5 Great Tips For Winning Your Training Contract Interview
Posted: Thursday, July 10, 2008
by Tomer Harel
Key Scouts
Have you got your first training contract interview scheduled? Here are some must-read tips to help you make an impact.
Display confidence and be well prepared
Confidence and preparedness is one of the most desirable traits and characters that interviewers look for in candidates. No amount of disguise can cover a lack of confidence and preparation, so don't test the skill and patience of the interviewers by trying to hide anything inside, because it will invariably show up on the outside. You also need to be able to present your preparation and confidence to the interviewers with your body language. This signifies good eye contact with the interviewers, and satisfying questions with a peaceful and certain tone. By being brief and precise with your responses, you can also venture your information of the firm and your own capabilities to the interviewers certainly. With training comes self-assurance, and with self-confidence comes the aptitude to control anything that they throw at you during the interview.
Just as you can't disguise a lack of confidence, interviewers are also looking for people who are genuinely passionate and enthusiastic when it comes to interviews. Interviewers can sense very quickly whether a candidate is interested and keen about the work, and it becomes more obvious when further questions are asked about their interest in law and their views about the firm. To help you project the image of being passionate and enthusiastic, keep your eyes on the interviewer at all times, and use open and positive gestures and body positions to help with delivering your responses in a upbeat tone. The more you can establish a common interest with the firm and a career in law, the more likely they are to see your interest in working with them.
Keep up with appearances
Needless to say, first impressions count for a lot during an interview, and nothing is worse than getting off on the wrong note. Being tidy and well-dressed counts for nothing if you can't be comfortable at the same time, so try and find the best balance. Don't be dressed in anything that will draw interest of the interviewers by show off loud or flashy colours and styles.
Always be honest and open
How you deal with the interview questions can also reflect how you deal with situations in the workplace, so it is a good policy to be open and honest. Interviewers tell if you are just saying something that they want to hear, especially if you are not at all confident with your responses because you don't really believe in them. It is far more preferable to stick with what you truly believe, and use as much evidence and proof to back up your comments. During the interview, it is also advisable to be honest about any questions and worries that you may have, so that these issues can be addressed at the earliest possible stage. Don't be afraid to pause and think
When answering questions, there's no need to worry about pausing before you give your response. To be more precise than seeming a bit uncertain, a well-measured breather proves that you have deliberation about the query cautiously, and that your respond will be well-prepared. If you can plan your response in your head first, it is less likely for you to ramble on and miss the point, or having to stop mid-sentence to work out what you want to say. A clear and logical response to the question shows a clear and logical mind, and that is something that the interviewers will look for.
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Securing training contracts can be tough and competition is particularly stiff for contracts with the leading firms. Get ready for your Training Contract Interviews.
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