TC Application Tips

Hundreds of law students/graduates apply for training contracts each year and firms have to sift through every application they see.  It is vital that you make your applications stand out from the rest as due to the high amount of applicants, the smallest error could cause your application to be thrown in the bin.

Here are some of my top tips to help secure an interview.  Please note that this may not guarantee you an interview and you must put time and thought into each application you make.

1) TAILOR TO THE FIRM - This can be quite tiresome, and I'm sure you've heard this many times before but you must tailor your application to the firm you are applying to.  You should include why you want to apply to that firm specifically and state what you like about the firm to stand out from others.  Does the firm specialise in an area that you are particularly interested in? Say it, and explain why you are interested in this area and how you think working for the firm will help your career.

2) PROOF READ - It is incredibly easy to make grammar/spelling mistakes when you've been applying to various law firms for a considerable amount of time.  Once you have finished your application, leave it for a couple of days and come back to it to proof read.  By doing this you will have a fresh pair of eyes and you will be able to see any mistakes you may have made.  Spelling and grammar are two very important factors when applying for a training contract, remember there are hundreds of applicants so even the smallest error could result in rejection.

3) RESEARCH THE FIRM - Just a slight repeat from above but you really need to research the firm.  Mention any big matters the firm has acted on or any charity events that the firm has organised.  By researching the firm and looking into what they have done/achieved shows a great deal of interest and already sets you a league above those that have sent in a generic application.

4) HIGHLIGHT YOUR EXPERIENCE & SKILLS - This part of your application is where you can really show your chosen firm what sets you above the rest of the applicants.  If you have any legal experience, you must mention it.  Explain what you did and what you learnt from it, you may have been photocopying all day but you still had a taster of how a law firm runs on a daily basis. Also highlight what skills you have, have you organised an event before? Although this may not be relevant to a Trainee Solicitor's role specifically, you may at some point be asked to organise an event for networking purposes and this would help significantly.

5) WHY THE FIRM SHOULD EMPLOY YOU - I would summarise a small paragraph at the end of your covering letter/application for this part.  What sets you above the rest of the applicants and what makes you most deserving of a training contract? Perhaps you have the correct personality to fit the firm or you support the same organisations that the firm does.  This part of your application needs to be thought about most, because if you don't know what makes you better than the rest how do you expect to get an interview in return.

6) EXTRA CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES - You must always mention any extra curricular activities you have taken part in.  Anything law related will also give you the upper hand.  An example would be being a member of the law society at University, or perhaps you were on the school council or a house representative?  Do include these as it shows that you have a variety of skills.

7) COVER LETTER - Some of these points are very basic, but you will not believe how many people omit these vital factors. Always put the date of the letter under your address and address the letter to the correct person.  You may need to do a little bit of research into who to send your application to, but finding the correct person is better than a standard 'Dear Sirs'. Remember to sign off the letter correctly.  If you have addressed the letter to someone personally, you must sign off with 'Yours Sincerely'. If you have addressed otherwise i.e. 'Dear Sirs', sign off with 'Yours Faithfully'.  Always ensure that your letter is written in clear English, do not over complicate your sentences. Finally, set your paragraphs out neatly so that the letter is easy to read.

8) CV - Try to limit as much as you can in your CV. Your CV should be no longer than two pages.  Always check spelling and grammar and set it out clearly.  Personally, I would put personal details, education and work history/experience on the first page.  On the second page, I would list what additional skills I have, what extra curricular activities I have taken part in and my references.