Unlock Success: Tips For Law Firm Video Interviews They DON'T Want You to Know

Oct 26, 2023

Written By Nandini Jadeja

As training contract places at law firms become increasingly competitive, the application process is changing to enable law firms to review the hundreds of applications they receive in each cycle. Video interviews are one part of the shift, as they allow firms to get to know candidates quickerThis article aims to reveal valuable, lesser-known tips for excelling in video interviews to empower you with the knowledge you need to succeed!

The significance of video interviews in legal hiring

Video interviews have become a crucial part of the application process. Increased competition for places and the shift to remote work means that more firms are using virtual assessment processes, and will continue to use these. Video interviews are more efficient for both candidates and law firms, as it is more cost effective for the firm and more accessible for candidates. Thus, the more you can adjust to this changing landscape, the better positioned you are for success.

One thing to note is that virtual and video interviews are different: a virtual interview is an online interview that takes place over a video conferencing platform. Video interviews are one way. The interview consists of you responding to questions that appear on the screen on a video communication medium, rather than from an interviewer.

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Preparing for video interviews

The set up of a video interview is essential for success and can help you feel more organised ahead of the interview. Check your lighting, background and internet connection by arranging a practice video with a friend or family member, and remember to dress appropriately for the interview. Nailing your professional set up can help you make a good first impression and present yourself in the best possible light.

Researching the law firm

Candidates that are well informed about the firm, its culture and recent cases can tailor responses effectively to demonstrate genuine interest and enthusiasm for the firm. Having this knowledge begins at the preparation stage, where you can research the law firm by:

1. Start by producing a list of questions that you want to know about the firm, and focus on things that might be important to you (e.g., number of trainees, corporate social responsibility initiatives, opportunity for a client or international secondment etc).

2. Use the firm’s website and graduate recruitment brochure to find out some of this information, and conduct research on the firm’s practice areas, industry specialisms and recent deals.

3. Use other websites to add to this knowledge and fill in any gaps, for example if you want to learn more about particular practice areas or include information about a firm’s rankings.

4. You can also use other sources of information: youtube channels, connecting with current employers, networking events, and even podcasts are all ways of finding out more about a firm.

5. Collate this information and repeat these steps for each firm you have a video interview or interview with.

Formulating structured answers

There are several ways to structure your answer, one of the most common of which is STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Response). This is an effective way of making sure your answers are detailed enough and, crucially, include a discussion of your experiences. Within this structure, you can showcase key skills that the firm is looking for, like problem-solving and analytical skills. Answers that are structured make it easier for both you and the interviewer as the interviewer can follow your answers more clearly. It also helps the interviewer award you ‘points’ in an interview as the interview is usually assessed based on a pre-set criteria.

By having a structure in mind, you will be less likely to stumble, and have a structure to return to if you discuss something unrelated to the question. It also stops you from waffling, something that is frequently done in an interview situation.

Practical preparation for video interviews

One of the best ways of preparing for a video interview is by doing a mock interview using a list of common interview questions. Mock interviews are a great way of identifying where the gaps in your knowledge are so you can brush up ahead of the real interview, fine tune your skills and build confidence, especially in terms of speaking in a video setting. If you can, record yourself speaking in a video interview to identify how fast you are speaking, or if you have any habits that you can correct ahead of the interview (like fiddling for example).

Many university’s careers teams offer mock interviews and guidance around interviews, so make sure you speak to them to see if they can help you.

Nailing the interview

So, you’ve done the preparation – now for the interview! Remember that body language is critical: maintain ‘eye contact’ as best as you can (by looking at the camera on your laptop), sit up straight with your shoulders back and convey your enthusiasm by smiling and listening carefully to the interviewer. Maintaining good body language (and even practising power poses beforehand) will help you confidently discuss legal concepts, cases, and industry trends.

If there is a technical glitch or you can’t seem to shake your nervousness – don’t panic! Glitches happen all the time, stay calm and try to get back on track. Email graduate recruitment and explain the situation.

To summarise, video interviews are here to stay, but by using the tips in this article, you can unlock your potential and excel in them.

Selection & Assessment