Know your Online Image
Prospective employers may research you online to learn more about you than what you’ve shared through your application materials. It is important for you to maintain a professional online image. Google yourself—are you concerned with what you see? If it is content you posted, look into taking it down. Consider restricting access to your online content whenever possible. For advice on developing your LinkedIn profile, log into LinkedIn Learning (using your CAS credentials) and search “Learning LinkedIn” for a useful tutorial.
Know the Employer
Read the employer’s web site and other online resources. Talk to students who have worked for the employer and consult the Student Summer Employment Evaluations in CMS. Read recent news items discussing the employer so that you know about current issues for them. Know why you want to work for the employer.
Know the City
Be able to articulate your interest in and connection to the city in which you are interviewing.
Be Prepared to Ask and Answer Questions
Review CDO’s Sample Interview Questions. Prepare answers to your most difficult questions. Think in advance about what questions you wish to ask. Ask questions that reflect your interests and research.
Some employers will ask behavioral interview questions, such as “Give an example of a goal you reached and tell me how you achieved it”; “What do you do when a team member is not holding up her end of the work?”; or “Describe a stressful situation in a prior work setting and how you handled it.” In responding to questions of this nature, use the STAR Method: Situation – describe the event or situation that you were in; Task – explain the task that you had to complete and what you were trying to accomplish; Action – describe the specific actions you took to complete the task; Result – close with the results of your efforts and explain how your efforts contributed to the organization.
Participate in CDO Interview Skills Programs
Take part in CDO programs, including the interview skills program and mock interview training, to brush up on your interview skills before the real thing.
Know What to Expect on Interview Day
Make sure you know the logistics—the time, location, length of your visit, names of attorneys you will meet, and what materials you should bring (although it is probably wise to bring a resume, writing sample, list of references and transcript even if not requested). Look the interviewers up on the employer’s website. Map out your travel route in advance and be sure to arrive a few minutes early.
Attire
Your attire should contribute to your professionalism. Although employers may have different dress codes, err on the conservative side when interviewing.
See CDO’s Discussion of Interview and Work Attire for in-depth information and advice on topics including:
- Attire for legal interviews
- Attire for day-to-day work at a legal employer’s office
- Differences between business formal and business casual, and detailed information on both
- Things to keep in mind when selecting and purchasing interview and work attire
- How to approach interview and work attire for virtual and in-person professional interactions
- How and where to find interview and work attire and accessories on sale
- Yale’s $500 COAP-eligible suit loan. (If you receive loans and/or grants to attend YLS, you may request a one-time loan of $500 to purchase a suit. Talk to Financial Aid for details.)
