Interviews

Interview formats vary widely among fellowships. Some may require only one brief interview, while others may involve an interview with a committee or a series of interviews with multiple stakeholders.

For example, Skadden typically conducts first-round interviews in late October/early November with Skadden’s fellowship director and a Skadden partner at an office near you. These interviews generally run less than one hour.

In contrast, Equal Justice Works interviews may not be held until early spring semester, may involve members of the funding organization as well as an Equal Justice Works staff member, and can last for an hour. Alternatively, some interviews may involve only an Equal Justice Works staff member for a shorter period of time. It will depend on the funding source’s specifications and/or the nature of the fellowship. Try to find out as much as you can about your interview format when it is being scheduled so that you can adequately prepare.

Regardless of the interview format, before the actual interview, be sure to:

• Research the potential interviewers;
• Review your application materials;
• Gather new, relevant data (particularly for project-based fellowships); and
• Practice, practice, practice!

Meet with an OCP Director for a mock interview, or ask for assistance in setting one up with a local practitioner.