Lateral Link is launching a new weekly feature where readers can pose questions about the job search process to a panel of legal industry experts, including hiring partners, law firm recruiting personnel, law school career services counselors and legal recruiters. This week's question is one that comes up often: I have an interview coming up, should I be preparing? If so, how should I prepare?
Preparing for an interview is of utmost importance. Do not be misled: poor preparation - not a poor resume or poor grades - is the primary reason candidates do not receive offers for otherwise on-point positions. If you've landed an interview, your resume and grades have gotten you in the door. Now your job is to nail the interview and receive an offer.
Arriving at an interview, you want to ensure that you are an INFORMED candidate. That means knowing the particular company you are interviewing with inside and out as it applies to you. According to Mr. Michael Kayan, Hiring Partner at Constantine Cannon, "Substantive preparation by the candidate before an interview is obviously important. Good preparation generally connotes interest and seriousness of purpose on the part of a candidate. I like to ask a candidate what s/he already knows about our firm, and then I'll elaborate on that initial base of knowledge. I'm impressed when a candidate has done more than pay a quick visit to our firm's website, and disappointed when a candidate has merely done that, or less."
According to Mr. Kayan, you should do your research. There are numerous sources you can look to and specific items that you should review prior to your interview.
To read more, click here.
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Want to take an active role in solving the nation's energy challenge? Interested in the intersection of law, policy and public relations and shaping state and federal policy? If so, then the Job of the Week may be for you. As always, the Job of the Week is brought to you by Lateral Link, and as with other Lateral Link law firm positions, this job qualifies for a $10,000 guaranteed signing bonus.
Position: Energy Policy Associate
Location: Washington D.C., Raleigh or Richmond
Description: The newly formed Energy Policy Group of an AmLaw 100 law firm is seeking experienced associates to join either its Raleigh, Richmond, or D.C. office. This inter-disciplinary practice group will offer comprehensive solutions to clients' legal, policy, and public relations needs in the energy sector. The group's efforts will focus on crafting and executing successful legal, policy and business strategies, involving issues such as energy sources, generation facilities, renewable energy sources and portfolio standards, transmission issues, carbon regulation, climate change policy, environmental regulation and compliance, and innovative finance solutions.
Relevant experience includes regulatory or transactional experience in the areas of energy, environmental, or telecom. For more information about this position or to apply, please see Position 9933 on Lateral Link. Current members can also contact their personal search consultant directly to discuss this position. Membership in Lateral Link is free and you can apply at www.laterallink.com.