Unspoken Job Interview Rules: Which Apply to Lawyers?

So much bad advice out there, so when I see good tips, I pass them along! I like these from the improbable source Huffington Post that are actually spot on:

1. Give interviewers the highlights, not an exhaustive list of everything you’ve done. Yes! I agree you will be asked some version of “tell us about yourself” and “why you are interested.” An interview is not a deposition but more of a free-flowing conversation where you need to concisely speak to your interviewer’s true concerns. For example, “The interview question ‘Tell us about a time when…?’ is really a competence question of ‘Have you done a similar job before?’ and ‘Do you have a good head on your shoulders?’ The interview question ‘Do you have any questions for me?’ is really a commitment question of ‘Do you care enough about us to do enough research to ask a question that you couldn’t have found the answer to on Google?’ And the interview question ‘Tell us about yourself’ is really a competence, commitment, and compatibility question.” Now you know the code, get ready!
2. Understand the role of each interviewer and answer addressing their top concerns. Peers want to know if you can do your job and if you can collaborate. Managers want to know whether you can work independently and show good judgment. Clients need someone who can solve their problems and not scare folks away.
3. Show positive body language, “a small step” that “can make a big difference.” I have seen good candidates dinged even though they had the right skills because they didn’t project confidence or interest.
4. Prepare stories about your career. More than one is ideal to show your range. Interviewers debrief each other so you don’t want to sound only one note (or dissonant notes).
5. Follow up judiciously. In my experience, once or twice is ok, but generally speaking “following up is not going to speed up an offer” and “your nudges are not going to change interviewers’ mind about their decision.” A senior HR partner said, “I have yet to see a candidate send an email to a recruiter and all of a sudden, a recruiter being like, ‘Oh, I totally forgot about you. Yes, they want to make you an offer.’” When does following up 100% make sense? When you have another offer.
6. Thank you notes are good for networking, not getting the job. Yes, send a thank you note to connect with an interviewer if you want, but know it’s rarely pivotal. I also agree with this caveat “[i]f you are in a traditional job environment, they may be expected or desired, so you should double-check with your recruiter if you aren’t sure whether to send one after an interview.” Law is pretty traditional (everything is based on precedent, no?), but whether a legal manager wants a thank you note is truly case-by-case.
7. Talk to current employees about the company before taking the job. That way you can better understand management and company culture.