Training Contract – Tips for Writing a Great Job Application
However, you are rudely awakened from your daydream to remind yourself that to get there you need to write your CV and covering letter… But where do you start? Writing an application can be a daunting and time-consuming process, however this is a good opportunity for you to create a good impression in front of a shortlisting panel. To help get you started, see below Six Top Tips for a Good Application.
1. Golden Rule – Read the Job Advert.
Carefully read and understand what the law firm is asking for and exactly how your skills and experience can match to the vacancy and the company’s values. If the job advert specifies you need to state a challenge you have had to overcome or why you want to work for the company, write this on your application. This may seem obvious to candidates, but companies receive numerous applications every year where candidates have not read the job vacancy and your application will not be shortlisted. Leading nicely to my second point.
2. Research the Company
Many solicitors have websites and social media platforms which detail who they are and what they do. Incorporate your research into your application and showcase what you have learnt about the company, this leads you to demonstrating why you want to work for the company and in addition, what skills and attributes you can bring to the table. An attitude that reflects the direction and/or intention of a given company is only going to be beneficial for both parties after all.
3. Tailor your CV
You’ve read the job advert and done your research, now it comes down to your CV. Most candidates will blindly send in their CV without doing the two points above. However, you’re not like most candidates, you have done your homework and are ready to tailor your CV to the vacancy. Tailoring your CV would be beneficial and really prove to the company you’re committed to the role and have the relevant skill set the company is looking for. Look at the job advert, job description and person specification (if provided) and pick out key words and tailor this within your application to really showcase how you are the right person for the job.
4. Keep it Relevant and Concise
Look back over all the qualifications, experience and outside of work activities and choose the most relevant for the job role and keep it concise, you are not re-writing War and Peace (I’ve watched the BBC adaptation). Employers have limited time to sift through applications so as a rule no more than two sides of A4 to showcase how wonderful you are.
5. Cover Letter/Supporting Statement
You’ve done all the qualifications, got the experience and have written a cover letter to accommodate your tailored CV but how good is your letter? Letter writing is fast becoming a lost art but which any good solicitor/paralegal/legal secretary will tell you it is still a vital skill in the legal world. A good cover letter contains the following:
- Address of the place you wish to write the letter
- Your address
- Date of letter
- Opening- To Whom it May Concern, Dear Sir or Madam or Dear Sirs
- Reason for writing
- Introducing yourself
- Talking about your experience and education
- Any specific question/s required by the company for you to respond to
- Why you are the best person for the position
- Closing comments
- Signing off –
“Yours Sincerely” (If you know the name of the person you are writing to)
“Yours Faithfully” (if you do not know the name of the person you are writing to)
Although… If you cannot write a cover letter, a career in law probably isn’t for you!
6. Proof-read, Proof-read and Proof-read again:
You have your CV and cover letter all present and correct. Now step away from it, clear your mind, make yourself a cup of tea (you deserve it) and then re-read both documents when you have fresh eyes. To add another safety layer, select an independent person to proof-read your CV and cover letter to give this a final check. If you’re finally happy with your CV and your cover letter could rival that of a Victorian letter correspondence, then send your application across. Good Luck!
One important keynote is to stay positive when applying for vacancies. All of us can get knockdown when we don’t even secure a job interview after we have put in all the hard work in our application. It can become deflating but it is important to remember, when one door closes, a window opens.
Why Choose Rothera Bray?
Careers with Rothera Bray are both enjoyable and challenging. We’re a friendly team and aim to create a thriving environment where our staff and partners maximise their potential. Our staff are encouraged and supported through on-going training and development, and their efforts are rewarded accordingly. If you think you have what it takes, take a look at our careers page to start your journey with us.
