Application Process & Interviews at Macpherson Kelley

Short answer questions, recorded video interview, group interview and two-on-one final interview.

It was quite extensive. I had to undergo a written application, recorded video interview (where the questions popped up on the screen), virtual assessment centre, and then an in person interview with a Principal and HR.

We undertook a video interview before attending an assessment centre, followed by an additional face-to-face interview.

The interview process was great. It was the only firm where I felt completely comfortable to be myself in the interview process as they constantly reiterated to just be yourself, rather than encouraging us to be someone else just in order to get the job.

The process involved submitting an online application, video interview, assessment day and then in-person interview

Started with a video interview, then an invitation to a group assessment centre, and then followed by another interview. Assessment centre was the most practical interview method adopted by a firm I experienced

I enjoyed the group interview as it was challenging and tested our skills

Three interview phases after submitting your application. If you are selected for the next round there is a group assessment, a video interview, and an in person interview.

A written application. First round of interviews are virtual, 4-5 short answer questions answered by short recordings. Second round is an assessment centre, with a group of approximately 10 others. Final round is an interview with a member of HR and a senior lawyer.

The process was made up of a video interview consisting of four questions, a half day assessment centre, an interview with HR and a Principal Lawyer and then a further interview with two Principal Lawyers. The interview process was extensive however the HR team made it enjoyable. It was not daunting or scary and I felt as though I got a better understanding of the firm and the people that make up the firm.

I interviewed with two people, one senior lawyer and one HR representative. Prior to that I participated in a group assessment which included a group and solo activity. We also had the opportunity to hear from the national managing principal and have a Q&A with the previous year's graduates.

It is a very extensive process which I am glad to be done with now! Initially it was a form with a few written questions. From there it was a video interview which took about 20 minutes. The next stage was a graduate assessment centre which involved a group assessment to test how you work with others and a in-tray exercise. Then finally after all that it was the final interview which went for an hour.

A series of interviews, assessment centres and coffee style catch up.

Best interview process. Interviews were friendly yet challenging. I did not feel rushed at any point.

Rigorous interview process with application form, video interview, four hour assessment centre and one on one interview.

The entire interview process felt as though MK was committed to determining who I was as a person and whether I would fit. It felt a lot more personal than most interviews and this resulted in me feeling a lot more attached to the firm / job. Each stage of the interview process felt as though it provided the opportunity for me to get to know the firm, as much as it was an opportunity for the firm to get to know me.

Online video Assessment centre

Initial application, online video interview, attendance at assessment centre, final round interview, offer.

Comparable to the Big 4 accounting firms

Group interview/testing, individual interview

When was a time you received feedback and how did you manage it? What do you do in your spare time?

What do you like about Macpherson Kelley? What do the MK values mean to you? Why should we hire you? What is your biggest weakness?

I was asked questions about my personal and professional experience, as well as situational questions. The stand out question was "what type of lawyer would you like to be?" because it was not a question that I had thought about before.

What areas of law do you want to try? Why law? example of a time you endured hardship at work?

Why do I want to work at MK? Why do I think I would be a great culture fit?

In addition to the typical interview questions (tell us about a time you demonstrated quality x etc.), we were asked varying questions about how we would fit in with the culture. In line with MK values, we were asked talk-straight question "why should we hire you?"

1. What area of law interests you the most? 2. When was a time you didn't receive positive feedback and how did you deal with it?

Fairly standard questions. - Tell us about you - Passions / interests - How do your values align with the firms - etc.

The interview had some structured behavioural questions and also a conversational aspect where we discussed items listed on my CV.

Not wanting to give away HR's secrets, there were a couple of curly questions which stumped me. As long as you prep, read about the firm and know you basic interview questions like an elevator pitch, why you started studying law etc you will be ok.

The questions were tailored to who I was as a person, and less of what I did as a student. The interviewers focused outside my resume and was interested in getting to know me as an individual.

Why did you study law? Why do you want to work at Macpherson Kelley? Why should Macpherson Kelley hire you? Do you seek feedback about your work? Describe a time where you sought feedback? How would you go about brining clients to the firm?

Questions related to my previous work experience, how I dealt with feedback, what I felt my strengths and weaknesses were, and why I felt MK was the place for me.

About yourself Why MK?

Very similar to Big 4 accounting firms but tailored to law - e.g. why commercial law? Why our firm?

problem solving, skills, experience, personality

Know the culture of the firm, become acquainted with the MK values and find examples that highlight how they resonate with you.

Try to relax and be yourself! It's cliche, but its the only way you'll know if the company is right for you.

Be yourself and enjoy the process. Be confident at the assessment centre and be ready to ask questions. Do some research on the firm and learn about the firm's values.

As cheesy as it is - just be yourself. If you're the right person for the Macpherson Kelley culture, you'll have a good chance of getting in as they are really intentional about who will be a good fit within the firm.

Just do your research on what law the company practices and be yourself

Be enthusiastic and don't be afraid to show personality (within reason of course). Easier said than done, but try to be as natural and authentic as possible

Research the firm, in particular their values and think about how you are suited to work there.

Research firm history and core values. Be yourself and be friendly.

Be yourself and try to relax.

I felt that the most important factor in the recruitment process was whether a person is the right fit for the company. I would recommend looking at the culture and values of the company and seeing whether that suits you rather than spending all your time researching the specific matters the company has been involved in etc.

Honestly be yourself, dont try and be anyone that your not. I know that's what worked for me. There is a lot of people who are capable of doing the job, anyone with a law degree is obviously smart enough. What they are looking for is are you a good person to work with. That is honestly one of the most important things in the work place.

I would recommend researching the company, looking at practice areas of the firm and the graduate program itself. As advice I would suggest to try your best to be yourself, to avoid presenting an alternative version of yourself you deem to be more 'employable.'

Be yourself, research areas you find interesting. Look at what sectors the firm works across and tailor your answers to them. Think about what clients in these particular spaces would want.

Macpherson Kelley seems to value people who are sociable and can easily hold a conversation. Take the time to develop a relationship with the interviewer. Be prepared to answer questions about seeking feedback on your work.

Prepare by understanding the firm and what role in the market the firm provides. Determine how you fit into this and why you are interested in it. But above, just be yourself.

Try and relax Be yourself Have a commercial mindset Understand the firm's values and see if they resonate with your own

Be yourself

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be themselves

be yourself