LL.M. Workshop: Effective Networking & Interviewing Skills

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LL.M. Workshop Effective Networking
Interviewing Skills

• UC, Berkeley, School of Law
• Career Development Office
• December 1, 2008

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Workshop Agenda

• Networking Skills
• Effective Interviewing Skills
• QA Session

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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

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What to Expect

• 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 someones name as reference without
  obtaining permission first

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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

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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)

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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.

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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?

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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.

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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.

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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

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Effective Interviewing Skills

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

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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 employers office

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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

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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

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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.?

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How to Prepare for Interviews

• Know the Employer the Position You Are Seeking
• Employers 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

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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 employers website
• Avoid asking about the vacation policy or salary
  early in the interview process.

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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?

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Tips on Making Good Impression

• 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

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Professional Attire!
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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

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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

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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 attorneys name)

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Basic Dining Etiquette

• 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

• For more information, consult the webcast
  Etiquette and Beyond Dinner available on CDO
  webpage.

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QA Session

• Questions?

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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

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(No Transcript)
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• Office Hours Wed (1-5pm), Thurs Fri (9am
  5pm)
• On vacation from Dec. 24 Jan. 7, 09
• 510.643.8196mjkim_at_law.berkeley.edu