Ab Initio
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What are employers looking for?
Students always wonder whether they are taking on enough activities and work experience in order to stand out in the legal sector. They are consumed with questions about the employment market and worry about being comercially aware. Several employers have taken the time to discuss what they are looking for in their candidates, therefore this section should give students an understanding of what it takes to be a successful candidate along with reassurance of the skills that they already possess.
Whereas getting a good solid degree in law is great for your long term career prospects it is also essential that your interpersonal skills match up to the status afforded to you from having your law degree. It's no good if you turn up at interviews without confidence in your own ability to do the job but also get along with those around you. You could have the best degree possible but if you can't communicate effectively with colleagues, from the post room up to Partner level, then most interviewers won’t give you a second glance.
For me, confidence is key; this is what I found when I attended the recent Kingston University event (Spotlight on Law). Many students I spoke to that evening are on course for a great or outstanding law degree but had a lack confidence in their own abilities or when talking to industry professionals.
Whether your career path is destined for the big corporate world or the niche law practice will to a large extent determine the importance of your personal growth. I have found that the smaller the organisation, the greater the importance of your ability to communicate and get along with colleagues. I run a small business and personally consider the personal character traits of a candidate as equally important to the qualifications. I also have to consider how their presence will impact on the daily life of my staff and me. If someone is positive in their approach to life (and work) and can really bring something of importance to my company they will get a chance to shine. But if candidates are unenthusiastic and lacking vitality they are less likely to get the chance to impress.
There are numerous self-help books you can read on this subject but by far and away the most effective and informative book in this category is ‘How to Win Friends and Influence People’ by Dale Carnegie.
My top tips for confidence and likability are:
• Smile often especially when you first meet your
interviewer.
• Sit up straight and don’t slouch.
• Listen to what is asked by the interviewer and be
concise with your responses.
• It helps to know something about the company you
are interviewing for.
• Make a note the names of those you are meeting and
use them frequently but respectfully.
• Be happy (easier said than done in an interview
situation but try anyway)
• Be prepared to talk positively about yourself (when
asked, include reference to positive action you have
taken personally or to help others and how well you
work as part of a team).
Warwick Jarvis | Managing Director
Jarvis Costs Consultancy