I have an interview for BCM Hanby Wallace, would anyone be able to offer any advice as to what to expect? Im quite nervous about it, particularly the concept of a group interview...
Group interviews are strange things, to be honest. Basically, you’re in a room with about ten other interviewees and the lawyers who are conducting it. They will ask you to introduce yourselves, and then will throw out topics for you to talk about amongst yourselves, which can range from current affairs to something light hearted. Based on this interview, they will invite certain people back for a further individual interview at a later date.
People always wonder how to approach them: should you talk a little or a lot? I would be inclined to think that you’re more likely to talk yourself out of a further interview than into one. I’ve had several group interviews for law firms and I’ve always been struck by how dogmatic people get when debating the topics that are thrown out there. Some people make the mistake of thinking that the interviewers are looking for a really fiery person who argues very effectively. I remember one guy who did a group interview for a big firm with me who was cutting across everyone else and trying to monopolise every conversation. He was very pleased with himself afterwards as he felt that he’d “won” the debate and impressed the interviewers with his rhetoric. He’d missed the point completely: the lawyers who are conducting these interviews really don’t care what you think about global warming, the planning tribunals or Santa Claus’s labour policies. What they’re actually looking to see is how you interact with the other interviewees and how you conduct yourself in a stressful situation. Basically, they are deciding whether or not they could see themselves working with you.
Therefore, the most important thing to remember is that the interviewers are not listening to what you’re saying; they’re watching how you’re acting. Don’t be “that really talkative guy/girl”! It is important to contribute, but confine yourself to one comment per topic max. Keep it simple, clear and avoid rambling on. Preferably, respond to something someone else has said rather than make the first remark. It goes down well to preface this with “As John/Jane was saying...” or whatever, because it shows that you were listening to what others were saying. Don’t worry about being completely up to date about current affairs etc; as long as you are not completely clueless about what’s going on in the world you’ll be fine. Also, be aware of your body language: I saw one guy whose hands were literally shaking, which was clearly noticed by the interviewers. They were undoubtedly thinking that someone who was this nervous wouldn’t be able to handle a real pressure situation.
Anyway, hope that helps and best of luck.
Feel free to send me a PM if you want to discuss this further.