Interviewing

During the interview process, your goals are to determine whether the employer meets your career goals and objectives, and to make the employer aware of your unique qualities, interests, and skills. The key to a successful interview is preparation.

Use your interviews to demonstrate that you possess the qualities employers seek including: 

• a record of academic success, including strong research and writing skills
• knowledge of the employer and a demonstrated interest in their work  
• core competencies including good judgment, leadership, problem solving skills, demonstrated ability to overcome challenges, demonstrated success working in diverse teams
• excellent application materials and interviewing skills 

Interview structures vary, although most organizations will conduct an initial “screening” interview of 30-minutes or so, followed by a lengthier round of “callback” interviews. Interviews may be in-person, via video or by phone and may take place through an interview program¹ or as a result of direct outreach. 
 

Resources Mentioned in this Section

• YLS Recruiting Policies⁶
• Career Fairs and Interview Programs¹
• CDO’s Discussion of Interview and Work Attire⁷ (PowerPoint)
• Sample Interview Questions⁸ (PDF)
• Sample Law Firm Evaluation Forms⁹ (PDF)
• Sample Thank You Emails¹⁰ (PDF)
• Information about Callback Interviews (PDF)
• Advice on Navigating the Job Search for Yale Law Students with Disabilities¹¹ (PDF)
• TRI PI (Travel Reimbursement for Interviews in the Public Interest)¹²
• YLS Office of Public Affairs virtual backgrounds¹³
• YLS Office of Financial Aid Budget Revision Form for Suit Purchase Loan¹⁴