The Human Rights Law Interview: Preparing to Impress

Feb 12, 2024

Written By Georgia Purcell

Your interview is going to be a critical junction in your path to a career in human rights law – it’s a brilliant opportunity for you to showcase your skills, experiences, and passion for human rights. Feeling a bit nervous about it? Don’t worry! We’re going to provide a deep dive in how you can present yourself in the best light and ace that interview.

Understanding the human rights law landscape

Human rights law is a key part of contemporary legal practice, with its rich background and deep history. The best place to start in your interview prep is to ensure that you have this history absolutely nailed down. A fundamental understanding of why the laws are in place is key to knowing how to utilise them to the benefit of your client. Demonstrating your understanding of this is a great way to leave a positive impression on potential employers!

Researching the organisation

Conducting thorough research on the organisation you’re interviewing for is absolutely crucial. You want to show them that you have a genuine interest in their work, and that you value their time enough to prepare thoroughly for the interview. The best place to start is on their website: they’re handing you this information and they’ll expect you to know it!

Delve deeper into recent cases they’ve taken part in, read news articles mentioning them, and consult their blog and social media. They’re putting this information out there to present themselves in the best light, so it’s a great way to see what they consider their strengths as an organisation. Make sure you understand the organisation’s key practice areas, as well as their missions and values.

Understanding interview formats and types

You’ll want to know what to expect when you walk into that room. Luckily, you won’t be the first one to have been in this position, so it’s likely that you’ll be able to learn more about what the interview will look like. If it’s not publicised on their website or social media, using forums to find others who have interviewed with the organisation or connecting with recent employees on LinkedIn is a great way to find out as much as possible.

Often, the interview will take place as a traditional one-on-one interview, but don’t be surprised if you’re met with a panel interview instead! It’s also good to be prepared for a behavioural or competency-based interview.

Anticipating interview questions

Common interview questions for human rights law positions are often based around your legal knowledge, transferable skills (problem-solving, teamwork) and commitment to the organisation’s missions and values. The STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) technique can help structure and articulate your responses effectively. Practising answering interview questions aloud, either independently or with a trusted friend or mentor, can build confidence and help you refine responses.

Showcasing your skills and experience

During your interview, the organisation will be looking for certain skills, experiences, and qualities in all of the candidates they interview. During your research you’ll have come across plenty of skills that they’re asking for. The best way to demonstrate these is to provide concrete examples of relevant experiences, making sure you’re highlighting your transferable skills. You want to differentiate yourself from other candidates, so make sure you’re relating all your skills back to times that you’ve had to use them and using noteworthy examples.

Demonstrating your passion for human rights

Showing a genuine passion and commitment to human rights law is critical during the interview. Ensure you’re articulating your personal connection to human rights issues by sharing relevant experiences or achievements, and link these back to your motivation for pursuing a career in human rights law. You could also draw on recent cases the firm was involved in, to show you’ve done your research.

Preparing for practical exercises or case studies

Practical exercises or case studies often form part of the interview process for human rights law positions. Approaching these exercises effectively involves analysing the problem or scenario, identifying key legal issues, conducting thorough research, and proposing evidence-based recommendations that align with the firm’s values. Practising written exercises beforehand will also help.

Handling difficult questions or scenarios

The interview isn’t expected to be easy! It’s likely you’ll be handed challenging ethical questions and scenarios during your interview so they can test your morals and quick thinking, and it’s important that you have a strategy to answer these questions. You’ll need to respond thoughtfully and professionally, making sure you’re focusing on honesty, integrity, and the ability to think critically under pressure.

Following up after the interview

It’s often a good idea to send a thank-you email or letter soon after the interview to ensure you’re still fresh in their mind. It’s also an opportunity to express appreciation for the opportunity and reiterate your interest in the role. Make sure your note is personalised and refers to specific topics discussed during your interview to ensure it really hits home.

Conclusion

Effective preparation is the key to excelling in a human rights law interview. By understanding the field, researching the organisation, anticipating questions, showcasing your skills and passion, and following up professionally, you can make the most of this critical opportunity. You’ve got this!

Selection & Assessment