LL.M. Workshop: Effective Networking & Interviewing Skills

LL.M. Workshop: Effective Networking & Interviewing Skills UC, Berkeley, School of Law Career Development Office December 1, 2008

Workshop Agenda • Networking Skills • Effective Interviewing Skills • Q&A Session

Basics of Networking • What is it? • Building professional contacts • What is its purpose? • To build long-term relationships for professional development • Why is it important? • It is the most effective method of learning about unadvertised job openings and the job market • Obstacles to overcome? • Initial awkwardness of talking to strangers • Cultural difference & Unfamiliarity with the American custom applicable in professional setting

Advice (ideas/tips on effective job search, feedback on your resume and cover letter, etc.) Information (about career fields, the market, and hiring trends) Referral (to others who might assist you) But… Do NOT expect your contacts to find you a job Do NOT use someone’s name as reference without obtaining permission first What to Expect

How do I start Networking? • Establish your agenda: Advice, Information, and/or Referral • Identify contacts (classmates, professors, colleagues, etc.) & make contact (email/phone call) • Attend CDO-sponsored events/receptions

Make contact • Initiate contact via email (error-free, formal writing) • Who you are (if previously met the contact, remind them how you met to help them remember you) • How you identified the contact (referral?) • Why you are writing (you would appreciate any advice and/or information they would be willing to share with you, request a brief meeting (informational interview)) • Set-up informational interviews • Either in-person meeting (local) or phone appointment (out-of-town) • Meet people at seminars, receptions, and programs sponsored by the law school or other professional organizations (e.g., bar associations)

Informational Interview • Through informational interview, you can gain • Insight into a career field of interest including skills needed, employment trends, opportunities, etc. • A realistic view of the work world and career field you are investigating • Professional contacts • Logistics: Write or call to the prospective contact. Ask for 20-30 minutes of their time. Prepare a list of questions to ask. • Do not ask for a job. Information is what you are seeking.

Sample Questions to Ask at Informational Interview • How did you get your job at (organization name)? • What are the skills that are required in the area in which you are working? • What advice do you have for someone seeking to enter this field? • What does your organization look for when hiring (LLMs/foreign attorneys, etc)? • Are there any professional associations I should join that would put me in contact with other international attorneys? • Do you know of any other people to contact who might be able to assist me with information? • What is the typical salary range for a (foreign attorney) with a (small/medium/large organization) in (New York/California)? • Would you review my resume/cover letter and provide feedback?

Informational Interview: Follow up • Send a thank you note (within 48 hrs): • Sample Note: “Thank you so much for taking time out of your busy schedule to meet with me yesterday. I appreciate the information and advice you provided. I will follow-up with ______ as you suggested. Thank you once again for your time.”

Talking to “Strangers” at Meetings • Be proactive; do not wait for an introduction. • Think about common interests prior to the event to reduce your reluctance to approach people • Have a planned, practiced self-introduction that is tailored to the event.

Tips on How to Handle Networking Events • A firm handshake is used to greet someone, regardless of gender • Avoid debates on politics or religion • Ask for a business card at the end of the conversation; unless asked, Americans do not typically offer their card • Limit your alcoholic drink to one: hold it in the left hand with a napkin • Dress conservatively; “business casual” is not the same as casual

Effective Interviewing Skills • Factors that determine successful interviewing: • Strength of your resume • English-speaking skills • Preparation for the interview • Professional demeanor

Interview Process • Two-stage process • Screening interview: 20 to 30-minute conversation with one or two interviewers • Callback interview: typically lasts 2 to 3 hours involving four or more attorneys (one or two at a time); takes place at the employer’s office

Screening Interview: What to expect • Warm-up period: first 5 minutes, usually engage in small talk • Discussion of your qualifications: • Explain how your past experience and education can benefit the employer • Show strong interest in the position • Demonstrate your knowledge of the employer • Ask well-thought out questions about the employer • Closing • Ask for a business card

Callback Interview: What to expect • Usually lasts 2-3 hours meeting several different attorneys (partners & junior associates) • Interview format is similar to screening interview but chance to ask more questions • May ask the same questions to different attorneys you meet • Many callbacks include a lunch or dinner: less formal but still part of the interview

Common Interview Questions • Tell me about yourself • Why did you choose law as a career or why did you decide to pursue an LLM at Berkeley? • Why did you decide to interview with us? • Describe your most challenging assignments and the ones you liked the least. • Why are you interested in working in the U.S.? • How long do you plan to practice in the U.S.?

How to Prepare for Interviews • Know the Employer & the Position You Are Seeking • Employer’s Website • Practice Group • “News” Section • “Googling” the employer/attorney • Know yourself • Review your resume and make sure you can discuss every item included in your resume • Think about your goals, strengths, weaknesses, interests, and abilities • Think about your connection to the city in which you are interviewing (typically not an issue for those in New York) • Review your online image and contents • Practice • Outline your answers to commonly asked questions • Prepare a list of intelligent questions to ask the employer (at least 2 questions) • Rehearse your answers and questions with friends or with LL.M. career counselor

Preparing Questions to Ask • Develop at least 2 questions for the employer • See handout • Make sure the questions could not have been easily answered by reading the employer’s website • Avoid asking about the vacation policy or salary early in the interview process.

Questions Commonly Asked by LL.M. Students • What role in your firm do you see a lawyer from my country playing? • How are projects assigned to international associates? • Where do you see the _______ (e.g., Latin American) practice of this firm developing in the next five years? • What is the typical length of LLM internships at your firm? (if information is not otherwise available) • On what types of matters involving my country does your firm work?

Tips on Making GoodImpression • Be on time • Dress in formal interview attire • Maintain eye contact with the interviewer • Provide a firm handshake upon meeting • Smile and remain positive & enthusiastic throughout the interview • Sit in an attentive posture • Be aware of your body language • Be consistent with your answers • Turn off your cell phone

Professional Attire!

What to Wear to the Interview • Professionalism is the key! • Suits should be in a dark, neutral color (gray, navy blue, or black) • For women, a skirt suit is the most conservative attire (skirt should beno more than 2 inches above the knee); but for employers in CA a pant suit is acceptable. • For men, wear a conservative tie. Socks should complement the suit. • For more information, refer to the OCIP Attire, article posted on http://careers.berkeleylawblogs.org/2008/08/19/ocip-attire/#more-16

Things to Bring to the Interview • Bring extra copies of your application materials (resume, transcript, an English writing sample, etc) • Carry the materials in a folder or a brief case

Note • Generally, a thank you note is not required following a screening interview • Thank you letter/email is recommended for callback interviews (within 48 hrs) • Either send it to one attorney extending your thanks to everyone you met or personalize each letter/email sent to each interviewer • Must be error-free & concise (be careful when spelling attorney’s name)

Do Order a mid-priced entrée that will not be too messy to eat Bring the food to your mouth, not your mouth to the food Say thank you. Do Not Drink alcohol Speak with your mouth full Basic Dining Etiquette For more information, consult the webcast: Etiquette and Beyond Dinner available on CDO webpage.

Q&A Session Questions?

Resources on CDO Website • Career Development and Job Search Skills (http://www.law.berkeley.edu/435.htm) • Informational Interviewing • Networking for Personal and Career Development • Etiquette and Beyond Dinner • Detailed Guide to Effective Interviewing • Callback Interviews • Thank You Notes

Office Hours: Wed (1-5pm), Thurs & Fri (9am – 5pm) On vacation from Dec. 24 – Jan. 7, 09 510.643.8196mjkim@law.berkeley.edu

LL.M. Workshop: Effective Networking & Interviewing Skills