What to expect at interview
What to expect at interview
Congratulations – you've been invited for interview, so on paper at least you've got what it takes to come and join us. Now that the euphoria has settled, it's time to think about:
What are you going to wear?
99% of the time we would expect candidates to wear formal business wear, but if you have any doubts, please clarify with the person setting up your interview
How are you going to get to the interview?
We will provide you with details of the location of the office where your interview is to be held, but all our offices and directions to them by public and private transport are listed on our website. If you have any doubts, please clarify with the person setting up your interview. Travel these days is rarely problem free, so make sure you have a contact name and number to call if you are delayed, especially if you have an evening appointment.
What questions will you be asked?
The actual interview, as you'd expect, is your opportunity to tell us all about you! Use the opportunity to show us how much you've researched the firm and prepared for the interview. You have control of the floor and we are your audience. We will be pleased to answer (almost!) any question but you may want to know about:
- Key clients
- Team structure
- Professional Development
- Methods of working
- Culture of the Firm
- Remuneration
- Firm-wide successes
- Strategic plans
- The interview process and time table
- And how about a typical day? Arguably, no days are typical, but you will get a good idea of what we do on a daily basis
We will want to know more about:
- Your relevant experience
- We may ask you questions to test your technical understanding
- We will want to know what your aspirations are and how Shoosmiths can help you fulfil them
- We will want to know what you know about the firm, the type of business we undertake and our key clients
Interview and Selection Process
As a general rule successful candidates attend two or three interviews to meet various managers and team members. We will always let you know what our process involves, but please do ask if you are not sure.
Wherever possible we will hold the interview at the site where you are going to be based so you can get a feel for your new office environment.
Candidates are sometimes invited back for informal 'meet the team' events (e.g. drinks or lunch) which go a long way towards dispelling any concerns you may have. As at interview, you are free to ask the team about what type of work they do, who the key clients are, and what life is really like as a Shoosmiths professional.
If you have any questions or concerns at any point in the process, just call or email us and we'll try to help.
Psychometric Testing
Although we do use psychometric tests for career and personal development purposes, we don't normally use them at interview stage.