How to Conquer Law School Interview Nerves

2023-12-27

 

 

 

 

Congratulations! You have been offered a law school interview.  Preparing for it can be as nerve-wracking as the studies themselves.  For many, the law school interview is a hurdle coming with the anticipation of challenging questions and the pressure to perform.  What are the right strategies to turn this challenging experience into a stage to showcase your potential?  

 

 

Nervousness before an interview is not just common; it is a natural psychological response to a high-stakes situation.  It can be butterflies in the stomach, a racing heart or even a temporary lapse in memory.  Recognising and understanding your nervous reactions is key to managing them effectively. 

 

 

The Antidote to Anxiety 

 

Preparation is your best solution to overcome nerves.  Begin with thorough research about the law school – its values, notable faculty, and the structure of its program.  Next, engage in mock interviews.  Professional consultants can skilfully simulate the interview environment with you to demystify the experience and highlight areas for improvement.    Furthermore, crafting a narrative around your perspective towards legal studies can serve as a standard answer to a variety of questions. 

 

 

Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques 

 

Training yourself with mindfulness and relaxation as part of the preparation can be very helpful.   Breathing exercises slow down the heart rate, allowing for clarity of thought.  Visualisation, such as imagining a successful interview, can build a mental pathway to actual success. Mindfulness keeps you grounded in the present moment, preventing the distraction of anxious thoughts.  

 

 

Day-of Interview Strategies

 

Starting your interview day with a good night’s sleep and nutritious food will set a positive mindset. A light morning exercise can also serve as a stress reliever.   Some people would use positive self-talk to remind themselves of their qualifications and the hard work they have invested thus far, and avoid overthinking the outcome as it can unnecessarily amplify nerves. 

 

 

During the Interview

 

Once you are in the interview, maintain composure and establish eye contact with interviewers.  Take a moment before answering questions, especially when you are faced with difficult questions.  It is perfectly acceptable to take a brief pause to collect your thoughts.  Additionally, be mindful of your body language, relaxing facial expression, and keeping a good posture by sitting upright instead of leaning forward or backward.  These non-verbal cues can clearly communicate your confidence in front of interviewers.  

 

 

Post-Interview Reflection 

 

Give yourself a moment to reflect on the experience after the interview.  Give yourself applause on the positives and identify areas for improvement without dwelling on imperfections.  Each interview is a learning opportunity, guiding you to better performance in future scenarios.  

 

 

At Bearing Academy, we work with candidates and prepare them for interviews with our advanced preparation guidance. Our expert consultants build confidence in the students by assisting them at every step of this challenging process.    Contact us today by emailing info@bearing-academy.com for more information about our Professional School Interview Preparation Service.  

 

Learn more: 

https://www.bearing-academy.com/Professional-School-Interview-Preparation 


<< Back