How do I start to prepare for OCIs?
Know your resume cold. Spend some time refreshing your memory. Understand everything in your application package is fair game during the interview. Be prepared to explain research projects, moot topics and any legal aid/clinic work. Also, be ready to answer awkward questions about gaps, bad grades or other difficulties.
Practice your answers out loud and often. Know “your story” – the things about you that make you a good candidate.
Get to know a bit about the firms you will be meeting. What do they do? What don’t they do? Who will you be meeting? Look at firm websites for the latest deals or cases and news items. Search out industry rankings (Lexpert, Whose Who Legal Canada, IFLR 1000, Best Employers, NALP Canada).
Get connected with classmates working at the firm, current students and alumni. Ask them the tough questions (work/life balance, diversity initiatives, wellness programs…).
Build and manage your online presence. Google yourself. Review privacy settings. Set up your LinkedIn profile.