@Lumree has given some awesome pointers here already. I guess what I would add is:Hey guys, how do you prepare for an interview that is quite conversational and isn't skills or competency based?
- Don't forget in conversational interviews to still convey your motivations if not explicitly asked. Some firms will not ask outright 'why this firm?' or 'why commercial law?' but this does mean the onus is then on you to ensure you are weaving your motivations in where you can. This is tricky. You need to ensure you are not going off-topic or answering a different question but it is about spotting these opportunities in which you can subtly drop something in about your motivations or make a clever link or connection to the firm where appropriate to show your knowledge.
- Don't be led into a false sense of security. It can be quite easy in these interviews to lower your guard slightly because it often feels more natural and less formal but do not forget these are still formal interviews. For example, regards the use of humour, this can work well so long as the humour is in good taste, relevant and having read the room, it feels like an appropriate approach to take. But, be mindful of overstepping and having become so comfortable you decide to speak or make a joke without properly thinking. I want to reiterate, humour can work very well but it really is a judgement call and the takeaway here is to not let that more comfortable interview style cloud that judgement of what is appropriate in what is still fundamentally a formal job interview.
- Do be yourself. Conversational interviews are designed to really get to know you as a person so allow the firm to really get a sense for who you are through the responses you give but also how you come across: try to smile and keep your body language 'open' (shoulders back hands apart).
- Know your application/CV/cover letter inside and out. Really know the information you submitted to the firm well and have your motivations clear for why you did the various things you have/why you didn't continue with certain things and also be prepared to discuss any grades as well.
I hope this helps and will post anything further which I can come up with throughout the day!