Shy 4th Year Associate Needs Help in Overcoming Interview Fear

Answer:

This is an excellent question, and one I have heard many times. Many interviewers begin an interview by saying, "Tell me about yourself." Attorneys who are not particularly talkative hate this question. Yes, they have your resume, but there are other reasons they want you to answer this question. They want to hear how well you speak, how confidently you conduct yourself. They want to see how comfortable you are when you are put in the spotlight. If you trip over your words, if you can't think of anything to say, you not only betray of lack of confidence, but you will also miss an opportunity to show that you are a self-assured, dynamic lawyer. This question is more about how you speak and behave than it is about what you actually say. It is important to have in your mind a few activities that you can discuss with passion and positive energy before you sit down for any interview.


When during the course of the interview this question is posed will determine the tone of your answer. Many interviewers will lead off with this question. If they do, I recommend starting with your resume and discussing your professional career, walking backwards, but embellishing what's there. Unless the interviewer immediately begins pressing you to discuss your professional experience, don't talk in detail about your substantive legal work when answering this question. Instead, talk generally about other aspects of your career, and, if you are junior, you can talk also about college. If you are coming from another law firm, discuss why you chose that firm, that practice group, that city, and what you have enjoyed about those choices. If you are moving cities, discuss why. If it feels right, you can discuss the reasons you are looking to move firms. Mention law-related activities, such as working on the summer associate committee, pro bono or community activities, or participating in firm's softball team. The important thing is to speak enthusiastically. Also important is to keep interviewer engaged; make sure she seems interested in what you are saying. If she doesn't, move on to another topic or give her a chance to ask a different question.
 

• See Top Ten Interview Questions for more information
• See Interviewing Tips for more information

If the question comes towards the end of the interview, you have probably already discussed your legal skills and experience. What is interesting about you that is not on your resume? What are your interests, aside from practicing law? This is the time to discuss activities that are truly non-law-related. It is, however, very important to first assess your interviewer. If you're sitting with a partner who has a reserved air, she may not relate to your recent heli-snowboarding trip, or your weekend at Lollapallooza. She may want to hear, however, about a great book you recently read, or a foreign language you're trying to learn. An animated junior associate may jump on other types of experiences to bond with you. Travel is usually an excellent topic for discussion. Even reading is a good choice because you can discuss books that both you and the interviewer have recently read. I recommend avoiding discussing family and children to the extent that you can; whether you are married or have children is generally not an interviewer's concern.

In sum, don't be afraid to talk about the things that make you something more than just a lawyer with a great professional resume. No one wants to work with someone who lacks confidence or has little to say. Don't worry too much about whether the interviewer shares your interests; remember that this question is largely about how you comport yourself. The important thing is not what you say but how you say it. Be sure to speak with assurance and enthusiasm about whatever your interests happen to be.

Learn why attorneys usually fail law firm phone-screening interviews in this article:
 

• Why Most Attorneys Fail Telephone-Screening Interviews

See the following articles for more information:
 

• Top 23 Law Firm Interview Tips: How to Excel in Law Firm Interviews
• 21 Major Interview Mistakes to Avoid at All Costs
• The Best Way to Prepare for a Job Search and Interviews
• How to Talk About Other Interviews in Your Interviews
• How to Answer the Tell Me About Yourself Interview Question
• How to Answer the Do You Have Any Questions for Me Interview Question
• Had a Great Interview But Have Got No Response to My Thank-You Emails
• What Does It Mean if I Haven't Heard Anything Back from an Application/Interview in a Couple Weeks?
• What to Wear to a Lunch Interview?
• How to Effectively Interview Lateral Candidates: Pointers for Law Firms
• The Interview Post-Mortem: Don't Forget Your Thank You Notes!
• The Secret to Effectively Sharing Concerns about Your Current Employer without Committing the Most Common Interview Blunder
• How to Conduct Yourself During a Lunch Interview

 

About Harrison Barnes

Harrison Barnes is a prominent figure in the legal placement industry, known for his expertise in attorney placements and his extensive knowledge of the legal profession.

With over 25 years of experience, he has established himself as a leading voice in the field and has helped thousands of lawyers and law students find their ideal career paths.

Barnes is a former federal law clerk and associate at Quinn Emanuel and a graduate of the University of Chicago College and the University of Virginia Law School. He was a Rhodes Scholar Finalist at the University of Chicago and a member of the University of Virginia Law Review. Early in his legal career, he enrolled in Stanford Business School but dropped out because he missed legal recruiting too much.

Barnes' approach to the legal industry is rooted in his commitment to helping lawyers achieve their full potential. He believes that the key to success in the legal profession is to be proactive, persistent, and disciplined in one's approach to work and life. He encourages lawyers to take ownership of their careers and to focus on developing their skills and expertise in a way that aligns with their passions and interests.

One of how Barnes provides support to lawyers is through his writing. On his blog, HarrisonBarnes.com, and BCGSearch.com, he regularly shares his insights and advice on a range of topics related to the legal profession. Through his writing, he aims to empower lawyers to control their careers and make informed decisions about their professional development.

One of Barnes's fundamental philosophies in his writing is the importance of networking. He believes that networking is a critical component of career success and that it is essential for lawyers to establish relationships with others in their field. He encourages lawyers to attend events, join organizations, and connect with others in the legal community to build their professional networks.

Another central theme in Barnes' writing is the importance of personal and professional development. He believes that lawyers should continuously strive to improve themselves and develop their skills to succeed in their careers. He encourages lawyers to pursue ongoing education and training actively, read widely, and seek new opportunities for growth and development.

In addition to his work in the legal industry, Barnes is also a fitness and lifestyle enthusiast. He sees fitness and wellness as integral to his personal and professional development and encourages others to adopt a similar mindset. He starts his day at 4:00 am and dedicates several daily hours to running, weightlifting, and pursuing spiritual disciplines.

Finally, Barnes is a strong advocate for community service and giving back. He volunteers for the University of Chicago, where he is the former area chair of Los Angeles for the University of Chicago Admissions Office. He also serves as the President of the Young Presidents Organization's Century City Los Angeles Chapter, where he works to support and connect young business leaders.

In conclusion, Harrison Barnes is a visionary legal industry leader committed to helping lawyers achieve their full potential. Through his work at BCG Attorney Search, writing, and community involvement, he empowers lawyers to take control of their careers, develop their skills continuously, and lead fulfilling and successful lives. His philosophy of being proactive, persistent, and disciplined, combined with his focus on personal and professional development, makes him a valuable resource for anyone looking to succeed in the legal profession.

About BCG Attorney Search

BCG Attorney Search matches attorneys and law firms with unparalleled expertise and drive, while achieving results. Known globally for its success in locating and placing attorneys in law firms of all sizes, BCG Attorney Search has placed thousands of attorneys in law firms in thousands of different law firms around the country. Unlike other legal placement firms, BCG Attorney Search brings massive resources of over 150 employees to its placement efforts locating positions and opportunities its competitors simply cannot. Every legal recruiter at BCG Attorney Search is a former successful attorney who attended a top law school, worked in top law firms and brought massive drive and commitment to their work. BCG Attorney Search legal recruiters take your legal career seriously and understand attorneys. For more information, please visit www.BCGSearch.com.