Law firm video interview preparation advice

Jul 08, 2022

Written By Robert Greene

Video interviews are one of the most challenging – and daunting – aspects of the training contract selection process. Whilst it is impossible to predict exactly what questions the firm will ask, there are some things you can do to boost your chances of making a good impression.

What is a video interview?

As part of the training contract selection process, many firms require applicants to complete a video interview. The interview is usually the third step in the process; after submitting the application form and completing the psychometric assessment. If you nail the interview, you will usually be invited to attend the assessment centre stage.

The Ultimate Training Contract Applications Workshop | Tues 27th June, 4pm to 5pm

Join this virtual event for game-changing insights from successful lawyers and graduate recruiters. Master the art of applying for training contracts!

Reserve Spot

What does the video interview involve?

The video interview isn’t your typical two-way interview with a person at the firm. Instead, applicants are presented with a series of questions and are given a short window to prepare (usually 30 seconds to one minute) and answer (usually one to two minutes) the questions. Candidates must answer the questions looking directly at the camera lens and their answers are submitted automatically.

There is no opportunity to review or re-record the answers, which means you essentially get one opportunity to shine. There is, however, a practice question beforehand, which can be attempted and re-attempted an unlimited number of times.

How to prepare for the law firm video interview

With an invitation to the assessment centre at stake, and one opportunity to get it right, nailing the video interview requires preparation and practice. We’ve put together a list of our six top tips to help you pass with flying colours.

Looking the part

Whilst there won’t be someone asking you the questions, there will be someone watching your answers. So, it is important that you make the right first impression by looking the part. It can be difficult to know what is appropriate for a one-way interview, but when in doubt, err on the side of caution. This means dressing as you would for a formal, in-person interview. For men, a shirt and blazer should be fine; though you could wear a tie if you wanted. For women, a shirt and/or blazer would also be acceptable as would a smart dress. Try to avoid anything too distracting (big, bright colours or patterns), which applies equally to your background!

Importantly, look directly down the camera lens when answering the questions. It can be tempting to look at yourself whilst speaking, but this creates a disconnect with the viewer. And don’t forget to smile - even if you’re nervous!

Structure, structure, structure

Unless you pre-empted the question, it is very unlikely that you will produce the “perfect” answer in 30 seconds. However, one way you can make sure your answer sounds better is by applying a structure to it. The rule of three is generally a good structure to adopt: “Firstly... secondly... thirdly” - though it may not be suitable for all answers.

During your preparation time, it is a good idea to note down the two or three key words or phrases that you want to make. This will help you keep focused on what you want to say, and prevent you from rambling. For example, if the question is “what inspires you?”, you might want to jot down three things which inspire you or one thing that inspires you and three (buzz word) reasons why. This gives you a loose structure to hang your answer on.

Preparation is key

It is very unlikely that you will be able to predict all the questions that come up. However, there may be one or two that you can prepare in advance, such as “why this law firm?” or “why law?”. A good starting point for your preparation is to review your application form and the research you did for it.

Having a digital bank of notes on the day can be useful, so you can quickly search for a piece of information relevant to a question. But remember you have very little time to prepare your answers, so it is probably better to prepare a structure than to be trawling through notes on the day of the interview.

A helpful tip for preparing for potentially unforeseen or challenging questions is to prepare a table of experiences upon which you can draw from; ones that demonstrate leadership, teamwork, creativity etc. This can be a lifesaver when your mind runs blank, particularly for scenario-based and competency questions.

But whatever you do, do not fall into the trap of answering the question you want to answer, as opposed to the question that is asked. You may have prepared a fantastic answer on your teamwork skills, but shoehorning it into a question about leadership will not do you any favours. There will inevitably be one or two questions that you cannot prepare for in advance, and that may have no apparent link to the legal sector. Don’t fret, these may be questions that are designed to test your creativity or ability to think on your feet.

Don’t lose track of time

Time management is one of the key skills being assessed during the video interview. You are being assessed on how well you can prepare and present under very tight time constraints – and keep your cool throughout! That is easier said than done.

Applying a structure to your answer, and noting the three (max.) things you want to say on a piece of paper, can make a world of difference. There will be a timer on the screen which shows you how much time you have left. If you have several points you would like to make and you are running short on time, cut one of them. The assessor will not know what additional point(s) you wanted to make, and it is better to finish your sentence than to be cut off midway through.

Also, it is good to remember that sometimes less is more. If you can say your answer in one minute, and you are given two minutes to speak, there is no obligation to keep talking. You can submit your answer when you are finished or wait until the timer runs out (in which case, keep smiling!) Lawyers are supposed to be able to communicate clearly and concisely, so finishing on time (or early) may work in your favour.

Practice makes perfect

The video interview can feel quite unnatural and if you have never done one before it can be very stressful on the day. It is a good idea to practice beforehand. A quick Google search will reveal a number of sites offering video interview practice tests.

You can also practice timing yourself with a friend, particularly in relation to the out-of-box questions. Ask them to ask you a question – any question – and see if you can think on your feet and respond effectively in one minute.

Alternatively, you could record yourself on Zoom or another video platform answering questions which a friend has prepared or which you found online. This is particularly useful when it comes to reviewing your presentation; watch back the interview and make sure you are happy with your delivery, timing, background etc.

Keep calm and carry on

If you mess up an answer – you will not be the first – do not let it sabotage the entire interview. The best thing to do is to keep smiling and carry on. You will impress the assessor by showing them that you are resilient and optimistic and can handle setbacks.

Similarly, if a question crops up that you weren’t expecting, don’t panic. Remember there will be questions you could not have pre-empted. This is part of the challenge. There are lots of marks going for presentation, structure and personality, so even if your answer isn’t “perfect”, you may still score very highly.

Selection & Assessment