Paralegal Job Interview Tips to Land the Position

Once you’ve decided on how to get a paralegal certification you’ll want to focus on security a position as a paralegal within a law firm. There is a wide variety of data on the paralegal career, however the best advice comes down to who you know (networking) and how you present yourself; much like any other professional application process.

How to Secure a Job as a Paralegal

The legal industry job market remains one of the most competitive when compared to many other industries. This is especially true when it comes to those who seek to work as a paralegal. Because of the vast amount of competition you’ll encounter throughout your job search, it’s of utmost importance that you put your best face – and resume – forward when undergoing a job interview. Surprisingly, a large number of job seekers find themselves with real problems during the interview stage. In fact, roughly 32 percent of top executives reviewed found that most professionals make the most mistakes during the actual interview phase.

In many cases, your interview mistakes can be chalked up to a case of nervousness. However, in many other cases, these mistakes are the direct result of using poor judgment during the interview. A harsh reality is many mistakes that happen within your interview can severely impair your likelihood of landing the job. However, there are several tips you can follow to help nail the interview and potentially land the paralegal job of your dreams.

Tip #1 – Eat At Home

While you may be wearing your finest interview outfit, if you bring your breakfast or lunch with you to the interview room, you’ve made one of the biggest mistakes you can make. No hiring manager wants to watch you take a bite out of your sandwich or take a sip of your coffee while you’re answering their questions. Leave all food and beverages (including water) in your car or in the waiting room.

Tip #2 – Turn Off Your Phone

This may seem like an impossible feat, but counter to what many people think, always being connected (especially during an interview) doesn’t make you seem more important. In fact, it can have the opposite effect. During an interview, you should turn your phone completely off. Some think that putting their phone on vibrate is the most effective way to handle this situation, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. If your phone vibrates while you’re answering a question, it could throw your concentration off, which may make you fumble through your answers or misunderstand a question.

Tip #3 – Don’t Be Too Friendly

Sure, having a level of friendliness is absolutely essential to ensure a positive interview. However, don’t go overboard with your candor. This is especially true when offering personal details about your life and career. Keep the conversation professional, but also friendly. Focus your answers on explaining your work history, qualifications and other life experiences that demonstrate your quality as the ideal candidate for the job. Remember: the interview room is not the water cooler.