In the competitive world of law, the preparation you do before an interview can significantly impact your success. One crucial aspect of this preparation is researching the people you’ll be meeting with. Whether it’s a potential employer, client, or colleague, having insights into their background, interests, and achievements can give you a valuable edge.
Here, we’ll explore effective strategies for finding information about people before job interviews (though this might apply to other situations), specifically tailored for early legal career professionals.
Before diving into how to gather information, it’s important to understand why it matters. Researching individuals before interviews offers several advantages.
Knowing about an interviewer’s background can help you establish a rapport during the interview. It shows that you’ve taken the time to understand who they are and what they value.
Understanding an interviewer’s professional history and accomplishments allows you to refine your questions and responses accordingly. You can highlight your own experiences or skills that align with their interests.
Being prepared boosts your confidence. When you walk into an interview armed with knowledge, you’ll feel more at ease and ready to engage in meaningful conversations.
Now, let’s explore the various avenues where you can gather valuable insights about the people you’ll be meeting.
Start with the basics. Visit the company’s website and read the bios of the individuals you’ll be meeting. Check out their LinkedIn profiles for a more detailed look at their professional background, connections, and endorsements.
Look for any articles, press releases, or publications featuring the person or the company. This can provide insights into recent projects they’ve been involved in or awards or achievements they’ve received.
Platforms like Westlaw, LexisNexis, and Bloomberg Law can be goldmines for legal professionals. Search for the person’s name to find legal cases they’ve worked on, articles they’ve published, or any legal commentary they’ve provided.
If the person has spoken at conferences or events, try to find recordings or summaries of their presentations. This can give you an idea of their expertise and interests.
If you have mutual connections on LinkedIn or in your professional network, don’t hesitate to reach out for information. They may offer valuable insights or even introduce you to the person beforehand.
A simple web search can sometimes yield unexpected results. Look beyond the first page of results for a more comprehensive view. You might find interviews, blog posts, or forum discussions related to the individual.
As you gather information, focus on key aspects that can guide your interview preparation.
Understand their career trajectory, including their current role, previous positions, and notable achievements. This will help you frame questions that demonstrate your interest in their work.
If possible, learn about any recent work they’ve been involved in. This shows that you’re up-to-date and genuinely interested in their contributions.
While professional details are crucial, don’t overlook someone’s personal life. Knowing if they’re passionate about a certain cause, hobby, or activity can provide conversation starters and show your well-rounded interest in them as a person.
Researching industry trends or challenges relevant to their field can demonstrate your awareness of the broader landscape. You can discuss these topics during the interview, showcasing your knowledge and proactive approach.
Now that you have a wealth of information, here’s how to leverage it effectively during your interview.
Use your research to craft thoughtful, specific questions. For example, “I read about your involvement in [specific project]. Could you tell me more about how that experience shaped your approach to [relevant topic]?”
If you discover shared interests or experiences, subtly weave them into the conversation. This helps build a connection and makes a memorable impression.
Apart from referencing recent achievements or projects, showing regard can also involve attentive listening and asking thoughtful follow-up questions.
When discussing your own experiences, align them with what you know about the interviewer. For instance, if they are known for their expertise in a certain area, emphasize how your skills relate to that field.
While preparation is key, be ready for unexpected topics or directions in the conversation. Your research serves as a foundation, but staying adaptable shows your ability to think on your feet.
In the early stages of your legal career, the effort you put into researching individuals before interviews can set you apart. It’s not just about impressing the interviewer; it’s about building meaningful connections and demonstrating your commitment to understanding the legal landscape.
The more you know about the people you’ll be meeting, the more confidently you can navigate the interview process. So, before your next interview, invest the time to research and watch how it transforms your approach and outcomes.
