5 MUST DOs at every Training Contract Interview
Display confidence and be well prepared
Confidence and preparedness is one of the most desirable traits and
characters that interviewers look for in
training contract candidates. No amount of disguise can cover a lack of confidence
and preparation, so don't test the skill and patience of the interviewers by
trying to hide anything inside, because it will invariably show up on the
outside.
You also need to be able to present your preparation and confidence to
the interviewers with your body language. This means good eye contact with the interviewers, and answering
questions with a calm and assuring tone. By being concise and accurate with your responses, you can also project
your knowledge of the firm and your own abilities to the interviewers
positively.
With preparation comes confidence, and with confidence comes the ability
to handle anything that they throw at you during the interview.
Show genuine passion and enthusiasm
Just as you can't disguise a lack of confidence, interviewers are also
looking for people who are genuinely passionate and enthusiastic when it comes
to interviews. Interviewers can sense
very quickly whether a candidate is interested and keen about the work, and it
becomes more obvious when further questions are asked about their interest in
law and their views about the firm.
To help you project the image of being passionate and enthusiastic, keep
your eyes on the interviewer at all times, and use open and positive gestures
and body positions to help with delivering your responses in a upbeat
tone.
The more you can establish a common interest with the firm and a career
in law, the more likely they are to see your interest in working with them.
Keep up with appearances
Needless to say, first impressions count for a lot during an interview,
and nothing is worse than getting off on the wrong note. Being tidy and well-dressed counts for
nothing if you can't be comfortable at the same time, so try and find the best
balance.
Don't wear anything that will attract attention of the interviewers by
dressing in loud or flashy colors and styles.
Always be honest and open
How you deal with the interview questions can also reflect how you deal
with situations in the workplace, so it is a good policy to be open and
honest. Interviewers tell if you are
just saying something that they want to hear, especially if you are not at all
confident with your responses because you don't really believe in them. It is far more preferable to stick with what
you truly believe, and use as much evidence and proof to back up your
comments.
During the interview, it is also advisable to be honest about any
questions and worries that you may have, so that these issues can be addressed
at the earliest possible stage.
Don't be afraid to pause and think
When answering questions, there's no need to worry about pausing before
you give your response. Rather than
looking a bit hesitant, a well-measured pause shows that you have thought about
the question carefully, and that your answer will be well-prepared. If you can plan your response in your head
first, it is less likely for you to ramble on and miss the point, or having to
stop mid-sentence to work out what you want to say.
A
clear and logical response to the question shows a clear and logical mind, and
that is something that the interviewers will look for.
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