Paralegal Interview!! (4 Viewers)

[MaryJane]

I applied for a paralegal position in a CBD firm last night, and got a call today - I have an interview on Thursday at 9am. I havent had a job interview in years (since I've been in the same crappy retail job for the past 3), let alone a proper interview, so I was just wondering whether anyone had any tips.

I'm going to wear a suit and whatnot, try and look sophisticated in the 27-degree heat . I read on their website (just to get a feel for what they specialise in) that applicants are tested in Word and Excel skills - has anyone else had something similar? I'm great in Word, but have only used Excel on a v. superficial level in statistics... I can do a log, and copy and paste, but thats about it! Of course I dont have to worry about that unless I get to the next stage, but its still on my mind.

So, yeah, just any tips, moral support etc. I assume they are going to ask me what areas of the law I'm interested in, I made it pretty clear in my cover letter my future intentions and why, just to show an opinion and alertness to the dire situation my area of interest is in (family law). So I guess they'll question me about that, but I guess I'm worried that they'll ask me a bizarre question - I dont know what - but thats what I've heard they do sometimes in firm interviews, to see whether you're creative in your arguments and can think on your feet.

I'm so nervous, and its so daunting. I have a stat report to write, but I cant stop thinking about Thursday! Please, any tips!

 

[charlie_charlie]

No tips, as I'm a retail chick myself, but good luck with it

 

[Soma]

Be confident, smile at the interviewers and look comfortable, don't look overconfident to the point of being arrogant however.

Present yourself nicely.

Stress your interpersonal skills, they will be looking for someone comfortable in a corporate environment who will have interact with others well on a professional level.

Research the firm's specialty and perhaps link this to your own goals.

What firm if you don't mind me asking?

 

[MoonlightSonata]

1. Smile
2. Be calm but confident
3. Be friendly
4. Be enthusiastic.

You're a smarty if you're doing psych/law so I wouldn't worry about any curve-balls they throw at you. Mention you like (a) problem solving and (b) helping people. Show interest in the specific types of things you'll be doing in the job. Try to be relaxed but attentive.

You'll be fine

 

[05er]

You also gotta remember that it's ParaLegal work, not full-blown LAWZZYER111!!-type work. Be specific!

And good luck!

 

[MiuMiu]

It sounds to me as though the interview you've got is actually with a recruitment firm, not with the people who want to paralegal themselves.

Testing on computer applications is pretty standard for recruitment agencies, so they know they're sending the right people and get more work.

In my experience, the stuff they test you on is quite advanced, but they're not out to get you, take your time and just show them what you know.

Good luck with the interview!

 

[Frigid]

i'd just thought i post this ad:

01/11/05

Paralegal Position

Blake Dawson Waldron has an exciting opportunity for a paralegal to join the Environmental group. The role requires you to work two days a week, on a permanent part time basis, with the role ideally commencing late November.

This position works closely with a number of lawyers, senior associates and a partner in the group who perform native title work for one of our major clients. Duties include preparation of correspondence and court documents as well as maintenance of the native title claims database. The successful applicant will have an interest in property law, have good interpersonal skills, be able to work independently and have a flair for organisation and strong attention to detail.

Interested? Please forward your application including your cover letter, CV, and academic transcript to:
Katherine O'Neill
People Development Coordinator, Graduate Programs
katherine.o'neill@bdw.com
Ph: (02) 9258 6539

Applications close: Friday 11 November

personally i haven't done property, but a few of you might be interested.

 

[Sarah]

Lol... your situation reminds me of what I went through last yr when i was applying for office/admin jobs. Ditto with the last 3 years (well approaching 3 this Jan) being in the same retail job although it does have it's perks.

Ok so a few tips. Be prepared for a variety of questions.

If you know the company do a bit of background research on them. Also, be prepared to talk about yourself, who you are, your interests etc.

The interviewer may also ask some behavioural questions e.g "tell me about a time where you __ " or "what would you do if ___ "? so try and be prepared.

Have some questions prepared to ask about the position or firm e.g "what will my responsibilities be, will i be working under direct supervision or autonmously, is there room for this role to grow". Also, be prepared for the unexpected. I remember for one interview, the HR manager was 1/2 an hr late and she used that scenario as part of my interview.

Maintain eye contact, sound like your're interested in this position.

Oh and even if you don't get this position, treat this as a learning experience. You'll get better once you've had a few interviews and gain experience in interacting with interviewers, making small talk, and answering a variety of questions.

Good luck!

 

[melsc]

how exciting *hugz*

can someone claify this for me...what exaclty does a paralegal do?

 

[MaryJane]

Ms12, if it is a recruitment firm, does that mean anything different for what my duties will be? I'm assuming they have a law department or something, seeing they advertised for law students as a paralegal.

Melsc, paralegals do dogs-body stuff like filing, writing correspondance, probably photocopying, things like that. But its still experience, and relevant experience, so I'd be happy to be someones bitch - as long as they're nice!

 

[MiuMiu]

Ms12, if it is a recruitment firm, does that mean anything different for what my duties will be? I'm assuming they have a law department or something, seeing they advertised for law students as a paralegal.

No no sweetie what I mean is the position is for a law firm, but that law firm has hired a recruitment agency to find the staff for them.

They are acting on behalf of the company you will be working for.

 

[= Jennifer =]

cool ad frigid!! i do property next yr but i am interested...doubt i will have a chance though

 

[rhapsody11]

MJ-

I would also add that, at Macquarie, your uni class times are very flexible.

 

[MiuMiu]

what is that supposed to mean?

 

[rhapsody11]

what is that supposed to mean?

It means that she can easily change her tutes and lectures around, without missing either work (say if they need her at the last minute) and uni.

 

[MiuMiu]

I didn't think that was something exclusive to macq....

 

[erawamai]

i'd just thought i post this ad:personally i haven't done property, but a few of you might be interested.

I wonder if BDW's clients are interesting in extinguishing or proving native title? Hmmm. I wonder.

 

[Soma]

I didn't think that was something exclusive to macq....

At Macq you can do law externally, they just send you all the tapes of the lectures and you do exactly the same exam but don't go to any tutes or lectured.

You have to be pretty studious to do it but I know a guy that worked fulltime in the latter part of his degree as well as (officially) studying fulltime and got awesome grades.

 

[MoonlightSonata]

I wonder if BDW's clients are interesting in extinguishing or proving native title? Hmmm. I wonder.

I don't care, I'm applying

 

[santaslayer]

wtf is up with firms wanting me to be familiar with adobe, word, excel, powerpoint, microsoft, watevawateva...


i know what im doing these holidays...



after i finish my trip to the lovely country of japan first though...