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

No legal recruiter in the United States has placed more attorneys at top law firms across every practice area than Harrison Barnes. His unmatched expertise, industry connections, and proven placement strategies have made him the most influential legal career advisor for attorneys seeking success in Big Law, elite boutiques, mid-sized firms, small firms, firms in the largest and smallest markets, and in over 350 separate practice areas.

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Most legal recruiters focus only on placing attorneys in large markets or specific practice areas, but Harrison places attorneys at all levels, in all practice areas, and in all locations-from the most prestigious firms in New York, Los Angeles, and Washington, D.C., to small and mid-sized firms in rural markets. Every week, he successfully places attorneys not only in high-demand practice areas like corporate and litigation but also in niche and less commonly recruited areas such as:

• Immigration Law
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This breadth of placements is unheard of in the legal recruiting industry and is a testament to his extraordinary ability to connect attorneys with the right firms, regardless of market size or practice area.

Proven Success at All Levels

With over 25 years of experience, Harrison has successfully placed attorneys at over 1,000 law firms, including:

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He has also placed hundreds of law firm partners and has worked on firm and practice area mergers, helping law firms strategically grow their teams.

Unmatched Commitment to Attorney Success - The Story of BCG Attorney Search

Harrison Barnes is not just the most effective legal recruiter in the country, he is also the founder of BCG Attorney Search, a recruiting powerhouse that has helped thousands of attorneys transform their careers. His vision for BCG goes beyond just job placement; it is built on a mission to provide attorneys with opportunities they would never have access to otherwise. Unlike traditional recruiting firms, BCG Attorney Search operates as a career partner, not just a placement service. The firm's unparalleled resources, including a team of over 150 employees, enable it to offer customized job searches, direct outreach to firms, and market intelligence that no other legal recruiting service provides. Attorneys working with Harrison and BCG gain access to hidden opportunities, real-time insights on firm hiring trends, and guidance from a team that truly understands the legal market. You can read more about how BCG Attorney Search revolutionizes legal recruiting here: The Story of BCG Attorney Search and What We Do for You.

The Most Trusted Career Advisor for Attorneys

Harrison's legal career insights are the most widely followed in the profession.

• His articles on BCG Search alone are read by over 150,000 attorneys per month, making his guidance the most sought-after in the legal field. Read his latest insights here.
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If you are serious about advancing your legal career and want access to the most sought-after law firm opportunities, Harrison Barnes is the most powerful recruiter to have on your side.

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With an unmatched track record of success, a vast team of over 150 dedicated employees, and a reach into every market and practice area, Harrison Barnes is the recruiter who makes career transformations happen and has the talent and resources behind him to make this happen.

A Relentless Commitment to Attorney Success

Unlike most recruiters who work with only a narrow subset of attorneys, Harrison Barnes works with lawyers at all stages of their careers, from junior associates to senior partners, in every practice area imaginable. His placements are not limited to only those with "elite" credentials-he has helped thousands of attorneys, including those who thought it was impossible to move firms, find their next great opportunity.

Harrison's work is backed by a team of over 150 professionals who work around the clock to uncover hidden job opportunities at law firms across the country. His team:

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A Legal Recruiter Who Changes Lives

Harrison believes that every attorney-no matter their background, law school, or previous experience-has the potential to find success in the right law firm environment. Many attorneys come to him feeling stuck in their careers, underpaid, or unsure of their next steps. Through his unique ability to identify the right opportunities, he helps attorneys transform their careers in ways they never thought possible.

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For attorneys who think their options are limited, Harrison Barnes has proven time and time again that opportunities exist-often in places they never expected.

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If you want to explore new career opportunities, Harrison Barnes and BCG Attorney Search are your best resources. Whether you are looking for a BigLaw position, a boutique firm, or a move to a better work environment, Harrison's expertise will help you take control of your future.

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Harrison's reach, experience, and proven results make him the best legal recruiter in the industry. Don't settle for an average recruiter-work with the one who has changed the careers of thousands of attorneys and can do the same for you.

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.