While each interview experience is unique, I think I've finally cracked the code!
1. Personal Information
Most interviewers will ease you in with very similar questions: Who are you? Why are you here? The interviewer is essentially asking you to verify the credentials that you have included in your CV or Cover Letter. You should be expecting these types of questions so it is the perfect time to collect yourself and settle in. Interviewers may also ask questions that are specific to your CV or Cover Letter. They may be looking for you to elaborate on a past experience or clarify how a specific skill may benefit you in this role – sometimes they are just curious about you!
- Tell us about yourself?
- When do you expect to graduate?
- Why do you want to be a lawyer/why did you choose to study law?
- So your CV also said that you studied X, tell us about that? How do you think that degree can benefit you?
- Working in retail you must have had a lot of experience in customer service, how did you find that experience?
- You have previously mentioned you have volunteering experience, can you elaborate on that for us?
2. Industry Specific
These questions are intended to test your knowledge and skills, and enable interviewers to get a greater understanding as to why you have applied for the position. Make sure that you have researched the company prior to your interview so that you feel comfortable answering questions that are specific to the firm. Remember to use the company keywords and acknowledge the job criteria in your answers.
- Why do you want to work at this firm?
- How can you uniquely contribute to this company?
- Why should we hire you?
- Why are you applying to work in this practice area?
- What are other practice areas that you are interested in?
- What is a recent legal issue you are aware of that piqued your interest?
- What do you think are two important skills for junior lawyers to have?
3. Experience Verification
Interviewers will likely ask you questions to test whether you have the qualities, knowledge and behaviours necessary for you to flourish in the role. Validate the experiences and skills you have included in your CV and Cover Letter by providing examples that can also demonstrate your ability to meet the specified job criteria.
- What were your responsibilities in your previous position?
- Have you had any experience volunteering in law?
- Give an example of a time where you used your initiative.
- Give an example of a situation at work when you didn’t agree ethically. What did you do?
- Give an example of a time where you had conflict working in a group.
- Give an example of a time where you used your negotiation skills to resolve a conflict.
- Give an example of a time where you have managed two deadlines.
4. Hypothetical Scenarios
Like the questions in the previous category, hypothetical scenarios test your behavioural and situational responses to situations that you would be likely to experience in the role. Your answers to these questions show the interviewer how you are likely to approach a specific problem, giving them a feel for your character, which may also provide an indication as to how you would be likely to approach a similar scenario in the future.
- If you received privileged documents by accident during discovery, what would you do?
- You know that a colleague has made a mistake at work, but as far as you’re aware, only you have spotted it. What do you do?
- How would you respond if your employer asked you to do something that you did not agree with ethically?
- How would you support a colleague who was struggling?
- What are the pros and cons of working in a team?
5. Personality
Interviewers are likely to throw in one or two questions that are designed to get to know you personally. There are no right or wrong answers here! These questions test your ability to think on your feet and use your creativity – giving some insight into how you might solve a potential problem. They may also help the interviewer to get a feel for whether you suit the firm culture or are someone that they could potentially work with.
- What are your hobbies outside of law?
- Why do you want to be a lawyer/why did you choose to study law?
- What are two things you would take with you to a deserted island, and why?
- How do you read a newspaper?
- Which three people, living or deceased, would you take to dinner?
- What are your strengths and weaknesses?
- What was a law subject that you enjoyed, and one that you didn’t?
- Tell us something about yourself that is not on your CV?
- How many ping pong balls could fit in a Jeep?
- How many petrol stations are there in Australia?
Deep breaths - you've got this!
Alicia
About the Author Alicia is studying her fifth year of a Bachelor of Laws/Bachelor of Arts (Applied Psychology). In addition to her position on the NDSLS as Education Director, Alicia has a passion for reading, rules, and roses. #law #studentlife #interviewquestions #jobinterview #uni #Notredameuni #notredamesyd #ndsls #lawstudent #lawschool #hireme #lawjobs