The CDO is fond of reminding interview candidates to “be the best version of yourself” during in firms
And while the best version of myself usually only emerges during 4am visits to Canton Chili after a few rounds of cold tea and an unholy amount of baby bok choy, I was pleasantly surprised that the in firm process afforded several opportunities to bare one’s true self. Somewhere in between stress puking in the PATH and nearly knocking over the world’s largest known urn in a restaurant, I really let my inner KPenn shine.
So while I will be holding 3 to 5 upcoming lunchtime sessions on this issue, for now, I will list a few real anecdotes that I actually shared during the interview process, along with some insight into why I think you, too, should give ‘em a try.
“The only contribution I’ve made to the student newspaper is a piece about the current state of the library’s washrooms.”
We’re going to start off with an obvious one here. A statement like this not only subtly hints to your extracurricular involvement, but it also shows a strong interest in advocacy. If you also happen to have personal hygiene listed as one of your interests, be prepared to flush out the competition with this anecdote. It’s the shit.
“Sometimes, when I’m really stressed, I have my parents put their laptop on the floor so I can talk to my dog on Skype.”
Oh yea, I dropped that bomb during one of my first round interviews. And while the senior partner replied, “Wow, that’s actually really weird,” I know that, inside, he was ticking off some very important criteria. Copes effectively with stress? Check. Unlikely to ever marry, procreate or otherwise experience any sort of social connection outside the firm? Double check.
“It’s always great to bond with a fellow cheese lover.”
And what have we here? Oh, just a real excerpt from one of my thank you emails. Allow me to contextualize by adding that the cheese in question had, in fact, been LIT ON FIRE at dinner the night before. Nothing is more memorable than such an impactful shared experience, and obvs you will want to acknowledge that accordingly.
“Movember is definitely the month when I’m most attracted to my male colleagues.”
Another little beauty that I revealed during a first round interview. My interviewer replied, “Oh yea, well at least someone appreciates a few face pubes.” That’s right, everyone. My interviewer said the word pubes. During an interview. Immediate BFFL status.
“I like stocks.”
Kpenn can’t take the credit for this one, folks. This little nugget of genius comes from the one, the only, Jenn Bush, who wisely used her OCI to reveal a deeply personal connection that has touched her life. Nothing says ‘I’ve drunk the corporate Koolaid’ like showin’ a little love for some stocks.
“Taking off my pantyhose at the end of a night has never felt better.”
Oh baby. Is that a firm logo-emblazoned water bottle in your pocket, or are you just happy to be interviewing me? Turn up the heat with a subtle nod to those sandal foot, ultra sheet undergarments of love and you’ll have the recruiters calling back for more.
“I knew I wanted to be a litigator when I made my classmate cry during a mock trial in grade 11 law class. I just felt like, wow, I really want to do this for the rest of my life.”
Helloooo people. You are interviewing for some of the top firms in the country. Now is the time to let those uncompassionate, sadistic, borderline-sociopathic parts of your psyche be front and centre. Do you like YouTube videos of baby animals, fresh air or joy? Shut up, no one cares.
“Hmmm….well…I like to eat…at restaurants…but everyone kind of likes to do that, so I guess that’s not really that interesting.”
Oh yes, the ultimate answer to the age-old ‘tell me something interesting about yourself that’s not on your resume’ question. I apologize to whatever interviewee had to follow me dropping that line during my OCI. Your life must have comparatively looked like a dull, worthless, waste of time, and for that I am truly, truly sorry.
