Applying for a training contract

Making applications for training contracts requires you to start with a clear knowledge of yourself and what you have to offer. Do research into firms to see how your skills match up with their requirements and think how best you can market your strengths to the firms of your choice. Make a list of your qualities and consider how different firms will value them. You can then start on the task of 'selling' yourself.

CVs and covering letters

Some firms will have their own application form that can be completed either in hard copy or online, while others expect you to apply by means of a CV and covering letter. Your CV should be tailored to the kind of firm which interests you, and the accompanying letter should draw attention to the points on your CV that you want the recruiter to note and give your reasons for applying to the firm. Ask a careers adviser for help as different types of firm will have different requirements.

Make sure that your CV looks smart and presentable and is on no more than two sides of good quality, white or cream A4 paper. The letter should be on the same paper as your CV. Most solicitors' firms prefer a traditional and conventional format for a CV so avoid anything gimmicky.

Ask your careers adviser for help if you are unsure.

Application forms

Application forms are designed to find out if you have the qualities the employer is seeking and they are a clue to what the firm considers to be important. Many forms are competency based, which means that the employer has identified certain desirable skills and wants to see examples that demonstrate them. You may be probed further on this at interview. Obviously, the more examples you can give and the wider the range of experience on which you can draw the better.

Usually forms have a section that asks why you are applying to the firm or why you want to be a solicitor in that type of firm. In order to answer it effectively you will need to do lots of background research and show the firm that you have done so. Most firms have up-to-date websites and there is a wealth of background information available in your university careers library. Avoid bland generalisations - the more specific you are, the more committed you will appear.

Interviews

The next step is the interview. The secret of successful interviewing is good preparation and anticipating some of the questions that might arise - for example, your reasons for applying, your interest in the firm and the profession and reasons for your actions to date. If there are any blips or hiccups along the way, don't worry - they would not be interviewing you if they didn't think you were suitable, but you will be expected to explain any problem areas.

When you are doing your preparation, don't just research the firm - look into the competition and be prepared to answer questions about where you think the firm is in the market place. The other aspect of preparation is about you - you need to know your own CV thoroughly and think about what has influenced you in your decision to become a solicitor. Be prepared for competency-based questions again, which are designed to test whether you have the skills to work in the firm. One useful preparation technique is to consider the kind of skills that the employer wants and to think of examples you can use to demonstrate you have them.

Commercial firms will often ask questions about commercial issues, or give you a commercial problem to work out. Stay up to date with the business press and think about current issues which may affect the firm. Make sure you are aware of current affairs as they can often be the basis of interview questions.

Assessment days

Some firms use assessment centres as part of their selection procedure, either at second stage, or as the only or first means of selection. This can involve psychometric tests, group exercises, case studies and often a final interview. The idea behind these days is that you get the chance to know the firm better and they can assess you in a variety of situations, not in just one formal interview. It is a way of looking at a range of skills.

To prepare for an assessment centre follow the usual interview preparation, but also think of how you might approach a case study, how you normally react to working in groups and consider other things they may test you on, such as presentations, in-tray exercises or similar. You can often practise psychometric tests in your university careers service, or obtain advice on other aspects of the selection process.

The main thing is not to panic. You are a good candidate or you wouldn't be there.

The best advice is to 'be yourself at your best' - don't pretend to be something you're not, but show yourself in the best possible light. And don't worry if one of the exercises doesn't go as well as you would like - the whole point of running a series of exercises is that you can be assessed in all, and poor performance in one exercise can be compensated for by a good one in the next. Most people do enjoy assessment centres and feel that they have the opportunity to do themselves justice.

Jenny Goddard:

University of Warwick