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For easy identification, your name and the word "resume" should appear in your email header. Include references and information that the hiring manager asks for.
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Present your information in a logical sequence and to the point. Do include as much work experience as possible.
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Address the hiring manager directly, and include the position which you apply for.
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Market yourself by focusing on your strengths and special qualities that could be of meaningful use to the employer.
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Do proofread for spelling, grammar, and tone, and ensure all information and data are accurate, correct, and complete.
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Do provide the hiring manager with your email address and your mobile phone number, making it easy for him / her to contact you.
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Research the company and industry background, covering its mission, management, organization, products and services, etc. Search for the latest market news and trends via the internet.
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Make sure you know how to get to the location of the interview.
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Have enough rest the day before the interview.
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Dress appropriately for the interview.
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Arrive 20 minutes before the interview.
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Make sure you are well-groomed and relax yourself.
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Have a quick review of the preparation that you have done.
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Bring an extra copy of your resume together with a list of your references and any samples of your work. Put them in a neat folder.
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Bring with you a writing pad of paper and a nice pen in case you need to jot down any notes.
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Be prepared to introduce yourself and provide precise answers to questions put to you.
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Be polite and respond appropriately to the reception staff. First impression could be a lasting impression.
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Tell me about yourself?
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Where do you see yourself in five years time?
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Where do you see yourself in ten years time?
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What is your major achievement?
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What do you consider yourself good at doing?
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What sort of person are you?
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How would you approach this job?
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How long were you at your last job?
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Why did you leave your last job?
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What are your strengths?
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What are your weaknesses?
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How do you get things done?
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How would you decide on your objectives?
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How do you manage your day?
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What motivates you?
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How do you cope without motivation?
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How have you changed in the last five years?
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What contribution do you make to a team?
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How do you react if you find that someone you work with does not like you?
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Have you ever experienced such a problem during your working life?
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Describe your ideal work environment?
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If so, how did you cope and how did the matter resolve itself if it did occur?
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What would your peers say about you?
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Describe your worst work environment?
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Tell me about a time when you successfully handled a situation?
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Tell me about a time when you felt that you dealt with a situation inadequately, and how has that changed how you would approach the same situation?
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What do you think you can bring to this position?
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What do you think you can bring to this company?
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How do you see this job developing?
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What sort of salary are you expecting?
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What was your last salary?
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If you did not have to work what would you do?
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What decisions do you find easy to make?
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What decisions do you find difficult to make?
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Do you like to work in a team or on your own?
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What would you do if you don’t get this position?
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If offered the position, how long do you plan to stay at this company?
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On taking this job, what would be your major contribution?
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How do you get the best out of people?
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How do you respond under stress?
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Can you provide a recent example of when you were under stress, and how you coped?
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What support training would you require to be able to do this job? If not, why not? Explain.
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What would you look forward to most in this job?
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In your view, what are the major problems / opportunities facing the legal industry?
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What will be your key target in this job if we appoint you?
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What makes you think you can be successful with us?
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How does the job sound to you?
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Which subjects did you enjoy during your qualifying degree?
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Why do you want to be a solicitor?
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Have you always wanted to be a solicitor?
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What is your alternative career, should law not be the avenue for you?
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Would you be able to supply any references?
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What sort of response would we get from your referees about your professional as well as social manner?
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Why should we employ you, instead of someone else?
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What do you think about partnership prospects in the future?
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We are not willing to give partnership prospects, what are your views on that?
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What are you expecting from this firm in the future?
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Are you willing to do after-hour work?
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Have you ever been involved either paid or unpaid with the services of the voluntary sector?
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Are you a member of any clubs or charities?
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What sort of activities are you interested in outside of work?
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Are you a socialising person?
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What sort of management skills do you have?
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Do you think you require training in management skills?
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Do you prefer to manage yourself or let someone else do the managing?
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Are you a leader or a follower?
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Are you computer literate?
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What sort of employment background do you have?
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Why did you come to us through an agency?
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Have you applied anywhere else apart from us?
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Have you had any other interviews apart from us?
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Have you been offered a position yet?
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How much notice would you need to give to your present employer if you were offered a position (only where applicable)?
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Have you ever been abroad?
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Do you speak any other languages apart from English?
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What questions have you for us?
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First and foremost, greet the interviewers by saying “Good morning / afternoon…" and sit down when you are offered to do so. Alternatively you could ask "May I sit down", then sit upright.
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Adopt a positive mental attitude.
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Listen carefully and take time to think before answering.
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Do not interrupt the speakers and let them finish.
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Be polite and speak clearly and slowly.
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Wear a smile and use gestures sparingly.
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Maintain eye contact with the speakers.
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Have a firm handshake and say “Thank You” before leaving.
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Do send a brief thank you letter via email within 24 hours.
