Every aspiring lawyer has to navigate a number of interviews, which present an opportunity to impress hiring partners and show them why you’d be a great fit for the firm. In this series, we look at some of the most common interview questions that applicants will face, and our expert team from Herbert Smith Freehills demonstrate what makes a good or bad answer—and why.
This week, the quintessential interview mainstay: if you had to identify one weakness, what would it be? Like it or not, you’ll have to address it. And it is not beneficial to say ‘I’m a perfectionist!’. First, let’s see what not to say.
That example might seem extreme, but it isn’t hard to imagine an ill-prepared candidate stumbling upon a bad answer. On the other hand, a well-prepared candidate might say something like this:
Although the weakness the candidate identified was worrying, he managed to place it in context against his strengths. He was also armed with a practical example, and a keen sense of self awareness.
Next week, a really tricky one: do you think you’re a robust person? Come back next week to hear more, and don’t forget to share your interview tips, pitfalls and experiences at @TRLegalEurope.
