I have got an open day for HSF and
Dechert.
What kind of questions do I ask whilst networking.
I understand this will not be assessed but I assume the way you interact with those at the firm will be observed to an extent.
Should I do my research on the firm prior even though they will give us background when there.
Do they see us as strong candidates as we were selected or do they invite anyone.
@Jessica Booker and
@Andrei Radu your wise words would be gratefully appreciated.
Congratulations on securing two open days - that is a great start to this recruitment cycle.
It is likely you have already done some research for your open day applications. You may want to revisit any notes you have about the firms and remind yourself of why you are interested in each firm. You can do some initial further research that helps you identify subject areas that you want to learn more about and then think of any questions that link to these topics.
My key advice for asking questions at open days or events is try not to be clever or overly try to impress. Some people use the opportunity to ask questions to try and show their skills/knowledge and this isn't really the purpose of the event - it is for you to learn. So instead, focus on genuine questions you are interested in learning more about. If you feel you have a good level of knowledge for the firm, then instead focus on getting insights into people's opinions or experiences on the elements that are important to you. By focusing on what is most relevant to you, you will:
- Come across as more genuine
- Learn more about the aspects of the firm that appeal to you - which will help strengthen future applications for vacation schemes or training contracts, because you are tailoring your knowledge to what you feel is important
It really doesn't matter what the topics are (maybe with the exception of anything pay related) - it could be about how training practically works, more in-depth insights into particular types of work or the type of clients it works with, the firm's culture, how people have got involved in pro bono, CSR, or ED&I activities, what people think of the firm, the firm's strategy or what direction it might be heading in the future (these questions are usually better suited to partners), how the firm is using technology. Just let the questions come from a genuine place of interest and curiosity and they are likely to be well received.
Finally, make sure you are really actively listening to the answers to other people's questions - the only major downside I have seen with people asking questions at such events is when they seem to have not been listening and effectively ask the same/very similar question to the same person that an open day attendee has asked already.