The Most Asked Interview Questions

Provided below is a list of the most asked interview questions. Make sure to prepare a response for each of them:

(1) Tell me something about yourself that's not on your resume. This is the absolute worst question! The first time I was asked this question was during an interview in college for General Motors. My response: "Well, I'm one of two siblings, I'm from Detroit, I like cars . . . " Needless to say, GM did not call me back. The proper response to this question is something that focuses on your personality traits that will make you an asset to the organization (e.g., "I have a strong work ethic, I'm a team player, etc.). These folks want to know that if necessary they can work on an emergency motion with you at 11 PM on a Thursday night when both of you would rather be partying on the rooftop at The Wit.

(2) Who or what influenced you to pursue a legal career?

(3) What do you consider to be your greatest strengths? Please, please do NOT say that you are a perfectionist. Recruiters hear this all of the time. Come up with something unique, but not too unique.

(4) What do you consider to be your greatest weakness? Be honest, but not too honest with this one. And, once you state what your weakness is, water it down by reiterating your strengths.

(5) What makes your stand out amongst your peers? Talk about your strengths and how you would be an asset to the recruiter's firm. But, do NOT take this time to bash other students or lawyers.

(6) What criteria did you use to select laws schools to which to apply? My Chicago-Kent students and graduates, do not state that the Legal Writing program was the sole reason you decided to go to Chicago-Kent. Everyone says this! Use the Legal Writing program as one of several reasons.

(7) Do you think your grades are a good indication of your academic achievement and abilities as a lawyer? If you don't think so, state "no" and the things you are doing to get your grades on track. Whatever you do, do not make excuses!

(8) Why aren't you on law review? Why didn't you decide to write onto a journal? Be honest and always leave the option open for law review (if you have the grades) and a journal (if you are interested in one).

(9) What did you get out of this past summer's experience? Discuss the positives of the previous experience and how it will make you an asset to the recruiter's firm.

(10) Why do you want to work for us? Be honest and prove that you've done your research. Broadly stating that you want to work at a "large firm" in a great city is not enough. In fact, the interview may end early! Instead, if you are interested in a particular practice or several practice areas at the firm, state that. If the firm has a small or medium size environment and you believe you work best in those type of environments, state that. Check out the NALP Directory ( http://www.nalpdirectory.com/) and the firm's website for detailed information on the practice areas that are offered at the firm.

(11) Do you have any idea in which practice areas you want to have assignments? Be honest and show that you've done your research on the firm.

(12) Where else are you interviewing? Be honest and know how to pronounce the names of the firms.

(13) What do you see yourself doing 5 to 7 years after law school? Trick question!!! Response: Working at your firm, of course. :-)

(14) Do you have a geographical preference? Be honest and strategic. Do not say you would work at the Montana office if you really wouldn't.

(15) What questions do you have for me about our firm? See "Questions to Ask Interviewer" post.