The legal industry is currently one of the strongest sectors for recruitment growth, but job interviews can be a daunting process wherever you are in your career.
Whether you’re just starting out or you’re an experienced Paralegal, Legal Assistant or Legal Secretary with many successful years behind you, having strong interview skills is essential to making the right moves in your career.
Here are some key points to help prepare Paralegals, Legal Assistants & Legal Secretaries for your up-and-coming interview:
Do your research
• Look at their website and department/team.
• Know your CV and take a copy with you for reference.
• What’s the size of the company?
• What accreditations/awards do they have?
• What opportunities do they offer for training and development?
Plan your journey
• Plan out your route and allow for traffic.
• Plan where you’re going to park.
• Allow extra time so you can arrive five to ten minutes before your interview is scheduled.
Read the job spec
• What do you know about this job?
• Why is this role particularly of interest to you?
• What skills and experience can you use to your best advantage in this role.
• Think about what makes you the right candidate for this job.
Prepare what you’ll take with you
• Take a notebook and pen.
• A copy of your CV.
• Your notes about the company and the job.
• A list of questions.
• Copy of references or testimonial/appraisal.
When you arrive
• Turn off your mobile phone.
• Report to reception, give your name and tell them who you’ve come to meet.
• Remember to SMILE.
• Give a firm handshake.
During the interview
Answering Questions:
• You will be asked questions based on your CV and experience as a Legal Assistant/Legal Secretary to date.
• Listen carefully to make sure you have understood the question. If you’re unsure ask for clarification.
• Answer questions truthfully, and positively. It’s ok to pause to consider your answer first.
• Keep your answers concise and to the point, expanding on relevant information.
• Keep to the point. Don’t ramble onto a different subject, forgetting what the question was.
Answering Competency-based Questions:
Your interviewer will be looking for you to demonstrate certain competencies required for this legal job and may ask you competency-based questions, for example:
• Tell me about a time when you’ve gone the extra mile for a client?
• Tell me about a time when teamwork has worked well for you?
• Give me an example of when you’ve had to work to a tight deadline?
At the end of the interview:
• Ask if they have any reservations at this point that you could then give reassurance on.
• Ask them what the next stage of the process is.
• Thank the interviewer for their time.
It is important to always remember that an interview is a platform for a potential employer to gain information about you but just as important for you to question the firm and assess if this is the right move for you.
How We Can Help You Secure a Role in the Legal Support Sector
Looking for guidance? At eNL Legal, we’re here to help you navigate the opportunities ahead.
We have a deep understanding of the evolving legal landscape and are well-connected with firms and organisations. Our expert consultants can:
• Identify Opportunities: We stay ahead of industry trends, ensuring we can match you with your perfect role.
• Provide Tailored Advice: Whether you’re looking to pivot your career or specialise further, we offer personalised guidance to help you make a successful transition.
• Leverage Transferable Skills: Unsure how your current experience applies to legal support roles? We help you highlight and market your transferable skills to potential employers.
• Support Your Journey: From CV optimisation to interview preparation, we are with you every step of the way.
Contact Theresa Lucas today to discuss how we can help you secure your next role in this exciting and impactful sector.
To view our current Legal Support Roles click here
To view our comprehensive candidate guidelines with further tips & interview advice please click here.
