How to present yourself at your pupillage interview
Interviewers at barristers’ chambers aren’t just interested in what you say – they’ll also be taking note of how you say it. They will be considering whether you would instil confidence in a client, and whether you would also be able to get on with other members of chambers, including clerks and support staff.
Aim to come across as polite, positive and professional. Emma Zeb, a pupillage committee member at St John’s Chambers, advises, ‘You need to be articulate, confident, intelligent and persuasive. We are looking for someone with whom who we may wish to work for many years.’ Dress smartly (a suit is the best bet), arrive early, treat the clerks or admin staff with respect, smile and offer a firm handshake.
During the interview make eye contact for the majority of the time but avoid staring. Show your enthusiasm for your chosen career and answer questions honestly but with a positive spin. It’s a good idea to set up a practice interview at your careers service to polish your technique.
What qualities are interviewers at barristers’ chambers looking for?
- Personality and presence. Having a spark about you will definitely help. This doesn’t mean putting on an act, pretending to be someone you’re not, talking too much or being rude, overbearing or ingratiating. Recruiters are looking for self-assurance and strong interpersonal skills.
- Intellectual ability. You’ll need to show that you can think freely. When considering legal issues you’ll be judged on your ability to discuss points intelligently and persuasively. You need to be able to make and sustain a convincing argument but also know when to concede. If you’ve been involved in debating at university this should help. Interviewers are interested in what your thought processes are, even if they don’t lead to the right answer.
- Eloquence, though you must also be a good listener.
- Integrity and reliability.
- Commitment to hard work.
- Candidates who remain calm under pressure and who would be able to manage multiple cases.
