Answer the question

This is, by far, the most common point at which candidates let themselves down. As a lawyer, in any area of law, your ability to answer questions directly and succinctly is a skill you’ll call on every day. Your supervisors, managing partners, administrative support, clients, colleagues, the court, and opposing parties will all ask you questions, and your ability to demonstrate this skill set in an interview could make or break your prospects of success.

Show enthusiasm for the role and the firm

It’s surprising how often candidates come across as indifferent or unsure about the role they’re applying for. Make sure you demonstrate genuine enthusiasm for the job and the firm itself. Be prepared to articulate why you want to work specifically for that firm, not just any law firm currently recruiting.

VIEW ALL

Check your CV is up to date BEFORE submitting it

Your CV is the first thing we look at, and it’s important to get it right. It doesn’t reflect well if, during the interview, you open with, “Oh, I’m no longer at that position – I moved jobs a few months ago.” Keeping your CV up to date is a small but critical detail that shows your professionalism, attention to detail, and respect for the process.

Be ready to discuss your relevant legal experience in detail

It’s not enough to rely on the list of experiences on your CV; you should be prepared to discuss each of them in detail. For example, if you’ve observed a trial or mediation (etc) while on an internship, during a law subject or during your PLT, be ready to explain what kind of hearing it was, what key issues you observed, and what stood out about the lawyers you observed. This applies to every experience on your CV.

The more specific and reflective you can be about your experiences, the more you demonstrate your engagement, maturity, and readiness for learning in the legal profession.

Transform your non-legal experience into relevant skills

Understanding the transferable skills you bring to the table from previous work experience allows you to sell yourself even if you lack direct experience for the role.

For instance, if you have worked at Bunnings, you could talk about how managing demanding customers has prepared you for handling difficult clients and working as part of a team. Or if you were a school holiday coordinator, you could explain how managing a group of children with varying needs has honed your ability to juggle complex, competing demands.

Show who you are beyond your qualifications

As impressive as your work experience and qualifications may be, they don’t tell us who you are as a person. Your personality matters just as much as your qualifications. Including something in your application that highlights your interests, hobbies, or life experiences can help break the ice and make the interview feel more comfortable.

Demonstrate a growth mindset and maturity as a candidate

Employers value candidates who show they’re willing to learn and grow. You are not expected to know everything as a new lawyer, but you do need to show that you’re eager to learn and develop your skills. Whether it’s through professional development, learning from senior lawyers, or taking on challenges outside your comfort zone, make sure you communicate your openness to growth. We all learn from our mistakes, harnessing those whoopsies from the past, embracing the learning they provided, and being able to speak to them is a real strength and demonstrates your maturity as a candidate.

Be authentic and honest

Authenticity goes a long way. Interviewers can often tell when someone is trying to be what they think the firm wants rather than being themselves. It’s better to be honest about areas where you’re still developing than to overstate your abilities or fabricate experience. Chances are the people interviewing you will ask a few subtle questions that will bring you undone; it can be awkward for everyone, and it is an easily avoidable situation.

Do your research and ask insightful questions

Candidates who have done their research always stand out. It’s obvious when someone has thought deeply about the role and prepared for the interview, as it is reflected in the questions they ask.

If you fail to prepare, have only briefly skimmed the firm’s website, or ask the same generic ChatGPT suggested questions, your lack of preparation will likely limit you as compared to candidates with similar experience who have prepared more thoroughly.

Follow up after the interview

This is a small but impactful step that many candidates overlook. A simple, thoughtful follow-up email thanking the interviewer for their time and reiterating your interest in the position can leave a lasting positive impression.

Final thoughts

The interview process is unnatural and often nerve-wracking, but preparation is the key to your success. Reflect on your experiences, do your research, and practise answering questions succinctly and thoughtfully. By focusing on these elements, you can avoid underselling yourself and make a lasting impression.

Emma Turnbull is the director of Emma Turnbull Lawyers.