The Importance of Interest, Energy and Enthusiasm in a Law Firm Interview

If you don't show much interest, energy or enthusiasm with respect to a potential mate, chances are he/she will eventually develop little interest in you. It is the same with law firms. The number one reason that I hear from firms that have just rejected a candidate is that they just did not appear to really want the job.

Interest, energy and enthusiasm are major ingredients to success in the legal industry and virtually every other field. Law firms, like every other employer, want people who are not only excited and energized by their career, but also by the interviewing firm.


So what can you do to make sure that you demonstrate interest and enthusiasm during a law firm interview?
 

• See Top Ten Interview Questions for more information

First, you should be fully prepared for your interviews. This includes learning everything you can about the firm you are interviewing. (See the other articles by me and other BCG recruiters for particulars on law firm interviews). This strong preparation will allow you to put much of your interview energy into being a "showman" (within reason). In other words, you should focus on appearing excited and energetic by using appropriate gestures and expressions. This is even true on telephone interviews, as your energy and excitement (or lack thereof) will come through what you say and how you say it. The personality that you show to the firm is very important. Firms want people, who are friendly and easy to get along with, as well as seriously motivated about the practice of law and strongly interested in that particular firm.

Second, your interest, energy and enthusiasm for a firm should be genuine, and not faked. Remember that your primary goal during an interview is to get the offer. An offer is, of course, the whole point of the job search exercise. Of course, if you already have enough information to determine that you never, ever will want to work at this firm no matter what happens, then you should not waste your time or theirs interviewing there. But assuming you have any significant interest at all in a firm, you should strive to do well interviewing and get the offer. That way, YOU will be the one who gets to decide the future of your career, and not the law firm.
 

• See Interviewing Tips for more information

If you continually knock yourself out of the competition because you are just too bored, distracted or overconfident to show interest, then you will likely never get an offer at the kind of firm that you want.

Speak to our BCG legal recruiters regarding your legal job search to get full guidance.

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
• Off-the-Record Interview Tips from Law Firm Interviewers

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.