10 Top Tips For Acing Your Legal Video Interview

As technology continues to advance, more interviews are being conducted remotely, including those in the legal field for work placements or training contracts. Legal video interviews can be a great opportunity to showcase your skills and impress potential employers from the comfort of your own home. However, they also come with their own set of challenges. To help you navigate this new format and ensure you make a lasting impression, here are 10 top tips for acing your legal video interview.

1. Test your equipment

Prior to the interview, make sure you have a reliable internet connection and test your video and audio equipment. Check the lighting in the room to ensure you are clearly visible on the screen and adjust your camera angle accordingly. If it is pre-recorded, make sure that you don't leave it to the last minute, setting up for an interview is stressful and if you have any issues, you need time to sort it.

2. Dress professionally

Just because you're interviewing from home doesn't mean you should dress casually. Dress professionally as you would for an in-person interview - this means no pyjama bottoms! This will help you feel confident and show the interviewer that you take the opportunity seriously. The easiest way to look smart is to wear a blazer or a suit jacket.

3. Choose a quiet location

Find a quiet and distraction-free location for your interview. Inform your household members about the interview and request their cooperation in maintaining a quiet environment during the interview. If you are struggling for options, see if you can book a private room at a library.

4. Prepare your surroundings

Ensure that your surroundings are clean and professional. Remove any clutter or personal items that may distract the interviewer. Consider setting up a neutral background or using a virtual background if available and make sure to do this before the interview begins.

5. Practice your answers

Prepare for the interview by researching common legal interview questions and practicing your answers. Familiarize yourself with your CV and be ready to discuss your experience and qualifications in detail. Think about how your experience links back to that firm specifically - no one wants to hear the same answers that could be given to another firm. Recording yourself answering questions on your laptop is the best way to replicate the interview process and watching these back will be an invaluable exercise. Don't be overly critical of yourself, but note down how you could improve and practice again.

6. Maintain eye contact

During the interview, maintain eye contact by looking directly into the camera. This will create a sense of connection with the interviewer and show your attentiveness. If you look at yourself, your interviewer will know!

7. Speak clearly and confidently

Speak clearly and confidently, ensuring that your voice is audible and easy to understand. Take your time to articulate your thoughts and avoid rushing through your answers.

8. Use positive body language

Although the interviewer may only see you from the waist up, using body language can help convey your enthusiasm and engagement. Sit up straight and smile! Hand gestures can be distracting, so if you need to sit on your hands then do it.

9. Be prepared with questions

At the end of the interview, the interviewer will likely ask if you have any questions. Prepare a list of thoughtful questions about the firm or organization to demonstrate your interest and engagement. If you know who is interviewing you before you start, then research them ahead of time and think about asking them a question relevant to their experience or area of law.

10. Follow up with a thank you message

After the interview, send a thank you message to the interviewer expressing your gratitude for the opportunity and let them know what you found interesting about their answer to your question. This could be via a connection on LinkedIn or email. You might not get a response but that's okay - you might still make a lasting impression and a potential connection.

By following these 10 top tips, you can impress your potential employer and increase your chances of acing your legal video interview. Remember to stay calm, confident, and well-prepared, and let your skills and qualifications shine through the screen.