You define success, not your environment. Álvaro and Javier, students of the Double Master’s Degree in Law and Business Legal Consulting, begin their professional internships in September of this year. In this post they tell us what they learned in their selection process, what firms and consultants are looking for and how to tip the balance in your favor Law tuition.
- FOLLOW THE NEWS
When facing a selection process in a law firm, we may fall into the temptation of focusing all our efforts on achieving the greatest possible legal solidity, in order to impress the interviewers. Although a certain level of legal knowledge is presumed in a selection process of these characteristics, many candidates overlook the great importance that following current events has for firms.
In fact, when you think about it, it is easy to figure out why: a lawyer who is “in the world” and knows the relevant facts of the sectors he serves will be able to better understand the needs of his clients and the public. market in which it operates. Knowing, even in general terms, the main news and events at a local, national and international level, can become a differentiating element that adds great value to your profile as a candidate. To do this, we recommend reading one of the main national newspapers as often as possible, as well as the specialized economic press.
- DEMONSTRATE INTERESTS BEYOND THE RIGHT
We have observed the following situation several times: a candidate has a good academic record and languages, has completed part of his studies abroad and in interviews answers almost all technical questions correctly. He will receive an offer from the office for sure, right? Well, that is not always the case, which usually surprises rejected candidates a lot.
This is because a potential lawyer is more than just a machine that accumulates knowledge. It is essential that you are able to connect with the people who make up the organization you want to join, and to achieve this you must show interests other than the right in your profile and CV. Maybe you like debate, playing guitar, or playing basketball on the weekends. You may be a fan of fantasy fiction or a lover of modern art. All of these interests are more important than you think in a selection process , since they are small details that reveal additional information about you and that, ultimately, can serve to tip the balance in your favor.
Of course, never include in your resume something that you cannot talk about for, at least, the duration of an interview. If you describe yourself as a big car enthusiast in your profile, lawyers interviewing you will expect you to be able to maintain a fluid conversation on the subject. You never know, maybe the partner who interviews you in the last phase is also passionate about the world of motors and you end up chatting about cars. While these details alone won’t get you the job, they can make you stand out from other candidates.
- NEVER DO A SELECTION PROCESS JUST FOR EGO
Don’t do what others do just for show . Avoid applying to the fashion office just because your colleagues are doing so. Think about what you are looking for and what motivates you, carefully analyze what each firm offers beyond prestige and money, and consider whether it is an option that fits with your professional plans . Perhaps an office offers you personalized plans, flexible work schedules, international opportunities or training that allows you to grow, even if it is not well known. There are many aspects that must be taken into account, and many times we are influenced by the environment in which we move without stopping to think about the path we really want to follow. - DON’T LIMIT YOUR OPTIONS
Although it is a cliché, you already have the “no”. If you want to know more about a certain firm, find out if there are alumni of your university working there and get in touch with them. You would be surprised by the number of people who are willing to help you and have a coffee to discuss their experience at the firm and give you advice. You can get very useful information and, in some cases, an invitation to participate in a selection process before it is made public. Of course, demonstrate common sense at all times and contact through LinkedIn or alumni emails , without bombarding anyone with messages.
Never stop submitting your application to a selection process because you think that your profile is not “good enough”. What may not be a very important detail for you may be key for a human resources worker to fit into a certain team. So stay alert and put effort into every process.
Even if you don’t get an offer or don’t get a call to start interviews, it will be a positive experience that will allow you to evolve as a candidate. It is likely that your first selection processes will not go as well as you would like or that you will fail. Facing very demanding selection processes is something that toughens you and allows you to gain experience, which will bear fruit in the future.
- KNOW YOURSELF WELL
You do you. We can give you a lot of advice to face a selection process, but, at the end of the day, what you need is to know yourself very well as a person, as a student and as a professional . It is essential that you reflect on your strengths and weaknesses, to enhance the former, and polish and minimize the latter.
We hope these tips have been useful to you, but remember: the definition of success is determined by you, not your environment. Look for what makes you feel fulfilled and work hard to achieve it. We wish you good luck in your future selection processes and remind you that you can send us a LinkedIn message if you want us to give you a hand.