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Duncan Cotterill

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4.4
  • #1 in Law
  • 100 - 500 employees

Application Process & Interviews at Duncan Cotterill

7.8
7.8 rating for Recruitment, based on 11 reviews
Please describe the interview process and assessments.
When I was recruited I had to do a video CV and a written assessment, which was not an effective or efficient way of gathering information on candidates
Graduate, Christchurch
Two interviews and a full-day of in-person interviewing etc with other candidates.
Midlevel, Christchurch
It was a two part interview process, with an initial VC interview with a member of HR, followed by an in person interview with two of the partners.
Graduate, Wellington
The interview process was very good. The process was robust yet very welcoming and warming. Following the interview, I underwent a 'networking' session with some select staff within the office, along with the other candidates. This process was a lot of fun, and provided us all with the opportunity to engage in conversation with some of the team and really assess the workplace culture.
Graduate, Auckland
I was interviewed for a summer clerkship several years ago. This involved a one-on-one interview and two networking events
Graduate, Christchurch
I found the interview process quite smooth and was really happy that there wasn't any online video submissions or assessment centres.
Graduate, Wellington
Initial application was done online through a third party where I had to give short answers to questions via video recordings. After the initial stage there was a interview with HR and one partner. Getting past the first interview led to another interview with 'speed-dating' type meet and greets with some of the Auckland office. I was also asked to write a quick (20 min) response to a mock legal problem.
Graduate, Auckland
It was pretty organised for me, i had an interview initially, then a second interview at the firm. I had to sit a written test at my second interview but i wasn't required to do the networking.
Graduate, Christchurch
The process was efficient and easy. I handed in my CV and then was contacted a bit later to go in for an interview. I have an interview which lasted about 1 hour. I then had a follow up phone call a few days later and then was offered the job after that.
Graduate, Christchurch
The interview process was very smooth and not too intimidating. It involved a couple of interviews with the Partners and other staff members you are likely to be working with.
Graduate, Christchurch
What questions were you asked in your interviews?
I cant remember most- the one that stuck with me is "you mention that you did XXXXXXX, what is the most important thing you learnt from that?"
Graduate, Christchurch
What areas of law I was interested, what I enjoyed doing in my personal time, future plans etc.
Midlevel, Christchurch
Why do you want to work here? What areas of the law are you interested? What was your least favourite subject at law school? What is your biggest weakness? How do you think [work experience] will benefit you in the office environment? What was your motivation for getting involved in [particular extra-curricular activity noted on my CV]?
Graduate, Wellington
General interview questions - why I chose to apply for the job, why I believe I would be an ideal candidate for the job, etc.
Graduate, Auckland
Why do you want to work here? Tell me a bit about yourself Strengths/weaknesses General educational questions Career interests
Graduate, Christchurch
From what I remember, the questions were quite broad, talking about my interests (both in and out of law).
Graduate, Wellington
Why did i choose law, what experience do i have and how will it help me with the law, how do i deal with stress etc
Graduate, Christchurch
I was asked questions about my CV and to elaborate on certain situations/experiences. They asked why I studied law and why I want to work in the area I was applying for. They asked why I wanted to work at DC and also about my strengths and weaknesses.
Graduate, Christchurch
Do you have any specific tips and advice for candidates applying to your company? How would you recommend they best prepare?
Have at least some knowledge of the firm and its practice areas. Make sure you are familiar with yourself and can hold a conversation.
Graduate, Christchurch
Just be honest and frank about strengths, weaknesses and areas you want to improve - nobody is perfect at everything when they start!
Midlevel, Christchurch
Do you research into the firm. If you know anyone who works there, reach out to them for a coffee catch up to ask questions. If the culture is a stand out to you, make it known - they want to ensure you will fit into the office environment as much as you do.
Graduate, Wellington
My two key tips would be: 1. Learn as much as you can about the company before you go for your interview. You can do this by visiting the company's website, politely asking current staff about their experiences, watching videos, etc. Any company is much more likely to engage with a candidate if they have already invested time into learning about the company and how they fit in. 2. Be yourself. It sounds straightforward, but if you focus on being genuine and honest with the interviewer, you will appear more confident and relatable. In addition, it allows you (as the prospective employee) to asses whether your personality really fits at the company.
Graduate, Auckland
Be yourself, be confident and get to know the firm/the interviewers through using online resources.
Graduate, Christchurch
I recommend trying to show your personality and trying to treat the interview more as a conversation than a formal question/ answer.
Graduate, Wellington
Be the best (authentic) version of yourself. Don't try to say things that you think will impress the interviewers. Think about the ways you can add value to the firm not just workwise but culture wise as well. Show that you are humble and are keen to learn. Don't try to oversell your legal skills - working in a law firm is vastly different to going through law school.
Graduate, Auckland
Be themselves, over preparing doesn't actually help and will just make you more nervous. Be open minded, you might not be offered the team that you initially thought you wanted, but that can turn out to be a great thing.
Graduate, Christchurch
Know the values of the company and the and of work they do. While it is important to have good academic record, it is also very important that you are good fit for the team.
Graduate, Christchurch
The main thing they want to see in the interview is that you will be a good fit with the team, so be yourself!
Graduate, Christchurch