Career Manager

The Interview Process & Psychometric tests

Timetable – generally 4-6 weeks from cv submission to offer. Most overseas law firms operate a two interview process but some have only one and others three, also note that corporate employers can have far more lengthy recruitment interview processes.

• From CV submission – You should expect to hear back from most employers about your legal job within two weeks of submission. If not then don’t be afraid to follow up with the relevant HR team or contact person.
• First Interview – You should expect to hear back reasonably quickly and within two weeks of your interview. Again ask for feedback. If unsuccessful ask why but don’t expect detailed analysis.
• Second Interview – This is usually within two weeks of the first interview or from when you get feedback offering you a second interview.
• Offer – This may take some time to prepare but you should get an indication within at least two weeks of your last interview, sometimes much faster.

Withdrawal

• If you decide to withdraw from the process inform the employer as soon as possible and explain why in as much detail as you are able to give. Always be polite this employer may well be right for you in the future.

Negotiation and Offer

• Can I negotiate? – Up to you. If you are lucky enough to have more than one offer you can ask your preferred employer to match the terms if they are not quite as good.
• Be very careful though while you may be able to negotiate successfully on salary and start dates, you are less likely to negotiate on standard company policies such as benefits, relocation allowances and your level of experience.
• Employers do not like bidding wars and you certainly do not want to put off your prospective employer with unrealistic demands at offer stage.
• Be flexible – be prepared to accept a later start date if necessary.

Resignation

• This is a matter for you and your relationship with your current employer and your treatment of risk, but there are some guidelines. Obviously it is better to have a signed contract with a start date before you resign or you could be without a job and not have one to go to.
• Sometimes an employer will ask for references to make your offer unconditional and here is the catch, you don't want to let the cat out of the bag. If you have nothing to hide there really should be no problem resigning with your offer in your pocket and then getting the references checked afterwards but there is an element of risk and the choice is entirely yours. Providing a negative reference which is untruthful can have serious consequences for an employer.
• Be sensible and keep your new employer informed if you have any concerns.

Psychometric Tests

These are not standardized and are far more common for corporate employers particularly in US and UK than for law firms. If you know that you will be tested try and get some experience first and complete some tests online, there are a few free ones. The more senior the role and its involvement in leadership and management the more likely you are to be tested. The tests can include emotional intelligence, academic intelligence, numeracy and reasoning.