This is an article in a series of articles called Your Ultimate Guide to Law Student Recruitment. Don’t forget to read the previous article here: What to Wear to Law Firm Interview
Introduction
Alright, you’re dressed for success. Now, let’s talk interview essentials! What should you bring to your law firm interview? There’s nothing worse than spending countless hours preparing for your interview only for you to realize at the last minute that you forgot something important, like a copy of your resume! Okay, you don’t technically need to bring a copy of your resume. Your interviewers will have their own copies, but in the unlikely event that they don’t, wouldn’t it be great if you could pull one out and hand it to them? It not only shows preparation but thoughtfulness too. Okay, so let’s get right into it. Here’s what you should bring to your law interview!
Copies of Your Documents
This includes all of the documents that you included in your application package: resume, cover letter, transcripts, reference letters, etc. Be careful! Double and triple check that the documents you bring are for THAT firm. How awkward would it be if you handed a cover letter to Bennett Jones that was addressed to Dentons?…………………………….
Ideally, you’d want to print a copy for each interviewer and a couple of extras because you never know. I actually did have one interview where there was an extra interviewer that I didn’t know about who asked for a copy of my resume and cover letter. Luckily, I came prepared!
Padfolio or Folder
This is pretty obvious. You’re gonna need something to hold all of your documents in! Your interviewer(s) might even give you some documents themselves like a firm guide or business cards and you’d want to have a padfolio or folder to put them in. Plus, it looks professional and elevates your look!
Notepad or Notebook
If you have a padfolio, it should already include a notepad. But if it doesn’t, don’t forget to bring one! That, or a notebook. Just something to write on so you can quickly jot down key names, questions, or points to follow up on after the interview. You might already have pre-written questions for your interviewers that you can write in your notepad/notebook so you don’t forget to ask them during the interview.
iPad or Tablet
As an alternative to a notepad or notebook, you can bring an iPad or Tablet if you have one to take down notes digitally. Just be careful with this since it is an electronic device. Make sure to use it strictly for note-taking and not to browse around or go on social media, even when you’re just waiting for your interview in the lobby. You are being watched and assessed by all the members of the firm and it’s best to stay present.
Writing Tools
A pen is an obvious essential! You need something to write with and you can never go wrong with a pen. Most law firms will have pens for use so if you forget this one, it’s not the end of the world but it’s always good to have your own. A highlighter is another great thing to have in case you want to highlight anything before the interview as you review your notes or even during the interview.
Water Bottle
Some firms will offer you a drink while you wait to be called into your interview, but others won’t. And trust me, you want to have water on hand. Interviews can run long and if you’re nervous, it could make your mouth dry. You’ll also be tired of talking a lot. So having a water bottle to drink from will keep you refreshed and ready to answer those tough questions. Plus, it’s a great way to give yourself time to think for those really tough questions. When you’re stumped, just take a sip of water to give you a chance to organize your thoughts.
Facial Tissue
Again, most firms will have a box of tissues laying around but it’s always good to have your own. If you ever need to sneeze or wipe off a spill or nervous sweat, you’ll be glad you brought some facial tissues with you!
Comfortable Shoes
This one’s for those with long commutes or for the ladies who aren’t used to wearing heels. If you have multiple interviews, you might be walking quite a bit from place to place and it’s great to have a pair of comfortable shoes like sneakers or clogs to change into when you’re in-between interviews. Just don’t forget to change back into your professional shoes afterward (I forgot to do this once and went into a law firm in my sneakers lol good thing they were running late so I was able to quickly change while waiting at the reception desk)!
Band Aids
This one’s for emergencies! Again, for the ladies with heels who are likely to get blisters, band aids can be a lifesaver. Or if you get a nasty paper cut, a bandaid can come in handy too. Something small but essential because you never know!
Snacks or Mints (but no gum!)
Depending on how long your interviews are and how many you have, you might be in for a long day! Bring a snack with you, something small and discreet like a granola bar that you can eat in between interviews or mints to keep your breath fresh and your mind distracted from hunger. I would just stay away from gum as that can be distracting and seem unprofessional!
Professional Bag or Briefcase
Last but not least, you have to have somewhere to put all of your other essential in so you need a professional looking bag or briefcase. Choose something structured and simple, not overly bulky. It should also complement your outfit and not stand out so go with a neutral colour like black, navy or brown. It shouldn’t be too small so it can fit your padfolio and all other interview essentials but it shouldn’t be too large either. A good bag will complete your interview look!
Conclusion
Some of these might seem obvious and they are! But obvious items tend to get overlooked and you don’t need the unnecessary stress of forgetting something on your big day. I hope this list of interview essentials is helpful and gives you some peace of mind that you’ve got everything you need so you can concentrate on what matters: acing that interview!
This is an article in a series of articles called Your Ultimate Guide to Law Student Recruitment. Check back again soon for the next article!
Previous article: What to Wear to Law Firm Interview
Start at the beginning: Law Student Recruitment