The most memorable legal candidate I interviewed was an exceptional communicator. From our initial call, he was clear about what he was looking for in our partnership and transparent about his availability. During our interview, he was able to articulate his greatest skills, share clear reasons for leaving past employment, and explain the type of opportunities he was most interested in. He listened as I shared how I could support him while searching for new employment and asked clarifying questions to make sure we were on the same page. His ability to explain what he was searching for gave me clear direction with how to support his employment search. He now has the job of his dreams!
I recently spoke to an outstanding Contracts Administrator. What made this candidate stand out, besides her excellent skill set and tenure with several well-known corporate legal departments, was her sheer enthusiasm for contracts and her career progression. We have access to thousands of candidates every year but the people that stand out the most are the ones that have found their calling in legal and truly love what they do. If a candidate is passionate about their line of business and has excitement in their voice when they discuss what they like to do, I can in turn advocate on their behalf and bring our clients along on the wave of excitement! If you\'ve found something that you love to do, convey that to us, we can match you with your dream job and walk with you along your career path!
During my eight years with Robert Half, I've met with many legal candidates and hiring managers. However, the candidate who really stands out to me is a contracts manager candidate I met in the last year. From her interview, I could see she brought a wealth of knowledge in her craft, a passion for the legal field, and clear communication skills. At the same time, she came to the interview authentically and she was unafraid to show her funny and quirky personality. She was well-rounded. Not only was she clearly a standout in terms of her skills and experience, but she was someone others would really enjoy working with and could rely on as a colleague and partner. After our interview, I made it my mission to find her a job. Many times, we forget that a great interview is really just a great conversation between two people who are deciding whether they would enjoy working together for a long period of time.
A really great attitude goes far, along with being responsive. The candidate I have in mind was truly excited about finding a new job! He wasn’t simply looking for a remote position or a way to double his salary… He wanted a new challenge and a way to build on his current experience, with an opportunity to advance his career. When I reached out to schedule an interview, he got back to me within 2 hours and suggested a video meeting before I even could (rather than having a list of reasons why a phone interview is preferable.) During our initial interview, he smiled and was anxious to hear about our process. He also provided me letters of recommendation from previous supervisors which I was able to include when sending to my clients. He got the first job I sent him to interview for!
I interviewed a phenomenal litigation paralegal- very bright, presented herself extremely professionally, and have been with her current well-known firm for 10 years (working her way from an entry-level role). I knew she would get any job she wanted, but she was horribly nervous to interview since she has been with one firm her entire career. I immediately got her a send-out with an AmLaw firm and coached her through the interview process- and she got the job! The very first one she interviewed for! As if that wasn\'t enough, she referred me 3 other candidates just like her and I placed them all at the first firms I sent them to. There is truly nothing more rewarding than a great referral and happy candidates!
I recently interviewed a litigation paralegal who left a boutique law firm in SoCal as her growth was regularly stunted. Through our conversation, she articulated her experience by sharing her story and the development of her skill set while tying in where she hopes to go. She let me know exactly what she did in each of her roles, highlighting the growth it brought her career and what she hopes to do next. She asked thoughtful questions about being a contract employee with RH, and what it meant for her. She was honest about the other roles she took interest in and was interviewing for, which allowed for open and honest dialogue. Her humility and transparency about her worries, hesitations based on previous experiences, and ultimately her goals was refreshing and made her a joy to work with and ultimately place! It's makes a great difference to share your experience and goals, and letting those around you help you get there. Stay open, honest, and commit to your own growth!
I recently interviewed an exceptional candidate, she was new to the job market due to cut -backs in the legal department where she was recently hired in at. She left her previous position of 6 years for this new opportunity and it happened to be a disappointment. She had an excellent skill set, pleasant personality and after listening to her story - I was determined to match her with her next opportunity. She was flexible, great with following up, open and able to quickly adapt to different environments (from working remote to working fully in office). It didn't take long for my team and I to place her on a short term assignment- while we were still keeping her in mind for something long term. By the time she wrapped her short term assignment (on Friday) we already had her lined up for a long term assignment - starting on Monday! She will remain memorable to me because of her adaptability, flexibility and great communication throughout the process.
The ability to be professional and personable during an interview is a great way to build rapport. Employers can appreciate candidates who are knowledgeable and respond in a professional manner but are also able to connect on a personal level as well. Connecting about why one is interested in the position brings additional value to an interview. Being personable and building rapport is a great way to stand out amongst other peers.
Senior Vice President and Director of Permanent Services at Robert Half
Answered 4 years ago
I recently met with a very impressive commercial real estate paralegal. She was an exceptional listener, she first heard the full details, skills, and requirements of the job, then she concisely and precisely explained her experience and skills that translated so perfectly with the job description and the company. Jaime succinctly articulated how she has resolved conflict through effective face to face verbal communication skills. Her calm and deliberate communication skills got her the job!