20 Kirkland’s Interview Questions and Answers

When it comes to interviews, preparation is key. And when you’re interviewing with a specific company, it’s important to do your research and be prepared to answer questions about the company itself.

If you’re interviewing with Kirkland & Ellis LLP, a leading global law firm, you can expect to be asked questions about the firm’s history, culture, and clients. To help you prepare, we’ve compiled a list of sample questions and answers about Kirkland & Ellis LLP.

With these questions and answers in hand, you’ll be ready to impress your interviewer and take one step closer to landing the job.

Kirkland’s Interview Process

The interview process at Kirkland’s is generally quick and easy. Most candidates report being hired within a few days of their initial interview. The interviews are typically behavioral in nature, focusing on the candidate’s past experiences and how they would handle various customer service scenarios. Overall, the experience is positive, with most candidates finding the staff to be friendly and helpful.

1. Describe your sales experience.

This question is a great way to determine if you have experience selling products or services. If you don’t, it’s okay to explain what sales was like in your previous position and how you helped the company achieve its goals.

Example: “In my last role as an account manager for a software development company, I had to sell our product to new clients. I would meet with potential customers and show them how our software could help their business grow. I found that by showing them real-world examples of how our software worked, they were more likely to buy from us.”

2. How would you handle a customer that tries to return an item after the return policy has expired?

This question can help the interviewer assess your customer service skills and how you handle challenging situations. Use examples from previous work experience to show that you are willing to go above and beyond for customers, even when it’s not required by policy.

Example: “I would first apologize to the customer for the inconvenience and explain why we cannot accept the return. If they still insist on returning the item, I would offer them a discount or gift card so they could purchase something else. This way, they’re happy with their purchase and we don’t lose money.”

3. How do you think you could contribute to Kirkland’s success as a company?

This question is an opportunity to show the interviewer that you have a strong desire to succeed in your career and are willing to work hard to achieve your goals. When answering this question, it can be helpful to discuss how you plan to contribute to the company’s success and what skills or experiences you have that will help you do so.

Example: “I believe my ability to think critically and solve problems would make me a valuable asset to Kirkland & Ellis LLP. I am committed to providing excellent customer service to clients and colleagues alike, which I think could help the firm maintain its reputation as one of the best law firms in the country.”

4. Have you ever had to deal with difficult customers and how did you resolve the situation?

This question can help the interviewer determine how you handle conflict and whether or not you have experience working with clients. Use examples from your previous job to show that you are able to work well with others, even when they’re upset.

Example: “In my last position as a financial advisor, I had a client who was very unhappy with their investment portfolio. They were constantly calling me about their account and asking for more money back than we could give them. After several weeks of this, I scheduled a meeting with them to discuss their concerns. We talked through their options and came up with a plan that would allow them to get some of their money back while still investing in their future.”

5. What is your availability during the week, weekends and holidays?

This question is a way for the interviewer to understand your availability and how flexible you are. When answering this question, be honest about your availability but also highlight any flexibility you have in terms of working overtime or on weekends.

Example: “I am available Monday through Friday from 8am to 5pm with some flexibility if needed. I can work overtime when necessary, however, I do not work weekends.”

6. Do you have any previous experience in retail or customer service?

This question is asked to determine your experience with customer service and how you interact with customers. If you have previous retail or customer service experience, share a time when you helped a customer find what they were looking for or resolve an issue.

Example: “I worked in a clothing store during my college years. I was responsible for helping customers find the right size of clothes and assisting them with finding accessories that matched their outfits. One day, a woman came into the store looking for a dress to wear to her daughter’s wedding. She didn’t know what style she wanted, so I showed her several different options and helped her decide on one.”

7. Tell me about a time when you were given a task that was outside of your comfort zone. How did you manage it?

This question can help the interviewer get a better sense of your problem-solving skills and how you adapt to new situations. Use examples from previous jobs or experiences that highlight your ability to take on challenges and learn quickly.

Example: “When I first started working as an attorney, I was given a task that required me to work with clients who spoke different languages. At first, this made me nervous because I didn’t know any other languages besides English. However, I decided to use online resources to learn some basic phrases in Spanish and French. After practicing these phrases for a few weeks, it became much easier to communicate with my foreign clients.”

8. In what ways do you feel like you are a good leader?

This question can help interviewers understand your leadership skills and how you feel about them. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention specific qualities that make you a good leader.

Example: “I believe I am a good leader because of my ability to motivate others and encourage collaboration. In my last position, I was the lead attorney on a case where we had to work with several other law firms. I helped facilitate communication between all parties so everyone could stay informed and collaborate effectively. This allowed us to win the case and helped me develop my leadership skills.”

9. Are you comfortable working independently?

This question is an opportunity to show your interviewer that you are self-motivated and can work independently. You should explain how you stay motivated when working alone, as well as the strategies you use to complete tasks on time.

Example: “I am comfortable working independently because I have done so for most of my career. In my last position, I was often tasked with completing projects or assignments without any guidance from a supervisor. This allowed me to develop my own methods for staying organized and meeting deadlines. I also find it helpful to set weekly goals for myself, which helps me stay focused and productive.”

10. Provide an example of a time where you went above and beyond for a customer.

This question is a great way to show your dedication and willingness to help others. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention the impact you had on the customer’s life or business.

Example: “When I was working as an accountant for a small company, one of my clients called me in a panic because they were missing $10,000 from their bank account. They were worried that someone had stolen money from them, but after looking into the situation further, I realized that they accidentally entered the wrong number when transferring funds. I told them about the mistake and assured them that everything was okay.”

11. Do you have any experience managing teams?

This question can help interviewers understand your leadership skills and how you might fit into the firm’s culture. If you have experience managing a team, describe what it was like to lead them. If you don’t have direct management experience, you can talk about other ways you’ve helped teams work together more effectively.

Example: “I’ve had several opportunities to manage teams in my previous roles. I find that leading by example is one of the best ways to motivate others and get everyone on the same page. When I first started at my last job, I noticed that some employees weren’t as motivated as they could be. So, I began holding weekly meetings with each department to discuss our goals for the week and any challenges we were facing. This allowed me to learn more about my colleagues’ strengths and weaknesses and provide support where needed.”

12. If hired, can you work nights, weekends and holidays?

This question is a way for the interviewer to assess your willingness to work outside of normal business hours. It’s important to be honest in your answer and let them know that you are willing to do whatever it takes to get the job done.

Example: “I am happy to work nights, weekends and holidays if needed. I understand that sometimes these shifts are necessary when working on large projects or client cases. In my last position, I worked many late nights and weekends because we were under tight deadlines. However, I was always able to complete my tasks by the deadline.”

13. What are some strengths and weaknesses that you bring to our team?

This question is a great way to show your interviewer that you have self-awareness and are willing to be honest about your shortcomings. When answering this question, it’s important to focus on the positive aspects of yourself while also being truthful about any weaknesses you may have.

Example: “I am extremely organized and detail-oriented which makes me an excellent researcher and writer. I’m always prepared for meetings and can think quickly on my feet when needed. My only weakness is that sometimes I get so focused on details that I miss the big picture. However, I’ve learned to work with others to ensure that doesn’t happen.”

14. When do you want to start working at Kirklands?

This question is a way for the interviewer to assess your availability. They want to know if you are available immediately or if they will have to wait for you to finish another job. If you are currently employed, be honest about when you can start and how long it will take you to transition from your current position.

Example: “I am ready to begin working at Kirklands as soon as possible. I am in the process of transitioning out of my current role, so I should be able to start within two weeks.”

15. What is your leadership style?

This question can help the interviewer determine how you might fit into their organization. Leadership styles vary, so it’s important to be honest about your approach and what has worked for you in the past.

Example: “I believe that a leader should always be open to feedback from their team members. I am always available to listen to my colleagues’ ideas and suggestions. When working with others, I try to encourage them to take ownership of projects and tasks. This helps me delegate responsibilities more effectively and allows my employees to develop their skills.”

16. Are you familiar with the products that we sell?

This question is a great way to test your knowledge of the company and its products. It also shows that you have done some research on the firm before your interview. If you are not familiar with all of their products, it’s okay to say so. You can then explain how you would learn about them if hired.

Example: “I am familiar with Kirkland & Ellis LLP’s products. I’ve worked in this industry for several years now, so I’m quite familiar with most financial institutions. However, I do want to take the time to learn more about the specific services offered by your company.”

17. Why do you want to leave your current job?

This question can help the interviewer understand your motivations for applying to a new position. It’s important to be honest and specific about why you’re looking for a new job, but it’s also helpful to highlight any skills or experiences that make you a good fit for this role.

Example: “I’m ready for a new challenge in my career. I’ve been working as an associate at my current firm for three years now, and while I love what I do, I feel like I have more to offer. I want to work with a team of professionals who are dedicated to providing excellent service to their clients. I think I would be a great addition to Kirkland & Ellis LLP because I am passionate about helping others.”

18. Can you tell us about a time when you made a mistake on the job and how did you handle it?

This question is a great way to learn more about how you respond to challenges and mistakes. It’s important to show that you can take responsibility for your actions, learn from them and move forward with confidence.

Example: “I once made an error on a client’s tax return that resulted in the IRS auditing their business. I was so embarrassed by my mistake that I didn’t tell anyone until after I had already fixed it. My supervisor praised me for coming forward and taking responsibility for my actions. She helped me understand that mistakes are part of learning and growing as a professional.”

19. Customer satisfaction is very important to us. How do you ensure that your customers are satisfied with their purchase?

This question is an opportunity to show your customer service skills and how you can help a company achieve its goals. When answering this question, think about the ways you have helped customers in the past. Consider mentioning specific examples of how you’ve helped customers find what they need or solve their problems.

Example: “I believe that it’s important to make sure my customers are satisfied with their purchase. I always try to answer any questions they may have before, during and after the sale. For example, when I worked at the clothing store, I once had a customer who was looking for a dress for her daughter’s wedding. She wasn’t sure if she wanted a long or short dress, so I showed her some pictures of both styles. After seeing the different options, she decided on a short dress. I ordered the dress and made sure it arrived in time for the wedding.”

20. Do you have experience handling cash and operating a cash register?

This question is asked to determine your experience with handling cash and operating a cash register. This can be an important skill for the accounting department, as they may need you to handle cash on a regular basis. If you have no prior experience, it’s best to explain that you are willing to learn how to operate a cash register and perform other tasks related to handling cash.

Example: “I have never worked in an accounting role before, but I am eager to learn more about this position. While I don’t have any experience working with cash or operating a cash register, I am confident that I could quickly learn these skills if needed.”