How to get that position at the firm you really want to work at?

[Sureaboutnotbeingsure]

I feel like this question is similar to the question posted here a couple of days ago. The question was about how to stand out as an articling student. I want to know what one needs to do in order to get the position they really want during this articling process. During OCIs I had interviews which went well, and I left feeling confident. Usually, when I felt like this after non legal interviews, it meant I got the job. However, I was left facing rejection many times. So what’s the secret to kill the interview and get the job? 

[Homosapiens]

A lot of times it's nothing personal against you. You are great. Just that competition is tough. Luck also plays a role.

But as long as you keep trying and do the best you can, eventually you will get to where you want to go.

 

[disgruntledpelican]

1 hour ago, Homosapiens said:

A lot of times it's nothing personal against you. You are great. Just that competition is tough. Luck also plays a role.

But as long as you keep trying and do the best you can, eventually you will get to where you want to go.

 

I agree very much with this. It really is a numbers game in many cases for student positions, there's simply too many good candidates that there's an element of luck involved.

And because a firm or employer has said "no" doesn't close that door forever.

I think things get easier post-call when you have some experience and the pool of candidates shrinks considerably. Sometimes the ball's in your court if you're approached which changes the interview dynamic significantly, as the firm/employer may be trying hard to sell themselves to you vs. as a student having to sell yourself to the firm. 

In the lateral interviews I've done, I could sense whether things were going well and if I was going to get an offer or not. As a student, I found it was a complete blackbox.