First impressions are lasting. Your CV has appealed to the employer and all agree that your skills and experience are well matched to the position. The interview will last no more than an hour or so and during this time you must show why you are the best personality for the job.

Ultimately, be yourself to be successful.

G2 Legal has compiled a list of useful tips to consider during the interview:

• Never be late. It is unprofessional and will make the wrong first impression.
  
• Enter the room with a smile and a positive attitude.
  
• Shake hands firmly, try to appear calm and maintain eye contact.
  
• Always be natural during the interview.
  
• Be alert, sit up in your chair and show you are interested. You convey meaning through how you hold yourself, so be aware of your body language and of the interviewer.
  
• Answer questions clearly and precisely.
  
• Be confident when discussing your strong points. Identify weaknesses to show you are aware of them.
  
• Try to ask questions you have prepared and show a genuine interest.
  
• Never be negative about a past employer.
  
• Never discuss remuneration at a first interview unless asked. Financial negotiations and considerations can be discussed with your Consultant at G2 Legal.

Thorough preparation is the key to a successful interview and a positive attitude reflects well on the candidate.

Questions that you might be asked at the Interview:

• Tell me about yourself?
  
• Why would you like to work for our company?
  
• What do you know about our company?
  
• Why did you choose a career in law?
  
• Tell me about your specialism?
  
• What are your major strengths and weaknesses?
  
• Can you discuss some of your achievements?
  
• What has been the hardest point of your career and how did you cope?
  
• When and how have you shown initiative in your current position?
  
• What are your goals in life? How will this position help you achieve them?
  
• What have you done that shows initiative in your career?
  
• How do you work under pressure and tackle difficult and sensitive situations?
  
• How effectively do you work with a team?
  
• Can you describe your relationship with your colleagues?
  
• How do you prioritise your workload?
  
• Do you delegate? Can you give an example?

Questions you could ask at the Interview:

• What are the career prospects?
  
• Why has the position arisen?
  
• What is the structure of the department?
  
• How will I be appraised?
  
• What will the first 6 - 12 months involve?
  
• Are there training and development opportunities?
  
• What is the probability of working abroad?
  
• What are the main company objectives?

At the close of interview, shake hands with the interviewer and express your thanks for their time and for the meeting. Be positive and leave a pleasing impression.

Enquire about the next stage of the overall process if you feel it is appropriate and ensure they know you are still interested in the position.

After the interview write down your immediate conclusions. You may comment on your interview techniques, or note any questions you would like to ask another time. Use this information when you call your recruitment Consultant at G2 Legal with your feedback.

It is advisable to send a letter or email to the company to thank them again for their time and also to reiterate your interest in the position and company.

Your Consultant will immediately contact the company to discuss their reaction and you will receive constructive feedback based on this.

If you are successful, your Consultant will discuss the next stage of interviews and will assist you with accepting the offer.

If unsuccessful, your Consultant will discuss feedback from you and the client, highlighting strengths and weaknesses, deciding a successful plan of action.

 

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