You're in an interview and the partner asks: "any questions?"
Don't miss this opportunity to gain connection and insight.
Here are two questions to use.
Question One
"You have a lot of options of places to practice, what keeps you here?"
- What it reveals: their values
- Why it matters: you gain insight on value alignment with key lawyers while showing a genuine interest in the people you'll work with
And if you're juggling several opportunities at once, like one candidate with 4 firms interviewing, this question helps you compare what actually keeps people at each place.
Question Two
"What do you think will be different about this practice in terms of clients or type of matters a year from now?"
- What it reveals: practice group outlook, expertise, and goals
- Why it matters: you gain insight on how your experience and outlook aligns with the lawyers at the firm
It's the kind of alignment that made a difference for the 8 patent litigators placed in roles that fit their outlook and experience.
Be Thoughtful
Here's the thing. Generic questions get generic answers. Take a thoughtful approach to create connection and insight.
The Takeaway
When a partner asks "any questions?", you have two ready: ask what keeps them at the firm to reveal their values, and ask how the practice will look a year from now to reveal the group's outlook, expertise, and goals. Both show genuine interest in the people you'll work with and help you see how your experience aligns with theirs.
But remember, the goal isn't to fill the silence. It's to gain connection and insight that generic questions simply can't deliver.
Ready for your next interview? Take a thoughtful approach and turn that final question into your strongest moment.