INTERVIEW HELP FOR RECENTLY QUALIFIED LEGAL SECRETARY PLEASE!!!?

Question

i've just qualified as a legal secretary with a home course diploma. I'm going on an interview in just a few weeks and really would like as many tips as possible to all those who interviewed for such a position. will they test me on what i know? as much information on the entire interview process is necessary and will be soo appreciated! please do get back to me.

thanks so much to all those who can help.x

Answer 1

I am getting ready to enter a paralegal program at my community college and I have been doing LOTS of research. I have also been interviewing for entry-level jobs, because above all, the employers want experience, even after you graduate. So, I am trying to get a jump start in order to build my resume.

I will tell you this: ALL of the 4 places I have interviewed were very picky with my education and background. Like I said, these were low-paying, entry jobs and they still wanted a lot.  

You are probably going to have to give them specifics on what you learned and how you can apply these. Because you went through a home course, it may be more difficult for you to show them. Law firms like to see hands-on experience and they like you to attend schools that are on-campus. I have a BA and it is still hard. Of all the interviews I have ever had, the lawyers are the most into details.

Do you know anything about the actual job? WHATEVER skills you have that you can show them. Not just in your school, but past experience that relates to being a secretary. They will want excellent writing and speaking skills, and the ability to work with others and work under stress.  If this is an entry-level job, you should be ok, unless they want law experience. But, they called you, so something stood out. :) So, you have to play on what you DO have, so they will know you are best for the job.

I wish you a lot of luck!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

If this interview does not work out, use it as experience for the next one. Try to remember what they asked.

Answer 2

I also do not agree with the poster who said that any jobs in law are drying up.  She always post the same thing just to get her 2 points.  

Now as for interviewing.  Make sure that you dress professionally for the interview.  I would be upfront on my experience and let them know that you are articulate, professional and a fast learner.  Tell them that you would be willing to start as an entry level file clerk just to get your foot in the door so that you can prove yourself.  In this business you also need to be a multi-tasker.  The number one thing on my list is to be confident.  If you were to interview with me that is the main thing I am looking in an employee.    Someone who is sure of herself.

Answer 3

I don't agree with the person who has warned you against going into this.  There is always work for a good legal secretary.  It is well paid because of the additional technical skill required.  Yes you would have to work hard, but it is interesting and if you find the right firm, very stimulating and rewarding.

At the interview you will probably be tested to ensure that you can type accurately, follow instructions, including how to lay things out properly, and can spell properly.  A good legal secretary would check her own work before handing it in, so it should not be full of mistakes.

Prospective employers would probably want you to have a good telephone manner, i.e. friendly and helpful, and discretion and confidentiality are essential. You should not give any sort of legal advice to clients, and should not give out their details to anyone else.  They will be aware from your Curriculum Vitae that you are inexperienced, so they would not expect you to know everything, but you would need to show that you are enthusiasic and willing to learn, and that you are a responsible person who would not let them down by absenteeism, which can wreak havoc in a small office. For the interview you should look neat and tidy and wear formal clothes.  Later you might find that this is not strictly necessary, but remember you never get a second chance to make a first impression, and you should not appear dizzy or flighty.  No bare mid-riff, denims or extreme body ornamentation.  Don't  try and flannel if you can't answer a question - just be honest and don't panic.

And smile as much as possible, be respectful but not creepy, and look people in the eye - make sure you include everyone interviewing you, because it is sods law that the one person you ignore is the one who makes the final decision!

Good luck

PS this bit added later after reading other replies - I think that some people are giving you advice as if you are going in as a paralegal, but your question was about being a legal secretary, which is not the same thing at all. I am in England, but I don't feel my advice would be any different for an American.

Answer 4

Usually these "certificates" are worthless.  Most law offices today want their employees to have bachelor degrees from a university.

WARNING:  Jobs in the field of Law are drying up fast today!!!   This is NOT a good field to invest in right now.  Reasons:  very bad economy, many people today (mistakenly) think they can do their own legal work now thanks to the WWWeb, there are WAY TOO MANY law schools churning out WAY TOO MANY graduates to be supported by our country (USA).  IF you do get a job in a law office, you will discover that:  they will work you to death, most law offices are very competitive and political, typically administrators of law offices do NOT have the employees' best interests in mind (they really only care about the employer).

Suggestion:  Go into the field of Healthcare >>> LOTS of jobs there - even with your background.

Good luck.