Your career questions answered

Q: I started out my career in a junior administrative role at my current firm. I trained with CILEX and qualified as a Chartered Legal Executive, gaining promotions along the way. I’ve been with the firm for almost 10 years but recently had an interview for a great role at another firm which I didn’t get. I haven’t had a job interview as an experienced professional before and I don’t think I performed very well. How can I put my best foot forward?

Louise: It’s completely normal to be feel bit rusty when it comes to interviews, despite the strong career you have built.

First, I would consider approaching the firm for feedback. The reasons you were not successful may be completely different from what you think they might be and that information will help you prepare for future interviews.

In the meantime, think about the key achievements and challenges you’ve faced over your career and how you have grown professionally. Having specific examples ready can really help you illustrate your skills and experience.

You’ll need to do your homework on the firm or company you are interviewing with to help you tailor your responses, showing them how fit the role and that you’re genuinely interested. Rehearse common interview questions and think about the ‘STAR’ method of answering – setting out the Situation, Task, Action and Result – to ensure your responses are clear and concise.

Don’t forget to highlight your qualifications and the skills you have developed during your career. You may not be used to selling yourself in this way, so ensure you put across your ability to handle complex legal matters, manage client relationships and work collaboratively – all are valuable assets.

Take the opportunity to log into myCareer, and look at the support available for interviews; you will find eLearning to help you with preparation, and also interactive tools such as the interview simulator. You could also consider taking part in mock interviews with a colleague, friend or mentor. Taking these actions will help build confidence.

Finally, you should remember that every single interview is a learning experience, so stay positive and resilient, and your perseverance will pay off.

Emily: You’ve had an impressive career journey over the past decade so reflect on everything you’ve done in that time. Think about the key experiences and achievements that align with the role you are applying for. Prepare specific examples that showcase your skills and successes.

Make sure you do your research. Find out about the firm, understand its culture and values, as well as any recent developments at the business. Tailor your responses to show how you can add value and fit into their environment.

Some interview questions will always come up, so rehearse answers to common ones like ‘Tell me about yourself’, ‘What are your strengths and weaknesses?’, and ‘Why do you want to work here?’.

Make sure you have some thoughtful questions to ask the interviewer about the role, team and firm. This shows your interest and enthusiasm and helps you gauge if the position is the right fit for you.

Afterwards, get feedback. Understanding where you can improve can be incredibly valuable for future opportunities. Remember, the fact that you were considered for a role at another firm is a testament to your abilities and experience. Each interview is a learning experience and a step closer to your next great opportunity! Remember to stay positive.

Q: My firm is closing the conveyancing department where I work so they can run it all from a branch in another part of the country. I don’t want to move there, and my firm is keen to keep me if I am willing to change my specialism. I am considering switching to clinical negligence work but it’s a big move given I have been practising as a Chartered Legal Executive in my current field for over five years. Should I retrain or look for a job elsewhere?

Emily: That’s a challenging decision and both options have their merits. Retraining for clinical negligence could offer you job stability and allow you to stay with your current firm, maintaining your existing professional relationships. It's an excellent opportunity to broaden your expertise and increase your value as a legal professional.

Clinical negligence is a highly rewarding field, involving impactful cases where you can help individuals who have suffered medical harm.

On the other hand, looking for a job elsewhere would allow you to continue working in conveyancing, where you already have substantial experience and expertise. Exploring new firms might present opportunities for career growth, better work-life balance or a higher salary. You could find a role that aligns perfectly with your professional goals and preferences without the need for retraining.

Ultimately, the decision comes down to your personal and professional priorities. It might be beneficial to speak with colleagues who work in clinical negligence to get their insight. Additionally, you could explore aspects of clinical negligence work to see if it genuinely interests you before fully committing.

Louise: Your experience means you already possess a strong foundation in legal principles, client management, and case handling. These are skills that are highly transferable and will be advantageous in clinical negligence work.

Consider how interested you are in clinical negligence and whether you have the aptitude for it. Have a chat to colleagues working in that department and get a real understanding of what is involved.

You will need to consider any support your firm is offering for retraining. It’s great that they want to keep you, but you should ensure they are able to provide comprehensive training and mentorship to ease your transition into your new specialism if that’s what you choose to do.

While staying at your current firm will provide job security and continuity, before you make a decision you should also evaluate the market for conveyancing roles in your area. If there are ample opportunities, you might prefer to continue in a field where you already have significant experience and expertise.

Ultimately, the decision you make needs to align with your long-term career goals and personal circumstances. To help you, log into myCareer through your myCILEX account. You can see the career assessments in the platform, to establish what motivates you professionally and where you see yourself thriving.