Interview with Jeremy Pilcher

Jeremy initially qualified and worked as a lawyer in New Zealand. He has a PhD and, over his career, has also been a lecturer and has designed and delivered training. 

Jeremy has been looking for work since November 2010. Proactive and positive, he believes in making the most of training opportunities. In particular, he thinks it’s important to make sure skills are tailored to the ever-changing job market and emphasises the importance of building business contacts and networks.

He has been going to our Hugh Cubitt centre in King's Cross and recently attended a practice interview with law firm Clifford Chance.

An edited version of this interview appears in our corporate magazine, Engage.

How long have you been looking for work?
I have been looking for work since the end of November 2010, so around seven  months now.
 
 
What kind of work experience do you have?
I initially qualified and worked as a lawyer in New Zealand. After I moved to the United Kingdom I worked for the Insolvency Service as an investigator. Over my career I have also designed and delivered training to a range of people, including university students and legal and business professionals from European countries. Whilst I was working I did a PhD so sometimes I am asked to give lectures, although so far these have been one off opportunities for which I haven’t been paid.
 
 
What kind of work are you looking for now?
At present I am looking at various areas of work. I have quite a wide-ranging skill set. The positions I am looking at include working in regulatory and compliance jobs, but also ranging through to learning and development roles and research positions. I’m also applying for relevant academic positions as they arise.
 
 
How did you hear about the Clifford Chance interview practice?
I became aware about it after meeting Jeff Thomas from Peabody at a Jobs Centre Plus session.
 

How did you get on the training?
I went along to see Jeff Thomas and we had a discussion about the Clifford Chance interview practice session but also my wider job-hunting process. After that, I visited Peabody to get help improving my CV and discussing the sort of job opportunities I could explore on the basis of my transferable skills. As I was working through that process, Jeff and Miu Tai Ho told me an opportunity to participate in the interview practice had arisen and asked me if I was interested in taking part.  As I thought it would be a helpful experience, the interview was organised with Clifford Chance by Peabody
 
 
What actually happened?
Miu asked me to provide a job description for a position I was interested in or had already applied for. That job was used as the basis of an interview that took place at Clifford Chance’s offices, at which Miu and another Peabody employee was present (so altogether me and four others in the interview). At the interview I was asked (about) 10 questions by two Clifford Chance employees. I don’t recall Miu and her colleague from Peabody being actively involved in asking me questions but they did take notes throughout the interview. After the end of the interview the people from Clifford Chance had a discussion with Miu and her colleague at which I wasn’t present. I then came back into the room and we had a very productive feedback session at which I received really helpful advice and suggestions about my CV and my interviewing technique.
 
 
What did you learn from it?
It was really invaluable to get the opportunity to practice answering interview questions in an interview setting that (for me) was very realistic (particularly because  Clifford Chance are an international and highly reputable law firm). I received invaluable comments on aspects of the CV that I used for the interview. Also, I got lots of constructive comments on how I had responded to interview questions. This included feedback on the way I had presented myself and on how effective my answers had been in terms of providing information about myself in addition to that included in my CV. I not only learned about aspects of my CV and interview technique that could be improved but also about the areas in which I had been particularly effective and had strengths.
 
 
Would you recommend it to other people?
 On the basis of my experience I would suggest that, if you have the opportunity to do it, then you should definitely participate. It was an excellent experience and I recommend it very highly.
 
 
Are you having any other training to help you?
I am having other training. I am taking every opportunity that I can get to get training and feedback on the job-hunting process. At Peabody I regularly meet with Jeff and Miu, who provide me with feedback on understanding the fit between my set of skills and advertised positions. This makes my job hunting more effective and helps me tailor my CV to the jobs for which I apply.

At present I have unexpectedly had the opportunity (not organised through Peabody) to design and deliver a very short learning programme on the Data Protection Act to volunteers at a charitable organisation. This is the chance to practice and receive feedback on skills that are looked for in the sort of learning and development positions for which I am applying. In that way, it’s a little bit like the Clifford Chance opportunity.  
 
 
Anything else you'd like to say?
The job hunting process and, in particular, the Clifford Chance interview is an ongoing learning experience for me. I initially was reluctant to participate in the Clifford Chance interview but, despite my initial reservations, I found the process very rewarding. Not only did I get a lot of valuable feedback but I really enjoyed meeting and talking with the Clifford Chance employees, who I found very friendly and welcoming. My Job hunting has often been difficult and at times I have had experiences that I have made it hard to remain positive and proactive. My experience with Clifford Chance was extremely positive and had the effect of encouraging me in my job hunting.
 

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