Interview Guidelines

• Arrive early for your interview, never show up late.
• Shake the interviewer’s hand firmly and wait to be seated.
• Research the firm as well as your interviewer thoroughly.
• Sit up straight, comfortably and confidently. Do not slouch or lean forward on the interviewer’s desk.
• Stay away from personal matters during the interview.
• Do not take extra bags into the interview. A slim leather portfolio is best.
• Always take extra copies of your resume, cover letter, references, and writing sample to the interview.
• Don’t use your hands when speaking.
• Look directly at your interviewer, not around the room or at the ceiling.
• If an interview question stomps you, ask for a moment to gather your thoughts, then answer.
• Always send a thank you letter after the interview. Thank you letters should be sent within 24 hours of the interview. Do not send thank you letters by email unless the employer specifically indicates the desire to be contacted by email.

At some point during the interview you will be asked if you have any questions. Don’t say no. It shows that you may not have given much thought to the interviewer, says Erica Steinberger, a partner at Latham & Watkins in New York.

Ten questions to ask in an interview:

• What is a typical day like for a new associate?
• How much client contact is there for a new associate?
• What type of training should I expect?
• How will my work be evaluated? How often?
• Do you have a mentor program for new associates?
• Do the lawyers in your firm work well as a team?
• How do partners treat associates?
• What cases best highlight the firm’s strengths?
• What do you like best about working for the firm?
• Does the firm encourage Pro Bono work? How?

Clothing Guide: Professional Attire Checklist

In a business setting, people first notice: your Clothing, your Face, your Hands, and your Shoes. The care taken in your appearance indicates the care taken in your position.

Females:

• Always wear a dark suit that is navy blue, or black. The suit should be tailored, never too small or too big.
• Your heels should be dark, navy blue or black.
• The color of your blouse should be white or cream with a collar (silk, rayon, or polyester).
• Pantyhose should be neutral: skin tone and sheer.
• Skirts must not be shorter than 1" above the knee.
• Jewelry should be conservative: small pearl studs and small pearl necklace are best.
• Make-up should be neutral.
• Nails should be clean with no polish.
• Hairstyle should be conservative. If hair is long, it is best to pull it back into a bun or knot.

Males:

• Always wear a dark suit, navy blue or black.
• Shirts should have long sleeves and a collar. White or light blue preferred.
• Your tie should be solid or conservative. Nothing too busy or loud.
• Wear dark wingtip leather shoes with laces. No boots. Make sure shoes are clean with no scuff marks.
• Dark socks, leather belt to match shoes. No athletic socks.
• Always wear an undershirt. This prevents skin from showing in case gaps occur between your shirt buttons and also prevents your shirt from yellowing when you perspire.
• Nails should be clean with no polish (including clear).
• Hair should be neatly trimmed.
• Neatly groomed facial hair is important. Preferably none.