Hi Amma,
I was wondering what you would recommend to discuss when asked 'why this firm' in an interview? Do you go for particular talking points each time and how in depth would you recommend going?
Just before
@Amma Usman can get back to you on this, in interviews, just like in applications, I think you should try to discuss the firm's unique selling points (USPs) - the important features that distinguish them from most other firms. Different firms will have different types of USPs, so you should vary your talking points accordingly. However, I find that particular talking points tend to be more persuasive than others; in that certain features of firms have a more direct and profound impact on people's training contract experience at a firm.
For me, those tended to be points around firm's practice areas focus, strengths, and expertise (which I would evidence using market recognition in the form of rankings/awards rather than past mandates). This is because the work done by the different practice can vary greatly; thus, it naturally matters a lot to go to a firm specializing in (or at least offering a seat in) the type of work you are most interested in. Building on that, it also matters a lot if the firm does or does not have top credentials for its practice. Great market recognition is only possible if the firm has great practitioners, and you should be naturally interested in working with and being mentored by the very best.
