In-House Counsel

Preparing For Your First In-House Interview

The in-house interview process can be grueling. Here are some tips and tricks to help you along the way.

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job-interviewFor those that want to go in-house, the process can be daunting, especially in how much it differs from the typical law firm experience. I was accustomed to only one day of interviews after an application.

In contrast, after the application process for my current company, after an initial interview with a recruiter, I had over four in-person interviews spanning three states and two interviews by telephone. If memory serves, I interviewed with over 12 people, consisting of my future colleagues and clients — from administrative staff to general counsel.

The type of questions asked and how I was expected to respond also differed. Instead of the usual “tell me about yourself” and “what are your strengths and weaknesses,” I was asked to provide detailed examples of extraordinary client service, conflict resolution, and demonstrated leadership, among other asks — but using a specific methodology. My response had to identify a responsive situation or task, an action I took, and the result.

Candidly, I recall how it was challenging to try to translate what I did as an associate at a law firm to fit the framework. To the extent you should find yourself in this position, here are some pointers.

Get The Scoop

First, if you are able, find someone at the company to talk to. This is not so that they can put in a good word for you. Rather the purpose is to find out more about the company and, importantly, the interview process. If you aren’t able to leverage your network over LinkedIn, it may be worth asking the recruiter if they have any tips or pointers for the interview.

Analyze The Ask

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Of course, you have studied the job description for which you have applied — but it may be worth reviewing it through a couple of different lenses. One lens is to get an idea of whether it is a generalist role or niche/subject matter expert role and keep that in mind as you approach the interview. If it is a more general role, then you will want to highlight the variety of your work, how you triage and spot red flags, and are resourceful enough to know how to find the answer, even if you yourself don’t know it. If the role is more of a subject matter expert type of role, then consider how you may want to highlight your expertise and brilliance in the subject.

The other lens is to consider looking at each of the requirements and having in mind a specific example to share. It is one thing to tell; it is another thing to show. Don’t we lawyers like evidence? So if the requirement is attention to detail, then have a short story to share as an example. If the requirement is ability to lead others, then consider having an example where you led the trial team or the deal.

Highlight Partnership With Clients

Lastly, focus on your ability to partner with your clients. Think about matters where you were a go-to for specific client, demonstrating that you were trusted. If you can, share examples of where you really got to know the business — including the efforts you took to do so.

Certainly, the in-house interview process is not rocket science by any means — but it helps to be intentional and to be prepared.

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Meyling Mey Ly OrtizMeyling “Mey” Ly Ortiz is in-house at Toyota Motor North America. Her passions include mentoring, championing belonging, and a personal blog: TheMeybe.com. At home, you can find her doing her best to be a “fun” mom to a toddler and preschooler and chasing her best self on her Peloton. You can follow her on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/meybe/). And you knew this was coming: her opinions are hers alone.

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