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Interview Tips for Legal Assistant

It should always be remembered when considering a career in the legal profession that we are discussing the situation in England and Wales.  The Scottish legal system is completely different and qualifications, training and job descriptions will be specific to Scotland.

In England and Wales a legal assistant, sometimes referred to as a paralegal, has an essential role within any organisation requiring legal services.  The legal assistant isn’t a qualified solicitor, but does much of the work of a solicitor.  In many cases, the legal assistant uses the position as a starting point to climb the ladder to experienced paralegal.

At this time there aren’t any specific qualifications necessary to become a legal assistant.  There are, however, the options of training and qualifications from various organisations including the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives (CILEx), and the Institute of Paralegals.

There are usually vacancies for legal assistants, and although a university degree isn’t necessary most employers will require a high standard of English and Maths.  The duties of a legal assistant can vary tremendously and will evolve with experience.  The basic work will include general administration such as arranging appointments for your solicitor, speaking on the phone, preparation and proofreading of draft documents, managing case files, some legal research, liaising with clients. 

The work will vary on a daily basis and with experience your solicitor will allow you greater responsibility, whilst remembering that the paralegal or legal assistant is just that – an assistant.

The Interview

Many positions require experience and it can be difficult to obtain a first position.  It is worth contacting all companies in the area which have a legal department as they may have an unadvertised vacancy.
It is important to know something about the work undertaken by the company, so before the interview check out their website to establish the type of clients they have and in what sectors of business.

The legal assistant always needs to be dressed smartly, and it is essential to be on time. Ensure that you arrive at your interview a few minutes early.  The interviewer will expect you to be a little nervous, particularly if will be your first job, and will try to put you at your ease.  Smile at the interviewer and speak clearly in reply to questions.

Be enthusiastic as the company want their staff to enjoy being at work.  Thank the interviewer at the end of the meeting and stress that you would like the job if it is offered to you. 

  
Interview Tips and Questions for Data Entry Clerk

Although the title of Data-entry Clerk may not sound very important, the need for accurate transferring of information into the computer database is essential, otherwise it can be useless.  Another part of the job entails updating and maintaining of records already on the database. 

There are a wide variety of organisations which need Data-entry Clerks and the information they record will be specific to that business.  Some Data-entry Clerks transfer text-based information whilst others deal with numbers.  A Data-entry Clerk who works for a bank will be dealing with financial information, whilst a marketing company may record the results of surveys on the database.

Some companies combine the role of Data-entry Clerk with customer service.  This gives additional skills which is useful.  Other employees may refer to you for information on your database.  This ensures that no-one else can accidentally delete or alter any records.

There aren’t any special qualifications but most employers will insist on several GCSEs including maths and English.  Essential skills include being able to work accurately and speedily, attention to details and deadlines, together with a high degree of computer knowledge. 

The Interview

For a young person looking to enter the workplace the interview can be a daunting proposition.  They are likely to be nervous because they aren’t sure what is expected of them during the interview.

It is important to dress smartly in clothes which are age appropriate.  Ensure that you know where the company is and take a dry run to establish how long the journey will take.  If your appointment is near the rush hour you’ll need to allow extra time.  It is discourteous to be late for an interview, so make sure that you allow plenty of time and arrive about fifteen minutes before your appointment.

Prepare for the interview by checking the website of the company and finding out a little about them and their business.  During the interview you may be asked if you have any questions, so looking at the website will assist you.

When you meet the interviewer, smile and look at them rather than down at the floor.  If you are asked a question, which you don’t understand, ask for clarification.  Speak clearly at not too quickly.  At the end of the interview, thank the interviewer for seeing you, and show that you are still enthusiastic by asking when they are likely to make a decision. 

Make sure that they know that you will accept the position if it is offered to you.  Good luck!

  
Office Junior interview: tips and questions.

There are opportunities for inexperienced young people who want to work in an office.  This will give a good grounding in many activities within a company before they make a decision as to whether they want to stay in an office or consider a different career.

Although educational qualifications aren’t essential, a good knowledge of spoken and written English is necessary.  Spelling accuracy is also important.  Most school leavers will be able to operate a computer and will be able to type to a certain level, although they may not know their way around the “formal” office programmes.

As employment has been more difficult to find because of the economic situation there are now graduates applying for office junior positions.  The office junior, until recently was usually aged up to about eighteen or nineteen years, and because they didn’t know very much and had few qualifications, the starting salary was quite low.

An office junior’s position is still an extremely good way of beginning at a company; learning about the differing functions within the office, such as answering the phone, taking messages, typing of letters and memos, and dealing with the post.  The office junior still makes the tea and coffee – some things never change!

The Interview

It is essential for the office junior to arrive at the appointment in good time.  Arriving late simply isn’t an option and is highly likely to disqualify your application.  Of course, a genuine reason for lateness will be considered.  Dress simply, but smartly in clothes which are age appropriate. 

Switch off the mobile phone as soon as you arrive at the company, and don’t smoke either inside or just near the door.

The interviewer will realise that you will be nervous and will make allowances.  When you are introduced to the interviewer, smile.  Remember to use their name occasionally.  Don’t look down at the floor, concentrate on the interviewer and when you are asked a question speak clearly without shouting.  If you don’t hear the question, ask the interviewer to repeat it.

If you have taken any courses, perhaps typing or computer skills make a point of showing any certificates you have.  There will be competition for an office junior’s position, so make sure that your application stands out.

Don’t be afraid to ask any relevant questions as the interviewer will be pleased that you are showing interest and at the end of the interview thank the interviewer and confirm that you really want the job if they offer it to you.

  
Software Tester interview: tips and questions.

There are computer programmes being developed every day and every new programme must be thoroughly checked by a software tester to establish where glitches with the function or performance are so that the software developer can correct and improve the programme before it can be signed off when perfect.

A software tester has a difficult job as he needs to find problems in programmes which the developer may have spent months of work in getting the programme to the testing stage.  The software tester needs to ensure that every part of the programme works properly so that the end user won’t have any problems.

The software tester will work on more than one programme at any time, as each programme goes back to the developer after the tester has reported on it.  There may be lengthy periods when the developer needs to work on the programme, so the software tester will move to other programmes. 

There aren’t many courses for the person who wants to be a tester so technical knowledge is usually acquired from a previous job in software development or from their time at university.  The software tester will need to know a wide variety of programming languages.

This is a highly technical career and software testers command a competitive salary.

Interview

It is taken for granted that the applicant has the essential qualifications, skills and experience necessary for this position.  The candidate should be confident in their own ability but it is important not to appear over-confident.  Spend some time finding out about the company, and ensure that there is a list of questions to ask the interviewer at the appropriate time.

It is essential to arrive in good time wearing a smart suit.  Shake hands firmly with the interviewer and smile.  The interviewer will tell you their name, so use it when speaking to them.  Look at the interviewer throughout the interview – don’t look down at the floor.  Ensure that you speak clearly, and not too quickly.  If you don’t understand a question ask for clarification.  This is preferable to answering a completely different question.

When speaking about your work sound positive and enthusiastic.  The interviewer will probably show you around the company whilst giving you information.  Do ask questions, but keep them short.  Don’t wander away from the subject or start to ramble.

At the end of the interview, shake hands again and thank the interviewer for seeing you.  Confirm that you really want the job and ask when a decision will be made.

  
Systems Administrator interview: tips and questions.

The main function of a systems administrator is to ensure that all computers being used by the company are operating properly.  The demand for systems administrators is growing exponentially as all companies depend on experts to manage servers and provide hardware support for laptops, desktops, monitors and printers.  The systems administer should have the ability to learn new technology and implement it; an extremely high knowledge base of Windows and Linux administration is essential.

A systems administrator will have had a university education and will have a Bachelor’s degree at least, but preferably a Master’s degree in computer science or an associated course.  A systems administrator will deal with different problems which may include the design and configuration of software, hardware devices, and also test operating system software.

There are many skills required to be a successful systems administrator.  The job is constantly evolving as computers and software become more and more efficient and capable of dealing with complicated hardware devices.  They also deal with the organisation of software resources.

The Interview

Systems administrators are highly sought after, and if you have the relevant university degree coupled with the aptitude necessary for this role, you should be confident that your ability will stand you in pole position.

It is important to show that you’re not over-confident.  You will need to work with other people so you must be a team player.  Appropriate business clothes should be worn, and you should make sure that you have spent time researching the company in which you are seeking employment.

Ensure that you arrive in good time for the interview and remember to switch your mobile phone off when you arrive at the company.  Greet the interviewer with a warm handshake and remember to smile.  You want to work there, so it is important to show that you are pleased to be there.

It is possible that the interviewer doesn’t know much about the work of a systems administrator and what is involved on a day to day basis.  If you are asked to explain what you do, speak clearly and in layman’s terms, without sounding patronising.

It may be that this is the first interview and another will be scheduled for shortlisted candidates.  Make sure that you are recalled by confirming your desire to work for the company.

At the close of the interview, thank the interviewer and if there will only be a single interview indicate that you will accept if the position is offered to you.

  
Interview Tips and Questions for Legal Secretary

When you’ve made the decision that you would like to be a legal secretary, you need to be aware about what the job entails.  You will probably be able to type, but it is extremely important to be accurate when you are working for the legal profession.  You will need to have a good telephone manner and be discreet at all times.

There are many different opportunities for a legal secretary.  Although there are many legal firms, there are other organisations which may require similar legal secretarial duties.  Many estate agents have their own conveyancing departments, where the legal side of selling and buying a property is completed.  Some insurance companies have legal departments and of course, there are many legal firms, not just solicitors. 

A legal secretary needs to be extremely diligent in checking all documents which have been typed.  Depending on the type of firm, there may be a considerable amount of legal technical words and phrases which need to be spelt correctly.  It is really useful for a legal secretary to be able to write shorthand or transcribe audio files and it is essential to be able to complete work within specific deadlines.

It is possible to attend specialist courses which provide tuition for legal secretaries, but many people who have some general secretarial experience are able to transfer their skills.  Many legal firms are happy to train junior staff to be legal secretaries and will arrange for them to attend college one day each week.

The Interview

You will be expected to dress smartly when you work at a legal firm, so when attending your interview, you should dress appropriately.  Make sure that you arrive in good time – arriving late won’t create a good impression. 

Look at the firm’s website before your interview to see whether they mainly deal with criminal law, property conveyancing or they are a general practice – this is ideal for someone who enjoys dealing with a range of duties. 

Look at the interviewer at all times during the interview.  They are aware that you are likely to be nervous. Listen to the questions which will include asking why you would like to work for this particular firm and what skills you can offer to them.  Make sure that you answer the questions as clearly as possible.  If you don’t understand a question, ask for clarification.

At the end, ensure that you thank the interviewer and confirm that you really want the job if the position is offered to you.

  
Hi all, i had this question which completely left me blank and i was waffling on.
I applied for the receptionist role at a higher education institution and it was in the health and well-being department so they provided support for those needing counseling, medical help or those with disabilities.

I was asked working as a receptionist required working autonomously and how would i handle confidential information. I replied with i would ensure that i read up on the companies policies and procedures and research what i should know and make sure i wouldn’t divulge confidential information.

Looking back i think my response should have been

‘Working on the hotlines for the clearing period where a large volume of calls were made by potential students wanting admission to the university i would ensure that files that were not important were shredded and destroyed and important files were stored away, also confidential information wouldn’t be revealed to those who weren’t the individual looking for a place at the university and was polite and clear about abiding by the confidential act as i know the university reputation is important, also if i was away from the computer i would make it was locked so no one other than myself would access any personal information’

Could you help by saying would this reply have been better and what other answer would you have given using the example of the hotlines.

Thankyou

  
What are you passionate about?

With this question, the interviewer is trying to work out what motivates you as an individual and whether or not you actively pursue activities that help to get you motivated. It usually will not matter if you answer this question in a way that seems to relate directly to your work, or one which seems to be completely unrelated to it. The end result of you pursuing your passions is always the same. It will make you happier, and a happy worker is a productive worker, and a productive worker has a happy boss. However, you should still exercise caution in ensuring you don’t answer with something that could negatively impact on your job. For example, if you are passionate about breaking the world record for the number of sick days taken in one calendar year, I would recommend you keep it to yourself.

When structuring your response to this question, be sure to include examples of how you are actively engaging in your passions.

Example Answers

For example, "My passion outside of work for the last 7 years has been stock car racing. In my spare time I enjoy maintaining and repairing my race car. I also enter races whenever I can and have had some success in doing so."

This answer shows the interviewer that you have your own way to unwind that will increase the likelihood that your morale will be relatively high. It may also make you sound more interesting and engaging, which in turn, will help create a positive image of you.

Another example, "My passion is finding the solutions to problems that come my way. I have found that working in engineering, as I have for the last 16 years, is the perfect outlet to pursue this passion and I can honestly say I enjoy doing what I do."

This answer is obviously work related and would have a similar effect on the interviewer. As you seem genuinely interested in your job, especially if you can say you have been enjoying it for an extended period of time, you are much more likely to maintain a high level of morale.

Good luck.

  
If you have been selected for an interview for an interview then you need to make sure you do all the preparation you can to make you shine to your future employer.
Preparation is definitely the key here!

Start by thoroughly going through the job description and job role to ensure that you know what parts you can do and think of examples of work that you have done which is related and that you could use as examples.

Once you are confident you can do what they are looking for then you need to ensure that you have researched the company thoroughly. You need to know everything you possibly can do, look at their website, can you find any press releases, news feeds that they have done? Get a feel for what they have done in the past and how they are perceived in the market place.

You also need to think carefully about what kind of questions you may be asked and below is a list of questions that you can think about prior to your interview:
Can you tell me what marketing strategies you will use to generate leads?If you are successful, what will your first goals be in your new role?If you were in charge of the social media budget, how would you allocate it?Have you ever had to handle a social media crisis?Although you are not bound to be asked a quarter of those questions, it gives you an idea on what types of questions you could be asked and this will obviously vary from the company and the person interviewing you.

Be prepared and remember that there is a lot of competition amongst Social Media, so you need to be able to shine above all the test.

Good Luck.

  
If you have been selected for an interview for a Driving school, then you need to make sure you prepare well for your interview and do your research well.

Start by thoroughly going through the job description and job role to ensure that you know what parts you can do and think of examples of work that you have done which is related and that you could use as examples. Have you worked in this area before or do you know of this area well, could you use examples as to road names, locations etc to prove this during your interview?  Have you compared any driving schools, what makes you want to work for the one you are being interviewed with?
How do you feel that you get the best out of your pupils and why?How do you attract new pupils to your lessons?When are the majority of your lessons taking place?How many people have you helped to pass their driving test?How many people have failed and why?Name 10 important facts from the highway codeCan you recall a particularly good pupil and how long it took for them to pass their test?Can you recall a not so good pupil and what happened and why? How did you deal with this?What time of the day do you prefer to do your lessons and why?How many lessons do you think you can do in one day?Do you have any restrictions on when you can work?When did you pass your driving test and how do you think you would pass today?You need to know everything you possibly can do, look at their website, how successful are they?  Get a feel for what they have done in the past and how they are perceived in the market place.

Although you are not bound to be asked any of these questions, it gives you an idea on what types of questions you could be asked and this will obviously vary from the company and the person interviewing you.

The role of a Driving Instructor is very competitive these days with numerous companies and people working for themselves. How successful you are depends purely on results and the reputation that you build for yourself over time. 

Good Luck.

Related: Driving Instructor Job Description