Preparing for the Call-Back Interview
A call-back interview has some subtle differences from the initial or screening interview.
Be prepared to deal with the following issues:
Timing
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Call-back interviews may last from several hours to an entire day. For planning purposes, ask beforehand how long the interview is expected to last, and if it includes lunch.
Multiple Interviewers
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Generally, the call-back interview consists of back-to-back interviews within the organization. Be sure to get the names of the interviewers in advance of the call-back interview for research purposes.
Research
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Whenever possible, know more about the organization, than you knew in the initial interview. Speak to faculty and local practitioners about the organization as well as other students who have worked there. A Lexis-Nexis or Westlaw check may provide information on recent matters in which the organization has been involved. A search of legal news files and periodicals will also direct you to relevant articles.
Questions
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Do not be surprised if you are asked the same questions that were asked during your initial interview. You will likely be meeting with different individuals who may want to elicit similar information. Thus, you should stay in interview mode throughout the process, even if you find yourself providing identical information repeatedly. Be sure that your answers to the different interviewers remain consistent.
Practice
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Prepare and practice (out loud) answers to expected questions and then be prepared for anything.
Documentation
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Always take multiple copies of your resume, writing sample, reference list and transcript. In addition, keep references informed of where you are in the interview process and whether they might expect a reference check phone call.
