Interview Mistakes Include ‘Too Much Information Syndrome’ and Bad Suits
Some advice on how to avoid job search mistakes sounds like common sense: Make sure there are no typos in your resume or cover letter. Get an early start on your job search, and be aware of employer deadlines. Don’t get discouraged. Circle back after rejections and ask for guidance.
And then there are some more unusual mistakes, as highlighted in a recent Legal Times article that collected job advice from career counselors at seven law schools and partners at six major law firms. One of the problems, says partner Christopher Davies of Wilmer Cutler Pickering Hale and Dorr, is “Too Much Information Syndrome.” Said Davies, “I recall thinking, ‘Oh my God, I can’t believe someone said that.’ ”
Julie McEvoy of Jones Day says she looks for candidates whose school work or work history shows “an ability to juggle multiple tasks and to achieve deadline-driven success.” But she also questions some students’ decisions about the way they present themselves.
“Invest in a comfortable or well-fitting suit,” she told Legal Times. “A flashy or ill-fitting suit can highlight a student’s lack of comfort or familiarity with a professional workplace.”
She also says students need to be aware that lawyers judge students on their Facebook personas as well. “Law firms are full of Luddites, and we are amazed at what students will post about themselves on the Internet,” she says.
Partners interviewed also warned students to show enthusiasm rather than boredom, come prepared with questions, and to act professionally even with junior lawyers or staffers.
“It’s important to us that people actually care about the law and not just focus on the $165,000 or whatever it is today,” said partner George Bostick of Sutherland Asbill & Brennan.
“About the worst thing a candidate can do is to ignore the junior person” in an interview, Bostick added. “One time, I had to step out to handle a client phone call, and I told them to go ahead and start. I later heard that while I was out, the guy hadn’t engaged on much of anything short of shopping at Costco.”
