Features: Training contract interview

Interviews are meant to be challenging, but not impossible and it's perfectly normal to be a little bit nervous. Being prepared and knowing what to expect can help you to survive the training contract interview

Legend has it that one trainee was asked 'if you could give a speech to a thousand people what subject would it be on and why?'. Questions like this are designed to catch you off guard possibly simulating a court hearing where a judge asks you something you are not prepared for.

It's not always about knowing the law, but knowing where to find the law and the answer to the question. Answering in a calm, cool and well thought out manner will impress the interviewer.

The interview

During the process you will be interviewed by someone from graduate recruitment and then with one or two partners. This is usually alongside some form of test (usually psychometric or business related).

You will be asked to give some background details, answering questions such as 'why do you want to pursue a career in law?' and confirming where you are up to with your studies. There will be focus on the specifics of your CV and this is the ideal opportunity to sell yourself and the experiences that you have had. One of the most important questions you will be asked is 'why do you wish to be a commercial solicitor?'.

The skills

You could be asked to comment on a current deal in the market place or a recent event in the news to demonstrate your commercial awareness. Keeping up-to-date with current affairs will help you develop awareness and knowledge.

Although your academic background will be evident on your CV, some firms still test your legal knowledge and might ask 'what is a tort?' or 'tell me about a case that interests you?'.

'Why have you applied to us?' is a common question and saying that the firm is friendly with a good level of work is not enough, as this will apply to many firms. This is testing your knowledge of the firm and so you need to identify where the firm is positioned in the market place and its strategy.

Your academic qualities have got you the interview but it's your personal skills that will carry you through it. Firms will be looking for trainees to have: good leadership; evidence of team playing; good communication skills; the ability to think on their feet and interpersonal skills.

One area where interviewees often fall down is in answering a question very quickly without taking time to pause and think about the answer they are going to give. Take care to let that genuine interest which led you to apply to the firm in the first place come across in interview. Don't let your interviewer think you are treating this as just another interview on the list. Above all, don't panic.

Tips

• Research the firm and the people who will be interviewing you. Usually, the firm's website will detail current work that the interviewer has been involved in or look in legal press.
• Have examples ready of your achievements and experiences.
• Be positive, interested, enthusiastic and relaxed. This is your big chance to sell yourself to the interviewer.