Top tips for legal locum job interviews via Microsoft Teams

As we’ve seen many organisations move towards a remote/hybrid working environment, job interviews conducted over Microsoft Teams have become an expectation for most - particularly for locum candidates in the legal field.

Legal locums are typically required to start an assignment on very short notice because locum vacancies usually arise due to urgent needs within an organisation. Therefore, the ability to excel at online interviews can make a huge difference.

Many legal teams that we work with now use Microsoft Teams to conduct interviews in order to speed up turnaround, making it essential for candidates to adapt and present themselves professionally in a virtual environment.

Although locum interviews aren’t usually multi-stage like you see with permanent roles, candidates should still treat these just as importantly, and need to be fully prepared.

Here are our top tips for preparing and performing well during a Microsoft Teams job interview, alternatively you can take a look at our wider interview tips and preparation guide.

Preparing for your interview: 

Be fully prepared for a speedy turnaround: 

Due to the nature of locum roles, our clients usually want candidates to start as soon as possible, so being prepared to interview very quickly following your application is vital. It is highly beneficial to have interview availability set aside in the event of a quick turnaround. It is common for clients to request to interview a locum candidate with only a day or two days notice, if possible. You could run the risk of losing out on the role if you are not available to interview on short notice, so it’s good to keep this in mind when applying for roles.

Unlike permanent positions, locum roles frequently have an urgent start date due to temporary staff shortages and a high influx of work. Be ready to discuss your availability and willingness to start at short notice during the interview.

• Tip: Highlight your adaptability and experience in stepping into fast-paced environments, emphasising that you are prepared and ready for a quick onboarding process.

• Tip: Run a practice call with a friend or family member to iron out any technical issues ahead of time.

Even with the best preparation, technical difficulties can still happen. In the event that you do find yourself faced with a problem, stay calm and politely inform the interviewer of the issue. If it relates to connection, try to reconnect and if this persists ask if you could continue the interview via phone call or contact your Consultant for a resolution.

Dress professionally and prepare your background:

Dressing appropriately and professionally is still important in a Microsoft Teams interview. So, wear the usual attire you would in a face-to-face interview, this applies from head to toe - while it’s unlikely, you never know if you’ll need to move away from the camera during the interview!

In addition to what you’re wearing, ensure that you also create a professional and quiet space where you can focus without distractions. Find a space with good lighting and have a tidy background so that there is nothing distracting the interviewer.  

• Tip: You can utilise the features on Teams, and opt to blur your background if this is a preference.

There may be instances where you are interviewing on your lunch break in the office and you can’t find a suitable space, which is completely understandable. However, make sure the interviewer has been informed if this is the case so they are prepared for an unusual setting, such as your car.

Find out more about preparing the perfect setting for a video interview.

Have your CV to hand:

It is highly recommended to have your CV to hand during an interview so you can refer back to it when answering questions regarding your previous experience. The interviewer may ask about previous roles in your career, so having your CV in front of you will help you to elaborate on your previous experience and answer questions confidently and thoroughly.

Ensure you have researched the organisation you are interviewing for: 

Researching the organisation is a valuable use of your time when preparing for an interview and a good first port of call. This not only gives you confidence in answering questions but also allows you to demonstrate a genuine interest in the organisation’s work, culture, values and mission statement.

It’s not uncommon for interviewers to ask something along the lines of ‘What do you know about the organisation?’, so they will be able to tell if you have done your research or not. Not every candidates take the time to do this so it could give you a winning edge and make you stand out!

Tip: Search the organisation online and see if anything of note comes up, such as press releases or news articles. Take a look at any sector-specific publications that may be relevant as this could give you insight into projects that the organisation is involved in, or conditions impacting the organisation. Being able to discuss this in the interview will show them that you understand the organisation, as well as its goals and potential challenges.

Read through the job specification:

It is important to read through the job specification thoroughly when preparing for an interview as you need to fully understand their expectations and what is required to be successful in the role. You will be able to communicate with clarity how your skills will directly benefit the client, based on their specific requirements.

This demonstrates initiative and shows the employer that you have taken the time to fully understand what is expected of you in the role.

Performing during your interview: 

Stay engaged with the interviewer: 

Body language is just as important in a virtual interview as in person. Use positive body language, like eye contact, nodding and smiling (where appropriate) to show that you are engaged in the conversation. Listening carefully and pausing before responding will help prevent interruptions, which can occur due to slight delays in video calls.

• Tip: Keep a glass of water nearby (this is good when you’re talking a lot, or need a few seconds to think about an answer), and remember to maintain good posture.

Prepare for technical, competency, and scenario-based questions:

Despite the misconception, legal locum interviews can be just as technical as permanent interviews. Therefore, locums should thoroughly prepare for a mixture of technical, competency, and scenario-based questions.

The key to an excellent interview is to provide examples when answering questions, this is where the STAR method comes in handy.

• Situation: Introduce the situation to set the scene and provide context.
• Task: What did you need to accomplish in this situation?
• Action: How did you solve the problem? Describe what you did and how.
• Result: Explain the positive outcomes of your actions. Highlight quantifiable results.

Ask thoughtful questions:

Interviews aren’t just an opportunity for the employer to assess your suitability for the role, they are also an opportunity for you to gain a further insight into the organisation and the role.

Preparing relevant questions in advance makes a great impression on the interviewer and shows you are engaged and enthusiastic about the position.  Have a few insightful questions ready about the company’s culture, expectations for locums, or specific details about the position.

• Tip: Avoid asking basic questions that you can easily find the answer to yourself, or things that are irrelevant

Read more about the best questions to ask during an interview in our helpful guide.

After the job interview: 

Follow up with your Recruitment Consultant afterwards: 

It’s important to follow-up with your Recruitment Consultant after the interview has taken place – they will then be able to follow up with the interviewer on your behalf. The earlier you can do this, the better, while it’s fresh in your mind.

Your Consultant will also be able to address any concerns or queries you may have.  

Conclusion

Interviewing via Microsoft Teams can feel different from traditional in-person interviews, but with the right preparation and mindset, you can showcase your skills and experience as effectively as ever. By following these tips, you’ll be well-equipped to make a positive impression and secure your next locum role in the legal field!

At Sellick Partnership, we’re here to support legal professionals every step of the way. If you need further guidance or want to explore current locum opportunities, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our expert team