Top 5 Tips for Training Contract Interviews

Interviewing for prospective training contracts can be nerve-wracking. It can be easy to get caught up in the process and feel anxious but with the right preparation, you can increase your chance of success! Remember, the firm has already read your application and is interested in you. It is now time for you to showcase yourself and demonstrate why you should obtain a training contract at the firm.

 

Kate Hackett, Training Recruitment Partner at The Wilkes Partnership gives her top tips for your training contract interview and provides an insight into what The Wilkes Partnership are looking for.

 

1. Research the firm

Come to your interview well-prepared and able to demonstrate that you have thoroughly researched the firm. Use resources such as their website, social media pages and recent articles and cases so that you are well versed in what the firm does. It is also helpful to look into a firm’s values and culture so that you can demonstrate how you would fit in. Doing your initial research pays off and shows the firm that you are interested in who they are and have an understanding of what they do.

2. Review your application and prepare your response

Before attending the interview, it is helpful to review your application  as you will be asked to elaborate on the points that you have made. You can also research and prepare your response to common questions that may be asked during the interview. For example:

• Why do you want to work for the firm?
• Why do you want a career in law?
• What attributes do you have that the firm are looking for and can you provide an example?
• What legal or other experience do you have?

3. Ask questions

Using your research on the firm, prepare relevant questions to ask your interviewers. For example, you could ask a question about a particular sector the firm specialises in. It is important to keep in mind that targeted questions that are relevant to the firm are favourable rather than asking generic questions.

4. Be yourself

Firms are interviewing you and want to see your personality. There is rarely only one answer to a question. Answer questions honestly so a firm can see your personality.   Be enthusiastic and confident. Smile, make eye contact and try and enjoy the interview.

5. Speak about yourself

Firms want to know more about you. They have already read your application and want to discover more about who you are.Don’t be afraid to speak about your accomplishments. Not just academic but anything else you are involved in.

Good luck!

If you have any further questions on training contracts at The Wilkes Partnership, please contact Kate Hackett on [email protected] or visit our trainee page.