I often hear students say, “I will take what I can get.” While I understand the practicality of this position – taking a job you aren’t well suited for may backfire. Before interviewing, think about what is important to you. How do you work best?
- Am I comfortable with a “sink or swim” mentality?
- Do I work better when I know exactly what I am doing?
- Am I comfortable figuring things out on my own?
- Do I like to work alone?
- Do I want to work directly with partners?
- Am I more comfortable having an associate on the file as well?
- Do I respond well when I am challenged?
- How much responsibility do I like to have?
- Is having a formal mentor important to me?
- Am I looking for experience in a particular area?
- Is there an area of practice I want to stay away from?
- Do I want to go to court?
- Is client contact important for me?
- Do I do better when I have a roadmap and know exactly what my responsibilities are?
- Am I comfortable seeking out the work I want (and knocking on doors to get it)?
- Would I prefer to have a steady flow of work assigned to me on a regular basis?
- How much feedback do I need?
- How much direction do I need?