To supplement the more specific tips in part 1, I thought some more general tips on law firm assessment centres would be useful! Here are my thoughts…
Try to calm your nerves
Some nerves can be a good thing, allowing that adrenaline to kick in. But if you’re *super* nervous and you can’t overcome this, you won’t be able to let your personality shine through, which is really important for performing well. Try these simple hacks:
- Have your notes to hand, with a cover sheet of basic prompts (or affirmations if that’s your thing!) to read over and recite right before you begin. This’ll hopefully help you focus, and stop your mind doing that scattery, spaced-out thing it can do when nervous.
- If you’re waiting for the assessment centre to begin and just can’t control your nerves, voice note (or call, if there’s time) a friend or relative.
- Try to gain perspective and ease the pressure. You’re going to do the best you can. That’s all anyone can ask! We’re not saving lives here. What’s the worst that can happen? You’re unsuccessful? – you’ll just try again!
- All else fails, fake it till you make it! In your preparation time on the day, think of a ‘hook’ for each segment of the day. A ‘hook’ is how you’ll begin, or what you’ll fall back on to get yourself going again if your nerves kick in. For example: an intro sentence to your presentation; a simple line of small talk for the partners; a question for Grad Rec. These little nuggets will let you at least appear confident.
Have some great questions ready
An assessment centre is still a great information-gathering exercise on the firm, even if you’re not ultimately successful. And if you ARE successful, you’ll want to know as much about the firm as possible so you can respond to the offer accordingly! So having some great questions to hand is essentials.
- Good questions are ones which are insightful (i.e. well-researched), show an awareness of the firm and the industry together (i.e. tailored, NOT generic), and – crucially – leave an impression.
- You can’t go wrong if your question asks the respondent to share a story. People generally love to talk about themselves! For example, ask what their route to law was, or why they picked a certain practice area.
- Some other examples:
- Ask a partner about a broad thematic issue –
“I’ve been reading about [issue] and I was wondering the impact you think it has on [firm/firm’s practice area/firm’s client]?“ - Ask a trainee/junior about what life there is really like –
“I’m really interested in [department]. Have you sat there?” “What stands out to me about the firm is [characteristic]. Has that been your experience?” “How would you describe the firm’s overall atmosphere?“
- Ask a partner about a broad thematic issue –
Remain professional throughout
It might sound obvious, but remember that you’re always being watched and assessed, so you should definitely remain professional at all times. At the same time, you want to strike a balance between being professional and polite while also being friendly and personable so that you’re showing your enthusiasm.
- I know you probably don’t want to constantly grin maniacally over Zoom – but for example, when asking a question, presenting, or during your partner interview: don’t underestimate the importance of a smile!
- There may be some form of networking session or panel event. Remember that the lawyers have taken time out of their day to help you – so be engaged and make the effort to ask questions and participate fully.
–
I hope these more general assessment centre tips are useful!