Why Most Aspiring Solicitors Fail Video Interviews – And How to Be the Exception

Nov 30, 2023

Written By Benjamin Marshall

Navigating video interviews can be a challenging part of the application process for aspiring solicitors, particularly when you haven’t done them before. However, It’s important that you are confident and prepared for them, as they have become increasingly common for vacation schemes and training contracts at law firms. This article will equip you with strategies to help you avoid making mistakes in your video interviews, setting you apart from the competition.

The significance of video interviews

The legal industry has continued with COVID remote working trends, incorporating video interviews to test skills like communication and tech proficiency. Furthermore, for firms where you may work with international clients, effective online communication is a critical skill.

Video interviews consist of a series of questions. The applicant is given 30 seconds to two minutes to prepare and then around 3 minutes to answer the question. Sometimes, you’re able to re-record an answer. The key distinction from in-person interviews is this preparation time, which should be used effectively.

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Common pitfalls and challenges

Many aspiring solicitors have limited video interview experience. So, you should read up on the distinct differences in a video interview compared to an in-person interview.

This could include technical difficulties, nervousness, or general communication skills. A good tip would therefore be to practise and record answering questions on your laptop, to see how you come across in an online environment.

Pre-interview preparation

A key issue to watch out for is preparation for video interviews. Whilst, different from in-person interviews, a similar level of preparation is needed. Therefore, try to plan and research around the typical questions they would ask at the firm for applicants, so you are confident in the discussion.

When researching a firm, it is essential to gather specific details regarding common questions such as “Why this firm specifically.” A great place to start to find out more information is on the firm’s website, as you can see if the culture and work of the firm attracts you. From this develop your commercial and legal awareness using sites like LinkedIn, The Financial Times, or ZipLaw.

Effective interview strategies

One strategy to implement in video interviews is the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method. When answering a question firms will be looking for a structured answer with tangible examples. This method creates an easy structure to remember and provides the interviewer with a clear response, demonstrating your ability along with a qualitative or quantitative result.

Common law firm application questions will revolve around why a career in this sector of law, why this firm specifically, questions around your CV and questions on current affairs in the legal sector. To effectively answer these questions tangible examples from your work history are needed to demonstrate your abilities, as well as wider knowledge of the legal industry.

Showcasing legal knowledge

When answering these questions, it is important you are both knowledgeable and interested within the legal industry or sector of the firm. To stand out amongst other applicants, detailed knowledge is needed about the firm or legal sector of your choice. One great way to do this would be at firm events, which are often held on campus, or at open days with the firm.

Mastering body language

One key challenge is effective body language. Non-verbal communication is crucial in interviews as firms are looking for candidates with strong communication skills. It also demonstrates you are actively engaged with the question. This involves maintaining eye contact, sitting upright and being appropriately expressive with your hands.

Handling technical challenges

One distinct challenge for video interviews is technical difficulties. Before you do the interview make sure to check you have a good internet connection, battery life, audio and microphone. Also ensure you are in an appropriate area where you won’t have any audio or video disruptions.

Even with adequate preparation issues may still occur. It’s important to remember to keep calm and professional despite these disruptions, as this will not ruin your chances in the interview if you try to remain composed.

Whilst being an online video it is still crucial that you present yourself smartly and professionally. This means dressing appropriately and putting effort into your presentation, as it demonstrates that you have the correct mentality for the firm.

Practice and rehearsal

To build confidence before the interview, practice answering questions. This could involve doing mock interviews with friends and family, recording yourself or researching general sample questions that are often asked.

When doing these activities make sure to ask for feedback. Often you will not be aware of certain body language or speech patterns you have. Therefore, through rehearsal, you can work on these to be more engaging and clearer when answering a question.

Post-interview etiquette

Finally, you can take a deep breath! This can often be a nervous time whilst you wait for a response, but a positive mindset is needed.

If rejected, look at it as a learning experience. There will be lots of other opportunities for you. Rejection, if used correctly will only make you a better applicant in the future. With feedback, self-reflection and experience, you can adapt your approach for next time.

Conclusion: becoming the exception

The key takeaways are therefore to prioritise preparation, work on your communications and to be adaptable to the various challenges video interviews bring. If you take notice of these then you should have the confidence that you have adequately prepared,so you can excel when answering questions.

Hopefully, with this guidance, you now have both the knowledge and confidence to smash those video interviews for law firms. With determination and hard work, you can become the exception and succeed in future video interviews.

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