Navigating Call Backs

Q. What can I expect during a call back?

• In Silicon Valley, your call back usually will consist of a half day (morning / afternoon)
• You will most likely have a 9:30 am-1:00 pm (includes lunch) or a 2:00-5:00 pm interview.
• Most firms will allow the lunch to be optional.
• Having a lunch/ not having a lunch doesn’t have an advantage. 

Q. What is this "lunch" interview all about?

• A lunch interview will take place over lunch, usually less formal.
• It can be somewhat awkward due to the food.
• Go into the situation knowing its going to be a little less formal.
• Lunch can take an hour or longer.
• This type of interview is going to consist of talking about your life, hobbies etc as well as the firm.
• If you thrive off of making personal connections, this could be your style of interviewing.
  If you like an interview setting better, focus on skipping lunch. It shouldn’t hurt your chances.

Q. Who Will I meet?

• First, find a bio of everyone you will potentially meet. The firm will usually let you know whom you will be interviewing with.
• Interviews are usually with associates and partners at the firm. 
• Usually 2 partners. Mix up of male/female, ethnic/racial diversity
• They might ask you if you would like to meet with someone with a special interest. (LGBT, Working Mother etc) Use this to your advantage. If you have a particular type of person you would like to meet with, be sure to ask.
• Be comfortable, you have already passed the first stage!

Q. How Do I prepare?

• Research every person you will interview with and indentify one thing that you have in common. 
• Important: Prepare a full set of questions on paper. Bring this with you.
• Ask questions that you might not be able to find online. Ask very creative questions
• Make sure you understand the website well.
• Try to get a sense of what the firm is doing recently (last 6 months)
• Personalize, Personalize, Personalize.
• Make sure to ask different questions to each person who you interview with. this will show you prepared. 
• never say I don’t have any questions
• Bad Question Example: "What has your experience been like at Mofo?
• Good Question Example: "I notice that you've been practicing law with Mofo for awhile, what type of opportunities have you had which helped you grow in your respective field?"

Q. What other tips can you offer?

• Realize that every person you meet will have a say in the hiring process. Be kind to everyone you meet. 
• Make sure to convey your interest in a particular firm.
• Confidence Vs. Arrogance: Arrogant is when you go in expecting an offer, but confidence is when you go in confident about your skill set, your background, and your research but you know you need to still impress the interviewer.
• Try and make gratitude a central part of your interview.

Q. It went great! Now what?

• Make sure to send an electronic thank you note. It should be around four sentences. Do not be too casual; grammar should not go out the window.
• Write the letter within 24-48 hours after the interview
• A small tip: If you interviewed with someone who has a PHD, include Dear Dr._______. It is a gracious way to recognize that particular person.
• Have an appropriate email address (no suferdude121) 
• With that said, make sure that you "google" your email address to see what comes up. (Facebook pictures)

*This Blog was made possible by the "Navigating Call-Backs" lunch time event. Feel free to view the videos on our Youtube Page