Post Interview Success

The time following an interview can be stressful for both students and practicing attorneys.? Here we break down the dos and don'ts and remind you how our office can help–every step of the way.

After Your Interview

Within 48 hours of your interview, you should send a thank you note to the interviewer(s).? We recommend a short but tailored email where you express continued interest in the position based on your discussion and thank the interviewer(s) for their time.? If you miss the 48-hour window, we still encourage you to send the note.? If you do not have the employer’s email address, try searching on the State Bar Attorney Search website, the employer’s website, or Google.? Your advisor can help by reviewing your thank you notes.

Skeptical about the efficacy of the thank you note?? Read about a current student’s experience here.??

What’s Next

If you do not hear back from the employer within their stated time frame (or one to two weeks if no time frame given), it is appropriate to follow up with the employer.? We recommend again expressing interest in the position and asking if there is any other information that you can provide to them.? Your advisor can help by reviewing these outreach emails.

The Offer

You may receive offers via email or phone.? You should know what you will say if an employer calls you to offer you a position.? Employers should, but do not always, give applicants time to make a decision about whether to accept or decline an offer.? Some applicants may need more time to make a decision and should feel free to request it, with the understanding that the employer may not give them that time.? Applicants should only request extra time if they are sincerely interested in working with the employer and should generally not request more than one week of extra time.? Your advisor can help counsel you on the offer and the process of requesting additional time to make the decision.

The Rejection

You may receive a rejection via email or phone, but most commonly via email.? As an applicant, you put a lot of time, energy, and effort into the application and interview process so it is normal to be disappointed when you do not get an offer.? Remember, this is an opportunity to demonstrate your professionalism to this employer.? Even though you will not be working for this employer in this specific position, you may interact with them in the future in a variety of capacities (particularly in a tight knit legal community like San Diego!).? Be gracious in this interaction.? If you are able, ask if there is anything that you can improve upon for future applications and interviews.? Many applicants miss this important opportunity to get feedback and improve.? Your advisor can help you debrief after a rejection and conduct mock interviews with you to help you prepare for future interviews.

The Acceptance

Congratulations on receiving the offer and deciding to accept the position!? You should be excited but remember to keep your interactions professional.? Law students can accept verbal offers but alums should always review the offer in writing and get all of their questions answered prior to accepting.? Your advisor can help you navigate accepting an offer, both in law school and post-graduation.