Law Firms Using Behavioral Interviews to Learn About Resiliency, Client Focus
An interviewing technique once used by law firms to increase acceptance rates on job offers is now helping them be more picky about their new hires.
The technique is called behavioral interviewing, and it seeks information on how job seekers handled previous situations, the Legal Intelligencer reports. Behavioral questions include, “How did you handle the last time you received an unexpected project?” or “What was an innovative idea you came up with in the workplace?”
Drinker Biddle & Reath is teaching the technique to its interviewers, according to hiring partner Christopher Boyle. The firm wants to know how the job applicant deals with adversity and handles mistakes, he told the Legal Intelligencer. “We’ve seen some young associates coming out of school are missing some of that resiliency,” he said.
At Morgan Lewis & Bockius, the focus is on asking questions to find out about the potential for client service, the ability for teamwork and good personal skills, according to hiring partner Eric Kraeutler. “In light of lessons learned through the recession, we’re particularly focused on hiring associates who will be able to deliver client service on day one,” he told the Legal Intelligencer.
Prior coverage:
ABAJournal.com: “Why Law Firm Interviewers Are Asking ‘Tell Me About a Time’ Questions”
