You have all of the right qualifications. Your resume lists the skill set that the firm most desires. You are the perfect “on paper” candidate. Now you have an interview. Shoe in, right? Not exactly. An interview is much more than proving that you can do the job. It can all come down to personality.
Here are the qualities that make for the best and most successful interviews:
Be Personable
The firm wants to see that you have the ability to connect with people. Being personable will help to create a connection with the interviewers (i.e., help them see you as a person rather than just an attorney). If the interviewers like you, they are likely to fight for you during the hiring process. Your initial interviewers should become your cheerleaders in front of the hiring committee and the decision-makers at the firm.
Secondly, as you become more senior in your career, your ability to connect with people becomes more important. If you are able to connect to attorneys on an initial meeting, this is a signal that you will also be able to connect with clients - existing clients as well as potential new clients. In the end, your ability to be "personable" speaks to how well you might originate business for the firm.
Being personable is somewhat of an "X" factor and can be difficult to describe. In essence, don't check your personality at the door and become still, uneasy, or aloof. Feel free to laugh, smile, gesture, make an appropriate joke (if the mood is right in the room), and show that you have the ability to think on your feet with a quick wit. Make the interviewers feel at ease around you. Firms are employing a human, not a robot. They want to hire someone they enjoy being around.
Be Confident
You have the skill set for the job, but are you confident in that skill set? The interview is not the time to play coy. You need to be your biggest advocate. You finished law school, you passed the Bar, you obtained marketable skills (this is why you are in the room) - know your worth! You have many achievements of which to be proud! If you are not confident in yourself, then the interviewers cannot be confident in you. No matter how much they like you, they will not be able to sell your candidacy to the hiring committee. Again, this factor is ultimately about your potential relationship with the firm's clients. Before going forward, the firm needs to be convinced that you have the ability to entrust the confidence of their clients.
Of course, you cannot simply tell the firm that you are confident person. This needs to be expressed through your body language, speech pattern, and the way you answer every question. The best confidence emits from a positive, relaxed energy. Strand straight, sit leaning just a little bit forward, make eye contact. Don't close yourself off be crossing your arms or constantly looking down. Don't fidget. Wear something that makes you feel good about yourself, powerful, and completely comfortable.
You also relay confidence with a consistent speech pattern. A great way to accomplish this is by anticipating questions prior to the interview and writing out your answers. By writing your answers, you are wiring your brain to instinctively know the beginning, middle, and end of the thought you want to express. After writing, practice your answers out loud (in the car, the shower, subway). Of course, your answers should be not memorized verbatim, but merely a guideline. This allows you to express your entire thought in an intelligent way without stop-starting or an erratic speech pattern. Being detailed in your answers is also a great way to convey confidence.
Note on confidence: There IS such a thing as over confidence. Even though you want to relay that you are the best person for the position, make sure to stay humble when appropriate. Never interrupt, dismiss, or talk down to the interviewer or anyone else. Firms often look to see how you treat the assistants and other people you may encounter during the process. Be respectful and know your place in the room.
Be Deliberate
Interviewers want to know that everything in your career and your life has been well thought-out. You need to have a good explanation for every career move and why you are currently seeking to lateral. Firms want to be assured that you are not impulsive or scattered. Essentially, being deliberate speaks to the idea that you know what you want. If you demonstrate a history of being deliberate in your decisions, you help firms feel that they can trust your judgment.
- See Interviewing Tips for more information
No Negative-Nancys
Another quick factor that plays into the "personality" category is positivity. Make sure to stay upbeat. Turn everything to the positive. Of course, you have a valid reason for looking into other possibilities, but do not hang out your present firms "dirty laundry" or complain about the firm. Be grateful for the opportunities your firm has given you, but realize that it's time to move on for the betterment of your career. Some people come across as "downers," complainers, or entitled. Firms do not hire those people.
Learn why attorneys usually fail law firm phone-screening interviews in this article:
It's still a tough market in the law firm world. Most likely, the firm has several great "on paper" candidates. To get an offer, you need to "jump off the page."
- See Top Ten Interview Questions for more information
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.
Harrison Barnes does a weekly free webinar with live Q&A for attorneys and law students each Wednesday at 10:00 am PST. You can attend anonymously and ask questions about your career, this article, or any other legal career-related topics. You can sign up for the weekly webinar here: Register on Zoom
Harrison also does a weekly free webinar with live Q&A for law firms, companies, and others who hire attorneys each Wednesday at 10:00 am PST. You can sign up for the weekly webinar here: Register on Zoom
You can browse a list of past webinars here: Webinar Replays
You can also listen to Harrison Barnes Podcasts here: Attorney Career Advice Podcasts
You can also read Harrison Barnes' articles and books here: Harrison's Perspectives
Harrison Barnes is the legal profession's mentor and may be the only person in your legal career who will tell you why you are not reaching your full potential and what you really need to do to grow as an attorney--regardless of how much it hurts. If you prefer truth to stagnation, growth to comfort, and actionable ideas instead of fluffy concepts, you and Harrison will get along just fine. If, however, you want to stay where you are, talk about your past successes, and feel comfortable, Harrison is not for you.
Truly great mentors are like parents, doctors, therapists, spiritual figures, and others because in order to help you they need to expose you to pain and expose your weaknesses. But suppose you act on the advice and pain created by a mentor. In that case, you will become better: a better attorney, better employees, a better boss, know where you are going, and appreciate where you have been--you will hopefully also become a happier and better person. As you learn from Harrison, he hopes he will become your mentor.
To read more career and life advice articles visit Harrison's personal blog.
