5 Prep Steps For On-campus Interviews (OCI)

Dear Rising 2L,

Until now, you likely have not experienced many, if any, formal job interviews with BigLaw lawyers. Here’s what to expect and 5 suggestions to help prepare.

IN ADVANCE

1️⃣ Decide on 3-4 main points that you want to raise about yourself in the interview, regardless of the specific questions asked. Practice delivering answers on your main points.

—In this way, preparing for potential questions at a job interview is a bit like preparing for an oral argument in court. You want to make sure you hit your key points no matter what.

2️⃣ Research commonly asked interview questions and draft answers to a dozen or so of them. That will get you doing something and calm nerves.

—Don’t think of it as a waste of time, either. Even if your interviewer doesn’t ask the specific questions you practice, getting the reps in will get you more comfortable answering any type of question.

BEFORE FIRST-ROUND INTERVIEWS

Screening interviews set in law-school interview rooms or virtually tend to be 20-30 minutes.

3️⃣ For every firm where you secure a first-round interview, conduct thorough research on both the firm and each specifically-named interviewer.

—The goal is to have content that lets you lead the interview on your terms.

4️⃣ Prepare a one-page “cheat sheet” for each firm in which you have strong interest.

—The first round can feel a bit like 20- or 30-minute speed dating. You will not always have time to refresh regarding each firm right before your interview.

5️⃣ The second part of the interview will often be the interviewer asking what questions you have.

—Make sure you have questions written out and fresh in your mind beforehand.

I’m sending good-luck wishes to all of you & will have tips coming up on handling the interview themselves.

Please let me know if you have any questions or ideas for what I might write about to help you.

Fondly,
💌 Amanda

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