To prepare for interviews, the Career Development Office at the University of Houston Law Center encourages students to research their employers, attend our programs, and meet with career counselors. Please also review the suggestions below:

Do your homework and prepare for the interview - Employers expect you to know about their practice, major cases, etc. You can find information on employers by reviewing NALP forms and firm websites. You can search for information on Google and Martindale Hubbell. Another useful took is to network with other attorneys who work with the firm or know something about the firm.
Dress for Success – Before you say a word to an employer, the first thing he/she sees is your appearance. Wear a suit that is fitted, pressed, and polished. Ladies are encouraged to wear skirts, as well as hose and closed-toe shoes. Wear a minimal amount of make-up and jewelry. Make sure your shoes are shined and appropriate. Ensure that your hair is neat, including facial hair for men.
Be on time – If you can’t make it on time for the interview, how can the employer expect you to be on time for work?
Focus on the positive – Don’t give a negative impression of your background or of your weaknesses. Everything you say can be turned into a positive.
Know the information that you have on your resume – Make sure you know and are prepared to discuss anything listed on your resume.
Be prepared to talk about accomplishments – One of the hardest things for most people to do is to talk about their successes. Put serious thought into things you have accomplished and be ready to discuss those things conversationally in the interview. The employer wants to know what you are bringing to the table.
Give firm handshakes – The interviewers want to know that you are confident in your abilities, and a firm handshake can express just that. Be sure to shake the interviewers’ hands at the beginning as well as at the end of an interview.
Make good eye contact – Give the interviewers great eye contact throughout the interview. Even if one person asks the question, look all interviewers in the eye when responding.
Be polite – Don’t interrupt the interviewers and simply use common manners when talking to the employers.
Engage in conversation – The interview is an opportunity for the employer to determine if he/she can work with you for extended amounts of time. They are trying to develop a sense of who you really are. Think of the interview as an opportunity for you to also get to know the interviewers.
Ask questions at the end of the interview – Asking questions shows that you have put some serious thought into the position and that you are truly interested in knowing more about the employer.

We offer Mock Interviews at several times throughout the year. Please contact the Career Development Office for more information.