When preparing for your on-campus or call-back interview with Reed Smith, always keep in mind standard interviewing rules: dress professionally, show up on time (or call if you are going to be late), maintain good eye contact, be confident in your abilities, and relax – we’ve been in your shoes so we know what it’s like. While all of these things are important, below are a few more helpful hints to assist you in preparing for your interview:
- Research the Firm. Review our website for details about our practice areas, office locations, annual reports, summer program, etc.
- Talk to people. It is always good to find out as much information as possible. Seek out 3Ls who were summer associates, law school alumni or other attorneys who are familiar with Reed Smith.
- Research your interviewer(s). Attorney biographies are available on our website. You will find the interview to be much more relaxed and comfortable if you can find a common interest with the interviewer.
- Relax and be yourself. Engage in a conversation with the interviewer rather than just answering questions directly.
- Be comfortable talking about your resume. This may sound like an obvious one, but some people forget! If you list an internship from 5 years ago, be prepared to talk about the details of your work there.
- Go with the flow. Interview schedules often change due to unforeseen circumstances. Do not let this affect your interview. If the interviewer has changed or if the interview starts late, try to stay on course and understand that it will not effect your evaluation.
- Know the future of the firm. Although it may be difficult to picture yourself at the same firm 5 years from now, many attorneys who have built their careers at Reed Smith started as summer associates. Ask about the vision for the Firm or office in which you are interviewing.
- Tailor your interviews. If you get an invitation for a call-back interview, ask to speak with specific attorneys, such as someone with children, an attorney on our Diversity Committee, an attorney in the litigation group, etc. This will enable you to meet someone familiar with the Firm’s initiatives, including the Diversity Initiative, Pro Bono & Community Service, Women’s Career Advancement Initiative, or Reed Smith University.
- Ask questions. The interviewers are expecting you to have questions, so be prepared! It is always good to develop at least 3 questions using resources available to you such as the Reed Smith overview, an attorney’s bio or recent news. (Don't be afraid to ask the same question to various interviewers.) If you think of questions once you get home, follow-up with the attorneys or Recruiting Contact who organized your interviews.