to show too much enthusiasm at a job interview. The answer is yes and unfortunately, the line is a very fine one. Why? Because showing proper enthusiasm for the position is absolutely essential. Afterall, who would want to hire someone who appears disinterested? At the same time, being over-eager never plays well either. It’s like dating–you want to appear interested, but never desperate (even if you are).

A few pointers for the over-eager: (1) Don’t make any comments about how relieved you were to get the interview or how long you have been looking for a new position; (2) Remember that one good way to express enthusiasm is to ask substantive questions about the firm and the position for which you are interviewing; and (3) Resist the urge to send daily e-mails checking in on your status after the interview. A simple thank you note is fine but think about the person who calls you numerous times a day following a first date–kind of scary. Don’t be that person!

It can be extremely difficult to remain calm when opportunities are scarce and the need to be employed is all too real. But even in scary times, it is necessary to remain confident, calm, and collective. And, when you do find yourself tempted to stalk the partner who interviewed you, try calling a friend or anyone else who will listen to you vent but won’t decide to “pass”!