preparing for interviews

So, you have landed your rst interview! But it is a mixed feeling of excitement and anxiety. You may start getting overwhelmed at what they may ask, how do I land a good rst impression? Before you know it, you may start doubting your abilities about whether you can do it.

However, interviews do not have to be daunting. In fact they are a conduit to greater and more exciting opportunities that may assist you in your legal career. In fact, think of the interview as a game in which you have a deck of cards (your skills and experiences) and you decide when to bring the right cards to impress your interviewer. So here are some vital tips to use at your disposal to ace that interview.

CLUBS: RESEARCH THE FIRMS (THE DIFFERENT LEGAL “CLUBS”)

Even though clubs are the lowest suit, researching your rm’s values is one of the rst steps in preparing for your interview. Each rm may have slightly di erentiated values when screening candidates, their priority is trying to nd the best candidate that aligns with their own. So make sure that you have thoroughly researched the rms you are applying to but remember to keep in mind your own values and what's important for you. You do not want to apply for a position if those values do not align.

Keep in mind interviews can range from 30 to 60 minutes and that you should be prepared about questions of the position that you applied for. By taking the time to research the rm, not only do you demonstrate an understanding of both the rm and the specialised practise groups they o er, but it also shows the interview that you are passionate about applying to their rm

Here are examples of what you could research:

• Firms learning and development strategies

• Work Flexibility

• Their core values

• Programs or opportunities they o er for career progression

Here are some questions that may be asked by your interviewer:

• Why do you believe our rm’s values align with your own?

Sample Answer: The rm's value of inclusivity in the workplace is one that I also prioritise and value given my own experience of providing accessible legal services for disadvantaged groups when I worked at Redfern Legal Centre [....].

• Which area of law that the rm o ers, would you like to specialise in? Why?

Sample Answer: An area of law that I am interested in pursuing is Environmental Law because [....] therefore I applied to your rm because of your program which o ers [....].

• Are there any initiatives that the rm o ers which sets us apart from others?

Sample Answer: I saw in your annual sustainability report that you established a program which [....]. Considering my interest in environmental law, I found this initiative to be not only distinctive and novel compared to other rms, but also [....].

DIAMONDS: FIND A CONTACT (THE DIAMOND)

The second step/suite is diamonds, in the context of clerkship interviews your diamond is going to be a pre-existing contact within the rm. This may not always be possible but if you are able to, nd a contact within your target rm since they can provide a valuable insider perspective on the rm's life and culture, as well as tips on how to prepare for the interview. This could be someone you already know, or you could reach out to your personal and professional network and ask them to introduce you to somebody. In most cases, you will often be assigned a buddy during the clerkship recruitment process, so use them as your point of contact if you don't already have one.

Once you have found a contact, ask them questions of how their interviews went:

• What kind of questions did they ask?

• What are the traits the interviewers are looking for in candidates?

• What can I do that will set me apart from other candidates?

Having a contact is a huge advantage in preparing yourself for the potential questions your interviewer would ask. This way you can compile a list of questions to practise before you sit the interview which not only makes you feel more con dent in your responses but relieves a tremendous amount of stress.

HEARTS: PERSONAL PITCH

The second highest suit is hearts, similarly you have to appeal to the "heart" of your interviewer, meaning delivering the best "personal pitch". As much as having an impressive and professional front is, your interviewer also values your personality and communication skills. In clerkship interviews, you will most likely be asked to share examples in which you have demonstrated abilities of leadership,con ict/management and resolution, inclusion or prioritisation.

Here are some questions that could be asked:

• When was a moment in which you did not receive the outcome you wanted? What did you learn from it?

Sample Answer: In my rst year of university, I received a really bad grade because I misinterpreted the assignment. Instead of blaming some external factor for the bad grade, I instead asked my professor for clari cation on how I could improve my legal writing [....]. As a result of me directly asking for advice, I am able to carry his advice of using concise language and structure in any writing task that I do.

• Tell me about your experience of (...), how did you demonstrate our rm's values of (...) in it?

• Tell me about your work with previous clerkships? What skills did you acquire while working with them?

• What do you consider your greatest strengths and weaknesses?

Towards the end of an interview, you will be given the opportunity to ask any questions you have. To show interest and your listening skills about the company and role, arm yourself with at least 3-4 ready in advance. Also bring a pen and paper into the interviewer to write any notes or information that the interviewer mentions about the position or the rm, to ask as questions later. Asking questions will allow you to determine whether this role is the right t for youremember that the interview is meant to help the rm determine your suitability for the role. And it's equally an opportunity for you to assess your own interest in working there!

SPADES: PRACTISE, PRACTISE, PRACTISE!

As the highest suit, spades requires you to hone and polish your skills for the interview.

Ask a family member or friend to ask you some typical interview questions so you can practise your answers. Here are some examples you can ask them to give you feedback on:

• Content - Was it relevant to the question?

• Pace - did you speak too fast? or too slow?

• Volume - did you speak too loudly? or too softly?

• Delivery - did you speak clearly and concisely? Was it engaging? Do you sound con dent?

Avoid using sentence llers such as ‘um, err’ when making attempts to ll the silence. Interviewers prefer you take your time with responding to questions. A good tip would be to record yourself on your phone when practising question responses to hear how often you subconsciously use these words in your vocabulary. By practising this regularly, you will be able to speak more con dently and avoid using these ller words unnecessarily.

JOKER: BE YOURSELF

Finally, the most underrated card in the deck but arguably the most important is the joker card- Be yourself.

Avoid trying to fake a professional front that is not an extension of your personality or values. Interviewers can often tell the di erence between someone who is trying to mimic an ideal candidate and someone who is themselves and also exhibits the qualities they are looking for. Smile, shake the interviewer's hand and have an ice-breaker ready to initiate small talk before answering those questions. This will help you ease into the interviewer and make it just as comfortable for the interviewer too.

Think of an interview as a networking opportunity too, so don't be afraid to connect with your interviewers digitally afterwards, to keep the communication and relationship going. Engage with everyone, regardless of their role within the rm.

Our significant work

We let our work speak for itself. We’re proud to work with some of the biggest organisations in the world on their most important matters.

Our clients include more than half of the top 50 ASX-listed companies, some of the largest privately owned companies in Australia and a number of global Fortune 500 companies.

We work with well-known organisations like AGL, Amazon, Australia Post, BP, Blackstone, CBA, Coles, eBay, Google, Johnson & Johnson, Medibank, NAB, PayPal, Stockland, TPG Telecom, Rio Tinto, BHP, TransGrid, Wesfarmers and Westpac.

We also work with Federal and State governments, as well as on high profile and market-leading transactions.

Our Lawyer Development Program

The Lawyer Development Program is designed to support you in the formative stage of your career. It aims to build the capabilities and relationships that will drive career progression and underpin future successes, as rapidly as possible. Unique features of the program include:

• Mentor partner – You will be allocated a mentor partner (in most cases your supervising partner in your first rotation) who remains in this role throughout the program and potentially beyond. This will build a personal and enduring relationship that transcends everyday transactional work. You will also be supported in each rotation by a supervising partner and SA/SC who will source meaningful and challenging work.

• 12 x 6 x 6 rotation structure – The first practice group rotation is 12 months to ensure you have time to learn on the job and build strong capabilities and relationships in your first year. In the second year, when you have an increased level of experience and confidence, you will complete two six-month rotations in order to gain exposure and build relationships across different groups.

• Formal learning – The program incorporates comprehensive formal learning opportunities including our national Graduate Academy, local Graduate Orientation, practical legal training with the College of Law, practice group induction sessions and the national Legal Excellence program.

Corrs Graduate Academy

At the start of the Lawyer Development Program, we bring all our graduates together in one location for a multi-day learning experience where you can meet with your peers, learn and have fun.

Graduate Academy is specifically designed for new graduates and aims to:

• welcome you to the firm;

• help you to understand the future direction of the firm and our vision for success;

• develop the core knowledge and skills essential to being an effective graduate;

• further develop your connections with peers in person; and

• meet and learn from firm leaders.

Diversity and inclusion

We strongly believe that diversity in all its forms should be embraced and celebrated. This benefits our people, our clients, our firm and the industry at large.

Our commitment to diversity and inclusion includes gender equality, cultural diversity, LGBTIQ+ inclusion, First Nations inclusion, flexible working, carers support and disability inclusion and accessibility.

Corrs was recently named a WGEA Employer of Choice for Gender Equality for the seventeenth year in a row, named a DCA Inclusive Employer (2021-2022) and was the only Australian law firm to be recognised as a finalist for outstanding diversity and inclusion in the 2023 Chambers Asia-Pacific & Greater China Awards.

Pro bono and community

We have a long and proud history of helping those in need, and you will have the opportunity to contribute and make a real difference.

We focus on how we can strategically make a long-term difference for a wider range of people by addressing systemic inequalities, and inspiring a new generation of lawyers to embrace their passion for pro bono work to create lasting impact.

Throughout 2022 we contributed over 28,000 hours of pro bono and community work for those who need it most.

Wellbeing

We recognise the importance of health and wellbeing and are committed to providing a safe and healthy workplace through a range of programs and policies.

Our wellbeing program provides a range of initiatives to assist people in maintaining good overall health. Some of our activities include mixed netball, pilates and yoga, touch football, cricket day, Friday night drinks, family days, trivia nights, annual legal retreats and end of year / financial year parties.

International opportunities

We invest in international experiences that help our lawyers grow their skills, cultural understanding and relationships worldwide.

Through our long-term relationships with leading law firms across the world, we advise on the most significant global matters and connect with the best lawyers internationally to provide our clients with the right team for every engagement.

Our international program allows you to gain experience, skills and relationships that will provide enduring benefits throughout your career. In addition to our roles advising on significant global matters, connecting with the best law firms and lawyers internationally, we offer:

• Scholarships which provide financial support for the completion of postgraduate study at leading institutions including Oxford and Cambridge.

• International secondment opportunities to premium independent firms in locations such as New York, London, Paris, Frankfurt, Milan, Madrid, Mumbai, Singapore and Tokyo.