Current biglaw associate interviewing for in house roles. How do I not bring biglaw ‘I’m a stress bucket’ energy to in-house interviews? My job makes me anxious all the time but underneath I’m a normal relatable person. :/ Former biglaw people - any advice?

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Just posted this advice on a BigLaw bowl thread. Try meditating. I started using the Calm app (but I’m sure any guided meditation videos or app would do) at my doctor’s suggestion several years back. My former firm eventually offered it to us for free as one of those wellness benefits. It’s like magic for me. I use it for stress, anxiety, pain, irritability, insomnia… you name it and I probably meditate for it. Before I left the firm I would meditate in my car or my office for 10-15 minutes before starting me work day just to take the edge off that every day BigLaw anxiety. It’s not some huge complicated thing, but instead just some breathing and thinking exercises to help you recollect yourself. In Calm, I’d recommend the Confidence series. You might try practicing a bit now, but a session or two throughout the day before your interview, and then a good 10-15 session shortly before your interview might make a huge difference in how your stress presents.

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I think it’s great that you’re thinking about the issue. Cultural fit is a big part of the in-house hiring decision. Culture obviously varies by company but I generally a preferred candidate is someone who seems relaxed, appropriately confident and able to act as business partner versus an uptight, stressed lawyer who cannot accept any risk.

This may sound strange but try to have fun at the interview. You’re interviewing the company as much as they’re interviewing you. Let your true self come though - laugh, make (appropriate) jokes and try to key in on common interests between you and the interviewer.

And do whatever you need to to reduce anxiety before the interview. Maybe that includes avoiding or limiting caffeine the day of or getting in a workout before, or watching something funny before to put you in a good mood.

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Not sure if this is the best way to describe my advise, but you should fake it! Present the version of yourself that you want your new employers to see, at least enough to get you through the interview. You can have a breakdown moment or tense up after the meeting ends, and you'll certainly be able to relax for real when you accept their great job offer and give notice to your firm! Best of luck! 🍀🍀🍀

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Is it in-person or zoom/teams/webex? If the latter, I’ve had really good luck placing a small mirror generally close to the camera. It helps two ways: one, it makes you look like you’re making eye contact with the group when you’re talking, and two, it helps you catch any weird facial expressions, stray wardrobe malfunctions, or hand gestures.

And completely agree with taking some time to yourself beforehand to get you into the right mindset for the interview.

You’ve got this!

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In house currently but I’ll just say being calm and centered is really needed for interviewing in house. Lots of in house work is chaotic still, but I think I lost some interviews when my excitement (and over caffeinated self) came through. So totally second try cutting back in advance if it makes you talk fast or come off as nervous. You still need to be engaged and excited about the role, but they really want someone who could be in stressful meetings with higher ups and can maintain composure and provided solid advice on the fly.

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Thanks! Those are great tips. All of this makes so much sense to me. It would be a relief to be working with more chill people again. Somehow knowing that my personality is part of the interview makes me self conscious - it’s like knowing my personality is part of the ‘test’ makes me act strangely. I think I have a version of stage fright? Lol.

That’s really good to hear!

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