Interview Resources
Overview
The Career Services Office at KU Law offers resources to help students prepare for interviews.
Review the resources on this page to learn how to excel at behavioral and situational interviewing, make your best impression in virtual interviews and answer tough interview questions.
Not sure where to start?
Review this handout to learn how to confidently approach legal interviews
Behavioral and Situational Interviewing
Situational and behavioral interviewing are similar types of interview questions that encourage interviewees to respond with a narrative, often based on specific experiences they've faced in the past.
Behavioral questions will ask how you handled a past challenge. Situational questions will ask how you would respond to a future challenge.
Virtual Interview Tips
By now, you may feel like you're a pro at Zoom, Skype or any other video platform. But using these platforms for professional interviewing requires more preparation on your behalf than an informal meeting does.
This video covers how to make your best impression in virtual interviews with prospective employers.
Tough Interview Questions
This video covers how to handle some common but difficult interview questions you're likely to face in the interview process.
Virtual Mock Interview Tips
Below are tips for students and attorneys regarding virtual mock interviews.
Resources
Tips for Attorneys - Virtual Mock Interviews
- Set a time.
- Send a Zoom link.
- Ask the student what job they are hoping to interview for, so you can pick appropriate questions.
- Get a copy of the student’s resume ahead of time to help you develop questions.
- Have traditional and behavior-based questions ready.
- Note your first impression, including the background.
- Note any distractions you experience in communicating.
- Note the student’s attire.
- Ask questions and make notes about answers.
- Ask the student if they have questions for you and let them ask those questions, though you need not answer.
- Debrief by reviewing strong answers and how weaker answers could have impressed you more.
- Include feedback on the questions they had prepared for you, as well.
Tips for Students - Virtual Mock Interviews
- Dress like this is a real interview.
- Choose an appropriate background.
- Be sure you tell your mock interviewer what job you hope to interview for and send your resume in advance, so they can prepare appropriate questions.
- Try connecting via Zoom with someone else beforehand, so you can see whether or not you and your background look polished.
- Have your resume handy.
- Research the employer and interviewer. It is OK to make “crib notes” and place them out of view of the camera. Think about including employer stats or details on the employer’s background.
- Think through how you might answer hard questions about your grades or why you are interested in this employer or position.
- Log in right on time - not early.
- Take your time answering questions.
- Remember to prepare relevant, thoughtful questions. It is OK to have these on your “crib notes.”
- Record it so you can review your performance and feedback (be sure you ask permission before the mock interview).
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