Before the Interview

Preparation is the key to a successful interview. Before the interview, review your strengths, weaknesses, interests, values, goals and skills. Be prepared to talk about your achievements, your education, the choices you have made and your past work experience.

In-depth research of the employer

Begin gathering information prior to applying for a position. Start with the employer's brochure and website. Familiarize yourself thoroughly with the organization and the position you are applying for. Be prepared to talk about the employer's areas of practice, important cases the employer may have recently been involved in and its culture.

Practising interview skills

Practise your interview skills with friends and/or family. You should also consider participating in the Mock Interview Program offered by the Career Development Office. You should know your résumé very well, have rehearsed answers, and be ready to back up your answers with an achievement or an experience that will illustrate why they should hire you.

The following website may also be helpful: Competencies and the BC Public Service

How to dress

Dress professionally and simply. A well-tailored conservative suit is ideal. Avoid extra jewellery and strong perfumes.

Current events

During an interview, you may be asked more questions about current events than about substantive law. You should therefore ensure that you are reasonably up-to-date with current events. Also, if you have indicated an interest in a particular area of law, you should be familiar with recent developments in that area.

What to Bring

• Your Resume
• Your transcripts
• A writing sample
• A list of referees/references with contact information
• A Pen
• A notepad to write down your impressions after the interview. Reviewing these notes can help you improve your performance for other interviews as well as remember some details.
• Whatever you are going to read in the reception area
• A map of the city (if you are not familiar with it), along with the addresses and phone numbers of the firms with which you are interviewing.
• Extra money for cabs and meals.

Sample Interview Questions

It is a good idea to prepare answers to sample interview questions ahead of time. This kind of preparation can help boost your confidence and improve your performance during an interview. The following questions are only a brief overview of what you might be asked during an interview.

Sample Interview Questions 1 [.doc]

Sample Interview Questions 2 [.pdf]

About your education

• How has law school prepared you for your career?
• What areas of the law most interest you?

About the employer

• Why are you interested in our firm?
• What do you know about our firm?

About yourself

• What qualities do you have that will make you a good lawyer?
• What are your greatest strengths and weaknesses?
• What are your long-term professional goals?

About the link between you and the firm

• How can you contribute to our organization?
• What are you looking for in a firm?
• Why should we hire you?

Potential Questions to Ask

Avoid asking questions that you should have researched prior to the interview, such as areas of practice or the number of lawyers in the firm.

The Following are sample questions that you may want to ask the interviewer:

About the articling/summer program

• How is the articling program organized?
  
• On what types of projects do summer students work?
  
• What specific qualities does the firm look for in an articling student?
• What are the challenges and opportunities for a student during the articling period?

About the work

• What type of training should I expect?
• How much direct client contact is there?
  
• How will my work be evaluated?
• What sort of projects are you currently working on?
  
• What cases best highlight the firm's strengths?

About the firm itself

• Why did you choose to work at this firm?
  
• Do lawyers work well here as a team?
• How do partners treat associates?
• How would you describe your firm's philosophy, culture or work environment?
• What are the firm's strategic goals?

Government Interview Questions

These questions are more policy-oriented, knowledge-based and less personality-oriented than those asked by law firms. You will likely be asked why you are interested in working for government rather than a firm. It is important to be informed of current issues dealt with by the department you are applying to.

Questions you may be asked

• What areas interest you in the Department of Justice?
• What is the purpose of a preliminary inquiry?
• What is the difference between disclosure in criminal and civil proceedings?

Situation scenario or ethical questions

• As a young lawyer in the (department / ministry that you are applying to), how would you respond if you came out of court and a journalist asked your opinion on a case?

For a more extensive list of preparatory questions, refer to the Legal Employment Handbook, available at the Resource Centre or on myFuture.

After the Interview

Following the interview be sure to leave a positive final impression by reiterating one or more of your sales points and saying goodbye with direct eye contact, a friendly handshake and with a warm expression.

After the interview, note the names of your interviewers (if not already done), so that you will be able to send them a thank you note (should you decide to do so).

Please click on the following link for ideas on how to write Cover Letters.

For more information and tips, refer to the Career Development Guide. The Fasken Martineau Application Toolkit may also be helpful.