- Like Ground Hog day, you've got at least 6 more weeks of frozen temperatures to look forward to.
- Mid-terms are literally around the corner so your study time, and your level of procrastination, should be up to an all-time high.
- Interview season is here!
Get a sense of who will be interviewing you by reading our lawyers’ online bios... |
I was in your shoes recently when I was interviewed for the Ottawa office articling position. While I can’t shorten our brutal Canadian winters or help you study for midterms, I can surely give you some tips for the Ottawa firm interviews.
Shivaan’s Top Tenacious Tips!
Get a sense of the potential interviewers
Nothing cuts the edge of interview jitters better than knowing that you have some sincere appreciation of your interviewers’ experience and craft. Get a sense of who will be interviewing you by reading our lawyers’ online bios, and don’t forget to check out their articles which are also posted on our site. I bet you that at least one of our lawyers have written on a legal topic that will interest you.
Bring YOUR game to the interview
This might sound strange, but part of your preparation should be to consider who you are and how you got onto your current path. I am sure there is an interesting and even endearing story behind you. Tap into the part of you that has been temporarily bogged under text books and case summaries. Who you are and how you got to where you are is YOUR selling point. So, bring it.
The reason why MB has considered you for the summer position is because they saw something from your resume that jumped out at them, aside from your legal experience or education. Check out the profiles of our lawyers, articling students, and previous summer students. You will notice that we all come from a range of backgrounds and experiences. MB values a workplace with members who have diverse experiences.
I’m not going to lie; I was nervous coming in for the interview for the articling position at MB. I was coming to the table with certainly more non-legal experiences than legal-experiences, and didn't know how that would be received in the interview. I was pleasantly surprised by my interviewer’s genuine interest to discuss not just my legal experience but my non-legal experience. We both had a common love for photography and travel, and it made for some great conversation. For me, it was important finding a place that appreciates me for who I am, and that’s what I found at MB.
Go ahead and showcase your proudest achievements and qualities!
You’re a star, so shine like one
You've decided to interview with a litigation firm so speaking must be something you love to do. Being able present oral submissions in front of a master or discussing settlement with opposing counsel, will be an important part of your future career as a litigator at MB.
However, there’s another part of your career where speaking is very important. I’ll let you in on a little secret: MB is in the customer service industry. MB’s main goal is to ensure customer satisfaction by providing quality legal services. A big part of our jobs is developing meaningful connections with clients. Your interviewer will want to get a sense of how comfortable you are speaking with others. Let your conversationalist side shine in the interview.
Be choosy
Nothing is worse than getting something that you didn't bargain for. Be prepared to bring thoughtful questions to your interview. Be ready to voice the ideas and values that are important to you. If you have questions after reading up on our philosophy and principles from the site, bring them with you. Remember, it’s as much about you interviewing the firm, as it is the firm interviewing you.
At the end of the day, it comes down to this: be yourself and let your sincere interest come through.
Fingers crossed for a swift end to this polar vortex, good luck with midterm exams, and I’m looking forward to meeting you next week!
Shivaan dS.