Interview Tips

Firstly, that you are well prepared and that you have done some research on the Firm and the legal industry as a whole. Secondly, that you are able to demonstrate the qualities we are looking for and third, that you have clear expectations regarding your future career in law.

We will be equally considerate. We will let you know quickly whether or not you have been successful and, if you are, we will keep in touch until you join us.

There are four key stages to our trainee interviews:

• Introduction
• Outline of interview structure and timing
• Exploratory stage (principal element of the interview)
• Closing (opportunity for you to ask questions)

The information you provide on your application will form the basis of the interview discussion, so make sure you remember what information you provided. You should be able to expand on your written answers by drawing on specific occasions or incidents as examples. In answering questions during your interview it is important that you remember to:

• Be yourself!
• Listen carefully to the question being asked.
• Ensure that your answer is clear, concise and succinct.
• Ensure your answers are well thought out. Digest all available information and then formulate your arguments. All answers should be complete, honest, carefully considered and appropriate.
• If you are unsure of the question asked, seek clarification from the interviewer and ask him/her to repeat the question.
• Maintain eye contact with the interviewers throughout the interview and be aware of your own body language.

Things to avoid:

• Try not to ramble – you’ll end up losing yourself and the interviewer.
• Avoid text book answers, reply honestly to the questions asked.
• Do not answer a question without fully understanding what has been asked. Always seek clarification if you are unsure.
• Avoid interrupting the interviewer when s/he is in the process of asking you a question.

The Firm uses competency based interviews in its selection of trainees. This is a process used to gather evidence about what an individual actually did and understand their skills and attributes. The information gathered is then evaluated against set criteria. The competencies against which you are assessed are skill sets we have identified as being critical to the role of a successful trainee with the Firm.

Some pointers to consider in advance of your interview with us:

• Be prepared! The more prepared you are the less nervous you will be. The trainee section of our website provides full information on the Firm and the trainee programme itself. The home page of our website also contains a section on ‘Legal Updates and News’ which is a good source of general information on the legal industry.
• Allow yourself enough time to get to the interview. Make sure you have clear directions to our office (details on our website or call us on 01 649 2000) and take note of our office telephone number should you need to seek directions from us when you are en route.
• We have designed our interview format to ensure you are relaxed and in a position to ‘sell yourself’ to the best of your ability. Remember, many of our Partners started out with A&L Goodbody as trainees so they have been in your position before.

We would like to wish you the very best in your trainee application to A&L Goodbody. Should you require any additional information on our selection process or have questions in advance of your interview with us, please contact one of our Trainee Programme Facilitators:

• Clodagh Collier: +353 1 649 2273

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