Application Process & Interviews at Clayton Utz

Processes were fair and unbiased

Has been revamped since I went through. Largely depends on your interviewer how it goes.

Online application, interview with HR, interview with partners.

In the first interview, a lot of behavioral questions like when have you made a mistake and how did you overcome it - which is common for the clerkship process. The second interview was more of a chat, with a partner and special counsel and no HR, so it was more about me and what I like to do outside of work.

Behavioural questions and questions relating to my hobbies, interests and goals.

Personality based questions

Behavioural, past work experience and why you want to work here over other firms.

Both behavioural and legal questions.

questions about resume as well as being required to provide examples for different qualities

It was mostly about getting to know me as a person, as well as an opportunity for me to get to know the individual interviewers and their work history. It felt very much like a conversation.

Describe a time when something didn't work well in the workplace and what did you do - I thought this was an excellent question!

Be well aware of what you have put on your CV as well as anything else that you have done, and when you come in, don't fake it. be yourself

Be yourself, know your resume, put forward things that are interesting about you ie. your hobbies and interests.

Know yourself well and don't rehearse answers - just try to stay calm, genuine and in control

Understand the company, why they want to work there. Why commercial law. What makes the firm unique, why is that good.

Practice interviews

Be comfortable with your own personal examples for behavioural questions, with responses (informally) structured

Know your resume well and know why (you think) you want to work here.

Try to relax, be yourself and don't over-prepare. People notice when you come across as contrived. You only want to be part of an organisation that wants you for you.

I would suggest candidates allow their individuality and personality shine through in their cover letter, as well as an honest desire to work at the particular firm as opposed to other law firms. I would recommend they practice mock interviews with a friend or colleague before hand.