Well, well, well, isn’t it just fantastic that the pandemic has brought us yet another delightful trend – virtual job interviews! Now, instead of sweating profusely in person, you can do it from the comfort of your own home. So, grab your favorite sweatpants and let’s get ready to dazzle your future employers through a screen. After all, who needs real human interaction anyways?
Let’s face it; virtual interviews can be a nightmare. With technical glitches, distracting backgrounds, and awkward silences, it’s a wonder anyone can make it through without breaking down. But fear not, dear job seekers! With some preparation and the right skills, you too can endure this delightful new form of torture and hopefully land yourself a job.
In this blog, we will guide you through the best practices and tips for virtual job interviews in the legal field. From dealing with your terrible internet connection to hiding your messy bedroom, we’ve got all the secrets to help you survive. So, grab your favorite caffeinated beverage, put on your best fake smile, and let’s dive in.
Pre-Interview Preparation
Ah, pre-interview preparation. The time where you get to channel your inner detective and prepare your answers to some of the most mundane legal interview questions known to man. Here are some steps to take:
Researching The Law Firm Or Company
This is the time to do some serious Facebook stalking and LinkedIn creeping. Find out everything you can about the company, its culture, and its values. Maybe even try to guess the favorite color of the interviewer.
Reviewing Common Legal Interview Questions
What’s your biggest weakness? Why did you become a lawyer? What’s your favorite section of the legal code? These are all incredibly exciting questions that will keep you up at night, so make sure to review them thoroughly.
Preparing Answers To Behavioral Questions
Ah, the classic “tell me about a time when you faced a challenge” question. Get ready to share your most epic story of how you overcame a minor obstacle, but make sure to throw in some buzzwords like “teamwork” and “innovation” to really impress them.
Testing Technology and Equipment
Nothing screams unprofessional like technical difficulties during an interview. So, make sure to test your internet connection, webcam, and microphone to avoid any awkward pauses or moments of silence otherwise,
Also, consider investing in a professional Zoom background template to hide the pile of laundry in the background.
During the Interview
Now, it’s showtime! Time to impress those hiring managers with your professionalism and charm. But before you start thinking about how to answer those tough legal questions, let’s focus on the basics.
Dressing Appropriately
Hey, we get it. Virtual interviews can be tempting. You don’t have to put on pants, no one can see your slippers, and you can even eat snacks during the call without anyone knowing (unless you forget to mute your mic). But if you’re serious about landing that legal job, it’s time to put on your big kid clothes.
That’s right, we’re talking business attire. Suits, ties, blouses, dresses – the whole shebang. You want to look like you’re ready to walk into the courtroom at a moment’s notice, even if you’re just sitting at home in your living room.
And we’re not just saying this because we love fashion (although we do). Dressing up for a virtual interview shows that you’re taking the job seriously and that you’re willing to put in the effort to make a good impression.
Maintaining Professional Body Language And Eye Contact
We understand that you may be tempted to multitask during your virtual interview, but please resist the urge to check your phone or catch up on your favorite legal drama. Instead, maintain eye contact and sit up straight to show that you’re engaged and interested in the conversation.
Avoiding Distractions
It’s essential to make sure you’re in a quiet and distraction-free environment during the interview. So, be sure to mute your phone, close all those browser tabs, and ask your roommates to keep it down (or maybe even bribe them with some snacks).
Asking Thoughtful Questions
Don’t forget that the interview is also an opportunity for you to ask questions and learn more about the law firm or company. So, come prepared with some thoughtful questions that show you’ve done your research and are genuinely interested in the position. And if you can sneak in a joke or two, even better!
Best Practices for Video Interviews
Now that we’ve covered the basics of prepping for the interview and nailing it, it’s time to focus on the unique challenges of video interviews. Get ready to step up your virtual interview game with these best practices.
Tips For Managing Lighting And Background
First things first, make sure you’re not sitting in a dark, dingy corner of your home where the interviewer can barely see you. Consider investing in a ring light or finding a spot in your house with good natural light. And please, for the love of all things holy, clean up the clutter in the background. We don’t want to see your pile of laundry or empty pizza boxes.
Audio Considerations And Tips
No one wants to listen to you sound like you’re in a wind tunnel or a fishbowl. Invest in a decent microphone or headset and make sure you’re in a quiet room. And please, turn off your TV, radio, or any other background noise. We don’t want to hear your roommate’s karaoke party.
Also, don’t forget to do the classic “Am I audible?” check before the interview. Of course, we love nothing more than having to ask you to repeat everything you just said because you were muted or the mic was off. It’s like playing a game of virtual charades, but less fun and more frustrating. So, save us all the trouble and make sure your audio is crystal clear from the start.
Using Body Language To Convey Professionalism
Yes, even in a virtual interview, body language matters. Sit up straight, maintain eye contact, and don’t fidget or slouch. And please, don’t do anything weird like petting your cat or eating a burrito mid-interview. Stay professional, folks.
Conclusion
Congratulations, you’ve made it to the end of our guide on virtual legal job interviews! You should feel proud of yourself for learning all the tips and tricks to outshine your fellow candidates in the virtual world. It’s like you’re a Jedi master of virtual interviews now, just without the light saber.
Just remember, if you do happen to glitch, just pretend it was a power outage and blame it on the internet.
So, take a deep breath, and go forth into the world of virtual legal job interviews with the confidence of someone who has read a blog post about it. And remember, even if you don’t get the job, at least you got some good practice staring at your own face on a screen. Good luck, legal job seekers! You’ll need it.
YLCC would like to thank Pearl Narang for her contribution in this article.
