Interviewing skills, grades, and other academic credentials (law review, moot court, etc.) play a big role in getting a job. What is the best way to approach the interview?


When I am involved in the hiring process at my firm, I look at grades, academic credentials, and experience to decide who gets an interview.

Frankly, once you get in the door, I already think that you can handle the job and I am using the interviews to decide who will be the "best fit" for the firm: Is this someone that the other attorneys and staff will get along with? Is this someone who I think will like the way the firm is run and who will be able to "buy into" the firm's goals and culture? And, frankly, will this person be a pain in the ass?

The way you interact with the interviewer, your body language during the interview, etc. Once you actually get the interview, all of these are probably going to be more important than your academic credentials.

A note about PAD membership: When I am involved in the hiring process, I do look for PAD membership when reviewing resumes. Assuming the other qualifications are there, PAD membership will make a difference to me - especially if the resume reflects more than just membership, e.g., service on committees or as officers, etc.

However, once I get you in the interview, I will ask you about your experience with PAD. If you can't tell me anything about your chapter - not even its name - this is not going to be of help.