Interview Stories: Truth or Tabloid

As a child your parents were always there with advice. Don't talk with your mouth full. Look someone in the eye when you talk to them. Sit up, don’t slouch. Somehow it seemed that these words of etiquette wisdom were things you could figure out for yourself. The same story is told about interviewing for your next job. A recruiter will always be there with advice. Have a firm handshake. Bring a copy of your resume. Don't talk about politics, sex or religion. After four years of undergraduate school, three years of law school and years practicing law, these are all things that you could figure out for yourself, things you do not want to be told, things you do not want to hear. Well, you would be surprised. What follows are a few pearls of wisdom from interviews gone awry. Are they warnings you should heed based on true interview experiences or merely far-fetched suggestions of what could go wrong? You decide. Be prepared – do your homework, think of some questions. Know about the company or firm you are interviewing with. If possible, find out who you will meet ahead of time and research their backgrounds. If there's ever a lull in the conversation, you can create conversation with this information or ask the questions you have prepared. Turn off your mobile phone, your pager, your blackberry, your iPAQ, anything that buzzes or rings. And if by chance it does ring, DO NOT answer it! Dress professionally, for the job you want, not the job you have. Remember lawyers command respect so dress in a manner that shows you deserve it. So tuck in your shirt, shine your shoes and tone down your makeup. Be on time, and if for some reason you are running late, call and let the interviewer know you are on your way. Freshen up on the way. People remember the bad things – bad hair, bad makeup, bad breath. Skip wearing perfume or cologne. Not everyone agrees with your choice in scents. Do not discuss money at your first interview. Discuss your expectations with your recruiter and negotiate after you already have a job offer. Convince the interviewer you are the perfect candidate for the job and your bargaining power improves. Be gracious to your interviewer for their time. Thank you notes or emails are always appreciated when someone takes time out of their day to interview you.

10 Tips for a More Effective Legal Resume

1. Tailor your resume - take the time to highlight experience that is relevant to the job you are applying for, do not just send the same resume for every job opportunity

2. Keep it simple - one page is ideal, two pages is the maximum, three pages is futile; keep your descriptions precise, avoid the use of "I" or "my" and if you use a second page, put your name and contact information on the top of it

3. Skip the objective - everyone knows your objective, to be an excellent lawyer

4. Don't be cute - no pictures (even if you are a model), drawings, artwork, frames or creative fonts

5. Put your best foot forward - put your most impressive credentials first; if you went to a fantastic school list your education first; if you worked at exceptional firms or companies put your job experience first

6. Everyone knows what a Summer Associate does - do not try to dress it up with fancy descriptions and if you have extensive experience do not waste space by describing your duties

7. Tell the truth - do not make up jobs, experiences, grades or community involvement, the truth will always come out in the interview

8. Be active - accomplishments are more important than responsibilities so use active voice to energize job duties and successes

9. Set yourself apart - if you have a particular interest or hobby that makes you unique, add it under a "Personal" or "Interests" section; but keep it professional and use discretion, not everyone is impressed that you attend Star Wars conventions

10. Proofread - lawyers are hired to pay attention to detail