Preparing for your Shoosmiths interview
Congratulations - you've been invited for an interview and we look forward to meeting you and telling you more about the firm. In order to get the most out of this experience, it's time to think about the following:
What are you going to wear?
99% of the time we would expect candidates to come dressed in business casual, reflecting our “Dress for your day” policy, but please contact us if you have any doubts.
How are you going to get to the interview?
You'll be sent interview confirmation details including the location, who you'll be meeting and any other specific instructions so that you are fully prepared. All our locations are accessible by public and private transport and before the interview, we will provide location maps with full details of parking and transport links. We’d advise that you check the route you’re going to use in advance to make sure you know how to get to the offices.
However, if you have any doubts please contact us.
What questions will you be asked?
The interview, as you'd expect, is your opportunity to tell us all about you! Use the time to tell us how your skills and experience match the role and to show how much you've researched the firm in preparation for the interview.
Prior to the interview you should receive a Job Specification for the role you’re being considered for and during the interview, you may be expected to answer some questions relating to the outlined competencies. In addition,
We will want to know more about and you should prepare in order to talk confidently about:
- your relevant experience. (TIP: Consider the STAR method when planning how to showcase your skills and attributes).
- your reason for applying to Shoosmiths
- what your aspirations are and how Shoosmiths can help you fulfil them
- what you know about us, the type of business we undertake and our key clients. If you are able to, research the interviewers beforehand via our website or LinkedIn.
- we may also ask you questions to test your technical understanding
Please also take the opportunity to ask any questions you may have about the firm or the role you’re being considered for. We will be pleased to answer any questions that you may have, including those on:
- team structure
- professional development
- ways of working
- culture of the firm
- firm-wide successes
- strategic plans
Interview process
As a general rule, successful candidates attend two interviews to meet various managers and team members. We will always let you know what our process involves, but please do ask if you are not sure.
Wherever possible, we will hold at least one of the interviews at the office where you are going to be based so that you can get a feel for your new environment but in recognition of our hybrid working principles, some interviews may also take place via Teams. If the interview is virtual, make sure you test the link in good time and check that the camera and microphone is working.
Candidates are sometimes invited to attend informal 'meet the team' events to give you a sense of wider colleagues and ways of working. As at interview, you are free to ask the team about what type of work they do, who the key clients are, and what life is really like at Shoosmiths.
After the interview, we will follow up to ask for your feedback on the meeting. You can expect to receive feedback from us and information regarding next steps.
If you receive a job offer and have some time before you are due to start with us, we will make sure that we stay in contact with you. You will be provided with all the support you need so that you feel prepared and welcome on your first day.
Adjustments request
At Shoosmiths we are committed to setting you up for success during your participation in our recruitment process. Would you like us to make any adjustments in our recruitment process so that you can fully participate? If yes, please don’t hesitate to get in touch by emailing us.
If you have any questions or concerns at any point in the process, just contact us here and we'll try to help.