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November 27, 2006
Networking & Informational Interviewing
Questions to Ask in an Informational Interview
• I know that you graduated from Case but could you tell me a little bit more about your background?
• How did you decide on the practice area that you are in now?
• What did you do during the summers in law school and would you recommend the same experiences to me?
• What classes did you find most useful or the least useful in preparing for the bar exam?
• Can you tell me more about what you do on a daily basis?
• What is the most interesting project you have worked on lately?
• What do you find most challenging about your work?
• What do you find most rewarding about your work?
• As someone who is new to the legal field, can you tell me about the legal market here in Cleveland?
• If I am interested in a career similar to yours do you have any specific advice for me?
Long Distance Searches/ Interviews
• I know that you graduated from Case but could you tell me a little bit more about how you got from Cleveland to this city?
• How did you find the job market when you relocated to this city?
• How is the current legal market in this state and this city?
• As a student who has been studying in Ohio, do you have any advice regarding classes I should be taking to prepare for the bar exam in this state?
• If I am committed to relocating to this city after graduation do you have any specific advice for me?
Always ask “is there anyone else that you think I should talk to?”
Always thank the contact for their time.
After the Interview
• Always send thank you notes
• Always follow up with your contacts
• Debrief yourself – keep note cards with the name & contact information of each contact including when and how you met, anything personal or relevant they mentioned (interests, activities, spouse, children, etc.)
- Use these notes to re-initiate contacts that may have cooled or to keep in touch as your job search progresses. Send articles, point of conferences, CLEs, etc.
Posted by smp20 at November 27, 2006 04:49 PM