Into the Interview
How to put your best foot forward in interviews!
As a student, you are in the perfect position to start researching firms and making connections. While you’re in school, run a google search for court reporting firms in your city. Many firms have websites and you can get some information about their business. Another great google search is for court reporters in your city. Officials typically don’t have any ties to one particular firm and can give you a wealth of unbiased information with regards to firms near you.
After you’ve got an idea of which firms are in your area, it would be good to give them a call and see if they would like to meet with you to discuss their firm. A good firm is always happy to invest time in students who show an interest in their firm, and they will be very receptive to your questions.
When you meet with them, be sure to have a list of questions prepared and take good notes. Firms like to see that you have a genuine interest in how they operate as a company, and your preparedness will speak volumes. If you feel comfortable with the firm, seal the deal by asking if you could intern with them once the time comes.
Internships are an invaluable tool in selecting which firm you would like to eventually work for. You’ll have the opportunity to speak with a reporter who works for the firm, see how their office looks or how they handle remote depositions, and have the chance to interact with support staff. Pay close attention during your internship not only to how depositions progress, but to the differences between depositions in different firms. Does the reporter know the owner of the firm? Does the reporter encourage you to work with the firm? Are the clients happy to see the reporter and do they order copies of the transcript?
After you’ve researched the firms in your area, interned with them, and taken notes on how life would really look, it’s time to call a few mentors you trust. Your mentors may know things about the different firms that weren’t spoken about during your time so far. If you don’t have any mentors, your TCRA Area Director is a great person to reach out to.
Now that you’re armed with information, reach out to the firms you are most interested in to see if you could interview with them now that your internship is complete and you are getting ready to become certified. The interview will be much less stressful since you’ve laid the groundwork during your time as a student. Dress professionally, arrive early, and refer to TCRA’s Soon-to-be CSR Guide for questions that you should expect to answer and what you need to ask.
