We understand that the interview process, while exciting, can also be daunting. When preparing for your on-campus or callback 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 and social media for details about our industry and practice areas, office locations, annual reports and summer program. You should be able to discuss your reasons for making an application to Reed Smith’s summer program and what drew you to the firm.
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 within Reed Smith.
Research your interviewer(s). Interviewer names should be made available to you ahead of your interview and 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. Your responses to questions should be candid rather than canned.
Be comfortable talking about your resume. This may sound like an obvious one, but some people forget. If you list an internship from five years ago, be prepared to talk about the details of your work there.
Be ready to provide examples of your unique skillset. Throughout your education, work experience and extracurricular activities you have been perfecting your ability to work on teams, communicate and stay organized. Be ready to talk about these skills by giving specific examples from your past experience.
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 affect your evaluation.
Know the future of the firm. Although it may be difficult to picture yourself at the same firm five 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.
Ask questions. The interviewers are expecting you to have questions, so be prepared! It is always good to develop at least three questions using resources available to you such as the Reed Smith website, an attorney’s bio or recent news. If you think of questions once you get home, follow-up with the attorneys or the recruiting contact who organized your interviews.
