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.
Very good tips here. I would also say that you should have some secretarial experience if you want to become a legal secretary. The reason I say this, is although you may be able to type, for this kind of role its something that needs to be very very accurate, and in some cases fast. You need to be able to combine the two, although not necessary, it is a distinct advantage
When you are offered an interview, it means that your CV has made a good impression.
You need to prepare carefully to make sure that you make the best of your opportunity.
It is important to remember the purpose of the interview. It provides your prospective employer with an opportunity to judge your suitability for the job and assess you in relation to other candidates. It is also your chance to find out more about the job.
Which personal qualities do you possess? There are many skills and qualities that someone may have, so you have to decide what yours are. Are you motivated, trustworthy, well organised, confident, loyal, flexible, diligent or decisive?
Assessing yourself leads to self-confidence. You must be confident and also be knowledgeable about yourself in order to sell yourself. Do you know yourself as well as you should? Can you present your strengths and weaknesses in a concise and confident manner?
Some possible questions you might be asked:
Some secretaries do not like you to pick up their work, how will you get around this?
This role is mornings and we have someone who job shares working afternoons, how will you communicate?