Major Legal Services®: Candidates: Successful Job Interviews

Professional actors will tell you that they get "butterflies" with every performance. Even the most seasoned performers experience nervousness throughout their careers. Job interviewees experience similar anxiety. For most of us it is something that we never completely overcome.

In both cases, there is what I will call negative and positive nervousness. Positive nervousness helps keep us "up," "on" and "tuned-in" during the interview. Negative nervousness causes us to act in ways that are not true to ourselves. It inhibits us from behaving in a constructive fashion during the interview. This type of nervousness is usually caused by a lack of preparedness. So, how do we prepare for a job interview?

First, do your homework regarding the employer and the job. Learn something of the business of the company or firm. See if it has a mission statement and thoroughly familiarize yourself with it. This information is often available at the public library or through on-line resources. Contact an individual in the department or practice group in which you would work and ask a few questions about what is expected of employees, how people work, what the hours of business are, how work is delegated, the management structure, etc.

Prior employees are also a good resource for inside information regarding what it is like to work within an environment and with certain individuals. Gather information regarding the reputation of the company or firm. From the information you gather, you may discover that the environment, people or expectations appear incompatible with the job you are seeking, and you may even save yourself the time and stress of interviewing with that employer!

If you do interview, your knowledge of the company will allow you to carry on an informed conversation with the interviewer. Because so few people prepare this thoroughly, it should help you stand out from others who are interviewing for the position.

Bring references, writing samples, school transcripts, and a few extra copies of your resume.

Be prepared to explain gaps in your employment, or any perceptually negative aspects of your resume. If you appear to be ashamed or embarrassed when discussing a layoff or downsizing, the interviewer may become suspicious that the layoff or downsizing had something to do with your performance. Though a reference check could eliminate this suspicion, remember that some employers do not contact all references. Be honest and forthcoming with the interviewer about your reasons for leaving a job or being terminated. Be brief with your explanation - do not dwell on the subject. If you must reveal a "negative" problem, such as a personality conflict, follow it up with comments about positive aspects of the job.

Avoid speaking ill of prior employers, supervisors or associates. If you had a problem with one of them, explain it in terms of differences in expectations, or changes that occurred in the work environment. Again, keep your discussion of past experiences as positive as possible.

Construct a list of topics that are likely to be discussed in the interview. Practice your response to likely questions. Make a list of the elements of your experience and qualifications that you want to remember to discuss, and the questions you want to ask about the company and the job. Check them off as they are covered in the interview so you can quickly see which ones remain as the interview progresses. Remember that you are there not only to let the employer ask questions of you, but so that you can learn about the position and employer as well.

Be prepared to talk about your greatest challenges and how you dealt with them. Note special projects that you implemented, managed, or simply participated in, any technological expertise you acquired, and potential disasters which you averted.

Do not answer questions with simply a "yes" or "no." Elaborate on your answer, and lead the interviewer through the highlights of your qualifications. Take an active role in steering the discussion in a positive direction, through information about the company or firm, your background, and the job itself. Candidates who leave the course of the interview entirely to the interviewer do not leave behind much of an impression. However, be careful not to interrupt; and listen carefully when the interviewer is speaking.

Many companies and law firms will give you the opportunity to meet with other employees who are in a position with the organization similar to the one for which you are interviewing. They know this helps you to get the "inside scoop." If they do not offer this to you, request it.

If you feel positive about the job, express your interest in the company or firm and the position at the conclusion of the interview. If you do not have an occasion to do this at the time of the interview, be sure to state your interest in a follow-up letter thanking the employer for the opportunity to meet with him/her.

Finally, if you do not get the job, but are still interested in the firm or corporation, you might indicate that you would be interested in hearing of any other opportunities with the organization that may arise in the future. Alternatively, you might take this opportunity to ask if they know of any other companies or firms that may be seeking someone with your background. People usually want to be helpful - especially if they have just given you the news that you were not selected for the position!

Thorough preparation before a job interview can energize you. It gives you confidence, and your self-assured presentation will make a good impression upon those with whom you meet. Remember that butterflies before an interview are natural and everyone gets them, and "positive" nervousness can help you present yourself in your best light.