The Art of the Recruiting Meal

So, you've aced the screening interview, and your callback interview is going well. Now comes the obligatory employer lunch or dinner. This should be a breeze, right? You know how to eat, and you may be lucky enough to be eating with only an associate who may have even gone to your law school. Not so fast, my friend. Every encounter with a member of the firm is part of the interview, including the meal. Keep reading to find tips on how to master the recruiting meal and dine with finesse. More. . .

Are there stupid questions?

We are now in the full swing of fall recruiting. For those involved in interviewing, there may be nothing more daunting than when the interviewer turns to you and says, "Do you have any questions?" Here are a few tips to help you prepare for that moment.

• ALWAYS HAVE QUESTIONS READY
• Ask 3-5 well thought out and insightful questions
• Areas such as their pro bono committment, associate training and mentoring, requirements for making partner, what is a typical day for the interviewer, and how much client contact will I have are always appropriate.

Are there questions you shouldn't ask? The answer is a resounding yes!! The big one - anything about compensation and the firm's long-term financial picture. While you may be especially concerned right now about hitching yourself to their future, you won't find the answers in an interview and you won't score any points with the interviewers. Not only is the interviewer probably not privy to that information, they wouldn't share it with you if they were and potentially scare you off. If you have questions, do your research and ask any personal contacts you may have. Keep "candid" questions out of the interiew.

Social networking, blogging and your on-line pesence

Social networking, blogging and other on-line outlets are a great way to stay in touch, find kindred souls and discuss news of the day. You are continuously cautioned (by myself and others) to be careful about your digital footprint. However, there are an equal number of stories about the benefits of social networks and blogging. So, what's a prospective employee to do? Social networking and blogging can be the key to a bright and successful future if used wisely. The number one tip or caution - whatever you put out there, it is there to stay. Don't post something you wouldn't want an employer to see. Here's some other tips from Chris Pirillo had to say to Southwestern College students that is certainly applicable to law students as well.

More interviewing tips

Now that fall recruiting is in full swing, the savvy law student is seeking as many interviewing tips as she can find. The Legal Times sought out advice from law school career counselors and law firm recruiting personnel to find out what not to do this interviewing season. Besides the obvious like no typos in your resume, you can make a great impression by wearing a well-tailored suit and being open but not disclosing too much information. Check out the article for other useful tips.