By the time you reach the stage of applying for training contracts you should have carried out extensive research and know where you want to work. When submitting applications for a training contract bear in mind that many firms look to fill their places two years in advance. Keep copies of all the applications you submit.
Your CV
Your CV (Curriculum Vitae) should be two to three pages in length at most and contain all the information that a potential employee needs:
- It should be easy to read in a clear font size on good quality paper
- Personal details - placed on the first page so that a potential employer can contact you with ease
- Education and experience - arranged clearly with the most recent first
- Key skills - ensure you highlight the key skills you have that are relevant to the role
- Career history - give details of your role, status and achievements
- List professional memberships and qualifications
- Put information that is relevant and demonstrates your suitability for the role near the beginning
- It is not necessary to include referees on your CV. Should you choose to include referees ensure any you include are happy to provide a reference
- First impressions are important - check for spelling and other errors
CV format
- Contact details
- Education and qualifications
- Work experience (dates, organisation, job title, achievements)
- IT skills
- Interests and activities
- Referees (optional)
Covering letter
Every CV (curriculum vitae) you send requires a covering letter. Your letter should persuade the employer that you are the best candidate for the job, so make sure you've addressed the following:
- Research the firm/organisation - consider whether you have the skills, abilities and qualities required. Consider how you are suited to the firm/organisation and how this can be best conveyed
- Address your letter to an individual
- Explain why you are applying to the firm/organisation
- Show evidence for the claims you make about yourself in your CV
- Express what you need to say as concisely as you can
- Highlight the best things you can offer the firm/organisation
- First impressions are important - check for spelling and other errors
Letter format
Beginning: A brief introduction to who you are, the job you are applying for, where you saw the advertisement and why you are applying to that particular firm/organisation. Say that your CV is enclosed.
Middle: Say why you are interested in the job and firm/organisation. Demonstrate that you understand the requirements of the role and firm/organisation. Sell yourself - why are you right for the role? Demonstrate your strengths and why you are right for the role. The letter should be tailored to the specific role and firm/organisation.
End: Be positive and say that you look forward to hearing from them.
Applications
Many firms/organisations use application forms or online applications to select candidates for interview.
- Be clear and concise - this is your opportunity to demonstrate your written communication skills.
- Prepare by researching about the firm/organisation and its recruitment criteria.
- Gauge your answers by the size of the space provided.
- The word count specified on online applications indicates how much detail is required.
- Read through the form and carefully follow instructions.
- Prepare a draft first to ensure you can fit the information into the boxes.
- Ensure your application is neat. Don't resort to tiny writing to squeeze more in.
- Be clear about the selection criteria and match your skills, knowledge and experience to them closely.
- Don't leave gaps. For example, it is better to show time spent travelling or volunteering, if if it doesn't relate directly to the law.
Interviews
Prepare thoroughly for interviews. Find out as much as you can about the firm/organisation and try to get a feeling of the ethos of the firm/organisation.
Consider:
- why you want a career in law
- what areas interest you
- what type of firm you want to practise in
- why this firm/organisation in particular
- what you can offer
At the interview:
The interview is your opportunity to demonstrate that you meet the criteria required:
- Arrive on time. Dress smartly. Be polite.
- Ensure you are familiar with your CV/application and able to talk about it.
- Listen carefully to the questions.
- Be succinct, whilst also ensuring that you 'sell' yourself.
- If there is more than one interviewer try to address your answers to each equally.
- If you don’t understand something, don’t be afraid to say so.
It is normal to be asked whether you have any questions - think about them in advance. If your questions are answered during the interview, cross them off mentally. Don’t ask anything you should already know from information given to you by the firm/organisation.
After the interview:
- thank the interviewers for seeing you
- reflect on how it went - do you want to work for that firm/organisation? Are you happy with your performance? Could you do better next time?
- if you were not successful, ask for feedback where possible.
Alternative options
Some law graduates decide that becoming a solicitor is not for them. This might be because of a lack of practice-based training places or jobs, or financial pressure, or just a change of mind. However law graduates are sought after by a wide variety of employers and the training includes many transferable skills including the ability to:
- conduct research
- collect and analyse large amounts of information
- weigh-up points and counter points
- create a logical argument and reasoned conclusion from a set of facts
- communicate clearly
- be discrete
- work under pressure
- remember a lot of facts
Alternatively you could choose another legal career. You might consider a legal support role, such as paralegal, law costs draftsmen, legal secretary or barrister’s clerk. Or you might decide on one of a number of administrative and advisory roles, such as executive officer in the Court and Crown Prosecution Services, or adviser in a citizen’s advice bureau, welfare rights or social organisation. See Alternative careers for more ideas.
Remember, your law degree is valid for entry to the Legal Practice Course for up to seven years after graduation.