Page 86 - 190_

86
4. Some recruitment administrators say they look for good academic qualifications

and responsibility, such as running the University Law Society or being captain of

a team. It could be anything from a sports team to a choir. Conversely, a person’s
hobbies may indicate that he or she is a loner, not a leader. Tricia Brett, a

recruitment administrator, says: “We do not want just a member of society, but a
person who does some work for it.”

5. The long, complex application forms favored by some of the larger firms do not
deter many applicants despite the big blank spaces left for questions such as:

“Why do you want to work for us?” and “What are your greatest achievements to
date?» “What experience was the most rewarding and why?”

Some interviewers make the applicant state their “principal interest and leisure
activities” and how they contribute to and benefit from them.

6. My interest included there, cinema, books and travel. I supposed my
contribution was paying for the tickets or book, and my benefit was enjoining

the show, holiday or etc. It seemed a silly question, but now I realize they were
looking for active people.

In reply to my 28 applications, I have had seven acknowledgements, four

letters saying I am too late, five rejections and two invitations for interviewers –
one for a major firm and one for a small, specialist firm.

Despite the overload of would-be lawyers, competition between firms for the best
graduates is still as keen as ever. There never seems to be enough really good

people.

SUGGESTIONS ABOUT HOW TO HAVE A FANTASTIC INTERVIEW

1. Give a good firm handshake with the person doing the interview. This indicates

confidence and competence.

2. Dress in a professional manner:
Men: Wear a dark conservative suit (dark blue or black) with tie. No beards

or moustaches. Dark shoes, neat, short hair.