It's Not All About What You Say

Between being an attorney on the recruiting committee of my former law firm and my career as a legal recruiter, I have interviewed hundreds, perhaps thousands, of people in my lifetime.  Keep in mind that there is much, much more to an interview than questions and answers.  This is not article about what to say during an interview.  It is an article about how to say it, and how to present yourself well without saying a word.

1. Carriage.  This can’t be said enough: first impressions can make or break the interview.  That moment when you walk in the door, if you fail to make a good impression, you may just sink the interview.  So, how does one achieve this?

Make eye contact.  If you avoid eye contact with your interviewer, not only might you give the impression that you have something to hide, you also appear fearful.  If your interviewer perceives you as afraid of her, she instantly demotes you to an inferior position in her own mind, making you unworthy of her confidence, and, ultimately, the position you seek.  Making eye contact inspires confidence in you, and also creates an instant bond between you and your interviewer.   Shake hands, smile, and use your interviewer’s name.  These things also create an instant bond within the first five seconds.  If you end up with a less-than-outgoing interviewer, you will know it in the first few minutes.  You can always back off and maintain distance after the initial handshake, but you can’t make up for a lack of forthrightness if it is expected.  Obviously, using the interviewer’s name a few times not only lets them know that you know who they are and value their time.  But there’s more: at the end of the interview especially, saying, “it was great to meet you, Mark,” will jog Mark’s memory as to your name.  If he can’t remember, you can bet he will peek at your resume the moment you walk out the door, and that’s a good thing.

2. Authority and Directness.

During the interview itself, remember what your mom told you:  Don’t stutter.  Sit up straight. Speak clearly.  When asked a question, take a breath, pause, and think about your answer before you slowly begin to speak.  And when you do speak, remember to make eye contact with the person you are speaking with.  This conveys seriousness and sincerity, and your answer will appear more genuine.  Running off at the mouth will often get you into trouble, so remember that it is far better to say less and say it with authority.

3. Enthusiasm for Your Practice.

When I conduct mock interviews and counseling, attorneys often cringe at the suggestion that they get excited about their practice.  No one is asking you to change your personality or act like a chirpy gameshow host.  But your enthusiasm for your area of practice needs to be apparent.  This is your career- and no one wants to hire someone who is in the wrong the career.  Interviewers constantly ask stock questions like, “what has your favorite project been at your current firm?”  or “what do you like most about your area of practice?”  They are asking this for a reason: they are trying to get a feel for what you like, and how that fits with what they do.  But they also want you to be happy at their firm.  Show them that you truly like what you do, and could also like what they do.  Again, I’m not telling you what you should say here; but the way you talk about these topics is very important.  No matter what you say substantively, let them see your enthusiasm for the practice of law and for your area of law.
 

• See Interviewing Tips for more information

4. Confidence in Yourself.

All of the above skills will help you convey what really matters: the fact that you can do this job.  An interview is not the time for modesty- it is the time to make them want to hire you.  For some reason, from the time we are law students, we are taught that interviewers are out to sabotage us- that they are looking to trip us up with trick questions and doublespeak.  Not true!  When you walk in to an interview, the people meeting want to meet you, and are thinking about hiring you and working with you for many years.  You’ve already made the initial cut, they’ve decided you’re a credible candidate, and now it is up to you to let them know that you have the right skills and are a dependable associate.  They are waiting for you to tell them what you can do, so tell them!   For example, when an interviewer asks you what your greatest asset is, don’t hold back!  List several!  You can always phrase it in terms of what someone else said about you so it seems less like you’re tooting your own horn.  When an interviewer asks you what your supervisors would say about you, discuss all the positive feedback you’ve gotten from them.  Pick out the highlights and talk yourself up! No one is going to do this for you, so tell them that other people have said you’re smart, competent, and dependable.  Don’t make the mistake of failing to let them know why you are the one they want to hire.
 

• See Top Ten Interview Questions for more information

Learn why attorneys usually fail law firm phone-screening interviews in this article:
 

• Why Most Attorneys Fail Telephone-Screening Interviews

About Harrison Barnes

Harrison Barnes is a prominent figure in the legal placement industry, known for his expertise in attorney placements and his extensive knowledge of the legal profession.

With over 25 years of experience, he has established himself as a leading voice in the field and has helped thousands of lawyers and law students find their ideal career paths.

Barnes is a former federal law clerk and associate at Quinn Emanuel and a graduate of the University of Chicago College and the University of Virginia Law School. He was a Rhodes Scholar Finalist at the University of Chicago and a member of the University of Virginia Law Review. Early in his legal career, he enrolled in Stanford Business School but dropped out because he missed legal recruiting too much.

Barnes' approach to the legal industry is rooted in his commitment to helping lawyers achieve their full potential. He believes that the key to success in the legal profession is to be proactive, persistent, and disciplined in one's approach to work and life. He encourages lawyers to take ownership of their careers and to focus on developing their skills and expertise in a way that aligns with their passions and interests.

One of how Barnes provides support to lawyers is through his writing. On his blog, HarrisonBarnes.com, and BCGSearch.com, he regularly shares his insights and advice on a range of topics related to the legal profession. Through his writing, he aims to empower lawyers to control their careers and make informed decisions about their professional development.

One of Barnes's fundamental philosophies in his writing is the importance of networking. He believes that networking is a critical component of career success and that it is essential for lawyers to establish relationships with others in their field. He encourages lawyers to attend events, join organizations, and connect with others in the legal community to build their professional networks.

Another central theme in Barnes' writing is the importance of personal and professional development. He believes that lawyers should continuously strive to improve themselves and develop their skills to succeed in their careers. He encourages lawyers to pursue ongoing education and training actively, read widely, and seek new opportunities for growth and development.

In addition to his work in the legal industry, Barnes is also a fitness and lifestyle enthusiast. He sees fitness and wellness as integral to his personal and professional development and encourages others to adopt a similar mindset. He starts his day at 4:00 am and dedicates several daily hours to running, weightlifting, and pursuing spiritual disciplines.

Finally, Barnes is a strong advocate for community service and giving back. He volunteers for the University of Chicago, where he is the former area chair of Los Angeles for the University of Chicago Admissions Office. He also serves as the President of the Young Presidents Organization's Century City Los Angeles Chapter, where he works to support and connect young business leaders.

In conclusion, Harrison Barnes is a visionary legal industry leader committed to helping lawyers achieve their full potential. Through his work at BCG Attorney Search, writing, and community involvement, he empowers lawyers to take control of their careers, develop their skills continuously, and lead fulfilling and successful lives. His philosophy of being proactive, persistent, and disciplined, combined with his focus on personal and professional development, makes him a valuable resource for anyone looking to succeed in the legal profession.

About BCG Attorney Search

BCG Attorney Search matches attorneys and law firms with unparalleled expertise and drive, while achieving results. Known globally for its success in locating and placing attorneys in law firms of all sizes, BCG Attorney Search has placed thousands of attorneys in law firms in thousands of different law firms around the country. Unlike other legal placement firms, BCG Attorney Search brings massive resources of over 150 employees to its placement efforts locating positions and opportunities its competitors simply cannot. Every legal recruiter at BCG Attorney Search is a former successful attorney who attended a top law school, worked in top law firms and brought massive drive and commitment to their work. BCG Attorney Search legal recruiters take your legal career seriously and understand attorneys. For more information, please visit www.BCGSearch.com.