NWR: interview help?

Brie2010

So, after the bar I panicked and applied for a bunch of random positions, some of which I'm only tangentially qualified for, but looked interesting.I got a call today that one of the places wants to interview me.  It's a law school admissions counselor position.  My qualifications are a) I went to law school, b) in undergrad, I worked in university admin in a pretty high capacity for a student, and c) I learn quickly and would work my butt off to get up to speed.How should I spin this?  I think the job sounds really interesting and like something I would do well in, but I can't point to my resume and say, "hey, I've done this before."Help!

vallyhoo

Is it at the same law school you graduated from, or a different one?

mrsLesGrossman

You should focus on your past working experience and how you are a quick learner, give examples of challenges.  Also emphasize how well you did in law school.   

Brie2010

It's a different law school, vallyhoo.  I am somewhat familiar with this school because we took our bar course there this summer.

SwedishChick2011

I think you should just focus on the qualifications you mentioned.  That should be plenty.  I work at a university, and most of the admissions counselors are straight out of their undergrad (so have never been an admissions counselor before).  You're probably going to be one of the more qualified people they interview.  Good luck!

ggmae

Focus on the fact that you are familiar with the field, can relate to prospective students because you have been there, and that you have experience working in higher education, etc. Sounds like you'd be a perfect fit!

vallyhoo

I think that you can spin it from the angle of you went through the admissions process, and you have a perspective of what a potential law school candidate looks for. And your undergrad experience shouldn't definitely bolster your credentials seeing as you've worked in a university setting.

vallyhoo

By shouldn't I meant should

Brie2010

Hmm, thanks.  I just don't want to sound completely clueless.That's a good point, though.  I do remember a woman who graduated two years ahead of me at my law school coming back to work there right after graduation in admissions.

danieliza1127

but I can't point to my resume and say, "hey, I've done this before."Well they already know that and still think you're qualified enough to warrant an interview.  So there's that.  Research the school a bit and their admissions department, whatever is on their website.  Stress your own law school experience and how you used the counselors at your school, talk about the work you did in university admin, and stress your skills like being a fast learner, etc.  Remember they are going to ask you questions, it's not like you're just going to sit there and tell them everything about yourself.  Also be sure to really vocalize your interest in the position and how you would like to help students because you've been there before and you know what a challenge it can be, etc.

danieliza1127

Also, be prepared if they ask you something about why you aren't pursuing a career at a law firm and if that is in your future plans.  They may be hesitant to hire you if they think you're just going to leave as soon as your get a better offer.

ExpatPumpkin

Play up your interpersonal skills. You might mention that you counsel knotties as community service But seriously, interpersonal skills. Did you ever work or volunteer in any position that involved counseling, etc.?

Brie2010

Thanks dani.  I can honestly say I'm not really going to go the firm route.  After taking the last couple of weeks to really think about I want, I'm pretty sure that's not it.  I am pretty sure I want to do something in either the non-profit or educational sectors where my law degree will be useful, but I won't be an attorney, per se.  That's a good point about bringing up my own perspective on the admissions process, having been there myself not too long ago.  I've already been in touch with my law school's career services to see what they have to add.

veevixxn

You can emphasize that because you went to law school, you have first hand experience about the admissions process. Then take that and spin it into how you worked at in university admin and have exposure to procedures within a university setting.

ggmae

When I interviewed for an admissions position, some questions they asked me were what I knew about the school, what my own college search was like and how I could use this to help prospective students, how I handled stress, how my time-management skills were, and what I could apply from past work experience to the position. Play up your interpersonal skills as well, because apparently that's key in admissions. Like PP said, make sure to do your research on the school; pick a few things you like about it and focus on those.

ac_in_dc

For admissions positions, I'm pretty sure that interpersonal skills are huge. As is the ability to network. So definitely portray yourself as the kind of person that has these skills.Also research what kind of students this school is trying to attract and think of ways you would want to attract them. Then you can bring your own suggestions to the table when you ask them what their strategies are in the interview.Good luck!

ExpatPumpkin

I forgot to say good luck