THAT FIRST JOB INTERVIEW

A new wig has just been called to the bar.  CVs are sent out and phone calls made.  Suddenly, one morning an unknown number rings persistently.  It is a call from a very sexy city law firm they are wondering if you can attend an interview at their office the next day.  However, the euphoria of being called for an interview by this A-list soon fizzles out as questions flood your mind.  What to wear?  How do you get to their office early in the morning?  What kind of test you will write?  You are now quite apprehensive because you are not ready for that all important interview.  The essence of this write up is to help new and not so new wigs to face that all important interview with gusto.

In truth, the butterflies generally have a field day when it comes to attending that first job interview.  However some useful tips for a successful outing at the first interview or any other one for that matter have been developed and the diligent interviewee only needs to acquaint himself with them in order to increase the chances of coming out of an interview successfully.

• Preparation: One of the most important of tips in my view is preparation.  Preparation is the foundation for any successful interview.  Preparation entails a number of things;
• Dress Appropriately:  An interviewee must take his appearance at the interview seriously, whilst your appearance alone is most unlikely to get you the job it would do you well to note that putting off the interviewer[s] even slightly must cost you the job.  Generally, the dress code at interviews must be smart, coordinated, tidy and understated.  Keep in mind that the objective of attending the interview is to get the job and not make a fashion statement.  Avoid too much make up or jewelry.
• Punctuality: Make sure you know where the location of the office is.  It is quite important to know how long it will take to travel down to the venue of the interview, take into consideration unexpected delays.  It is most unimpressive to arrive late.  Arrive the venue of the interview at least 15 minutes before the scheduled commencement time.  Arriving early give you time to take in your surroundings and calm your nerves.
• Rehearse and be prepared to answer questions form the interviewer[s].  Remember what you have stated in your CV and be prepared to answer questions about what you have stated therein.
• Prepare to answer questions that would be put to you by the interviewers.
• Research the firm, doing good relevant research cannot be overemphasized because it is regarded as the single most important thing you can do to improve your chances of getting the job.  Yes it is important.  Your research should ideally start from the website of the firm [if any], their newsletters, publications and press cuttings.  A good quality research covering the firm's history; recent transactions; challenges, competitors; opportunities; etc would help in convincing the interviewers[s] that you are the candidate more than anyone else who wants and deserves the job.  However where there is no website, talk to people who work or have worked in the firm or who simply know the firm;
• Be prepared to also ask the interviewers questions.  Take full advantage of opportunities to ask questions.  Asking good well prepared and researched questions is the candidate's chance to demonstrate that he is better than other candidates.  Ask questions that will make the interviewer[s] think to themselves, "wow what a good question - this is the sort of thoughtful candidate we need."
• Be aware of your environment.  This means no more than being abreast of current affairs, it would be a disaster if a candidate is not aware and cannot discuss current affairs.  So, read newspapers and listen to the news.  If a topic that has dominated the headlines is brought up, it looks a lot better if you can contribute to the discussions.
• During the Interview: When you meet the interviewer[s], shake hands firmly and directly, maintain eye contact throughout the duration of the interview, remember names of the interviewer[s].  Endeavor to be confident, believing in your abilities.  Nothing puts the mind of any employer to rest as much as a confident employee.  Confidence entails self assurance and a can-do ambiance, virtues relished by every employer.  Sit in an appropriate posture and relax.  Do not slouch or cross your arms as this looks defensive.  Listen to questions well before answering.  You may politely request for a question to be repeated if you did not hear it properly when it was asked.  Do not be afraid to ask for clarification on any question you do not understand.  Speak clearly when answering questions and sound enthusiastic and confident all through.  Keep answers positive but do not guess answers to questions you do not know or are unsure of, simply admit that you do not know it.  You can however where appropriate, state how you would go about finding the answer.  Maintain a positive attitude, expressing yourself clearly and with exactitude while also ensuring you do not deviate from the point.  Curb all urges or tendencies to fidget or gesticulate when answering questions.  Talk about yourself to the interviewer with the best examples you have.  Have spare copies of your CV and credentials at hand.
• Discuss yourself Positively: Be prepared to tell the interviewer about yourself for about five minutes.  Discuss only issues of interest and those that my bear a positive impact on the job.  Examples include any achievement, award, charitable work, involvement in any academic or developmental projects, membership of any reputable association, personal skills, experience [if any], aspirations, targets and goals.  At the end of the interview, close with a positive statement and thank the interviewer[s] for their time.
• After the Interview: It is essential that after the interview you conduct a review of your performance, note what you did well and what you think could be improved.  Congratulations to you if you get the job.  In your excitement however do not forget that the best time to negotiate your salary is after receiving the job offer, and importantly before you accept the offer.  The chances of renegotiating your salary after you accept the offer are virtually nil.