Author Question: What can you do before a job interview to improve your chances of getting the job? ... (Read 119 times)

Wadzanai · **on:** Aug 3, 2018

What can you do before a job interview to improve your chances of getting the job?

Help?

Question 2

Describe networking and how it might benefit a paralegal seeking employment.

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Athena23 · **Reply #1 on:** Aug 3, 2018

Answer to Question 1

You can do many things prior to the interview to improve your chances of getting the job. First, do your homework. Learn as much about the employer as possible. Check with your instructors or other legal professionals to find out if they are familiar with the firm or the interviewer. Check the employer's Web site, if there is one, and consult relevant directories, such as legal and company directories, as well as business publications. When you are called for an interview, learn the full name of the interviewer, so that you will be able to address him or her by name during the interview and properly address a follow-up letter. During the interview, use Mr. or Ms. in addressing the interviewer unless directed by the interviewer to be less formal. Anticipate and review the questions that you might be asked during the interview. Then prepare (and possibly rehearse with a friend) your answers to these questions. Be prepared to be interviewed by a team of legal professionals, such as an attorney, a paralegal, and perhaps others from the firm. Promptness is extremely important. Plan to arrive for the interview at least ten minutes early, and allow plenty of extra time to get there. If the firm is located in an area that is unfamiliar to you, make sure that you know how to get there, how long it will take, and, if you are driving, whether parking is available nearby. Appearance is also important. Wear a relatively conservative suit or dress to the interview, and limit your use of jewelry or other accents. You can find further tips on how to prepare for a job interview by checking online career sites or by looking at books dealing with careers and job hunting.

Answer to Question 2

Career opportunities often go unpublished. Many firms post notices within their own organizations before publishing online or in the Help Wanted section of a newspaper or periodical. If a paralegal has connections within an organization, he or she may be told that a position is opening up before other candidates are aware that an opportunity exists. More paralegals find employment through networking than through any other means. For paralegals, networking is the process of making personal connections with paralegals, paralegal instructors, attorneys, and others who are involved in (or who know someone who is involved in) the paralegal or legal profession. Online networking is becoming popular as well. Professional organizations and student internships also offer important networking opportunities.