CityLawLIVE Big Discussion: Part 2

Following on from my previous post about topics covered at the CityLawLIVE Big Discussion panel, I am now going to look at how to display work experience on an application form, what skills firms are looking for, how to make your application stand out, and dos and don'ts at interview.

As a reminder, the representatives on the Big Discussion panel were:

• Justine Thompson, graduate recruitment & development manager, Baker & McKenzie
• John Stephenson, trainee, Ashurst
• Gemma Baker, head of careers service, Kaplan Law School
• Amy Elderfield, business manager, Apply4Law and AllHires
• Matthew Broadbent, publisher, LawCareers.Net

Firms are looking for an array of skills. How do I make sure that I am demonstrating what I need to on an application form?

Application forms are designed for you to highlight your achievements. Justine explained that firms ask for specific examples in competency based questions because research regularly shows that past behaviour is a key indicator of future behaviour. So if you can demonstrate key skills such as being an outstanding team player, a great leader and highly organised by using past examples then you should be able to bring these skills to a firm in the future.

Gemma recommended having a base document of all your achievements and experiences outside of study where you have analysed the skills you have developed. You should be continually updating this skills document. When you start an application form print out a blank copy so that you can consider all the questions on the form. You should match your skills and achievements to the questions on the form and make sure that you are including every example in your skills document on the application form. Some examples Gemma gave of relevant activities included music, sport, drama, voluntary work, community work and pro bono work.

Justine said not to forget about the importance of part-time work. This demonstrates teamwork, responsibility, leadership, hard work and independence. If you don't have as much time as you would like for extracurricular activities because you work part time, then you should make this clear on the application form.

Matt warned against overlooking "CV gold". Think about all of your experiences and achievements and relate them to the key competencies that a firm is looking for. Matt recommended using MySelf as a means of analysing your strengths and weaknesses and building yourself into an ideal candidate.

And as unnatural as it may seem, you need to sell yourself - boast, brag and really emphasise your achievements!

How do I present my work experience on an application form?

Amy said that people wrongly think that work experience should just be displayed as a list. You need to elaborate on what each position involved, what skills you developed and why you are interesting to the firm as a result of having done that job.

Gemma emphasised how important it was to put the position into context. If it is legal work experience you need to include the type of firm, type of law and length of position. You should include what you gained from the experience and what you learnt that is relevant to the legal profession, for example client care, negotiation, ability to analyse, ability to summarise and report writing.

What is the scope for the word limit on an application form? Should I pad out an answer to fulfil the word limit?

Justine said that you should use the word count as a guide to how much the firm is expecting you to write for this answer. It is not just a limit. Gemma advised that the crucial questions should naturally take you close to the word limit. For example, if you think about when you are in an interview and are asked "Why do you want to work for this firm?", you would probably give a five-minute answer. Gemma explained that a short word limit is a test of your written ability. A good lawyer skill!

How do I make my application stand out?

Justine acknowledged that it is difficult to make yourself stand out on paper but in a competitive recruitment market this is exactly what you have to do. A good academic record is not enough. Firms are looking for candidates who are really well rounded, who fulfil the work experience expectation and who take part in a great range of extracurricular activities. The firm wants to see that you are motivated, driven and a high achiever.

Every part of an application should be well written and well structured. When you explain why you want to work for a particular firm, you should offer a genuine response and not a regurgitation of the firm's website. You should also say what you want from your career and how the firm you are applying to can help fulfil your career aspirations.

Most importantly the firm wants to see how passionate you are about a career in law.

Do you have any interview tips?

As simple as it sounds, Gemma's first piece of advice was to turn up on time. A staggering proportion of candidates turn up late for an interview. You should be prepared for a hard day as the firm wants to see how you perform under pressure.

Justine warned that you should not underestimate the impact of first impressions. You have to find a way to get over your nerves and to smile and greet the interviewers in a professional manner. Remember that partners are normal people! You need to try to enjoy the interview process. That way you will get more out of it, there's a better rapport between you and the interviewers, and you never know - it may lead to a job offer.

Amy recommended being friendly to everyone you meet at the firm (eg, never be rude to the receptionist!) as everyone and anyone could be judging you. Gemma said that this is particularly true of trainees who will often show you around the office. The trainees are part of the assessment process and will be asked to feed back about your behaviour. The trainees will have made an effort to get a job at the firm so they will want to be surrounded by colleagues with a positive attitude who they feel happy working with.

Preparation is the key to a good interview. You should make sure that you have fully researched the firm and have prepared responses to common questions. You need to know about the firm's position in the market, what the firm is good at (and what practice areas it doesn't cover) and who its competitors are. You should make sure you understand what a solicitor does and what his/her purpose in a firm is.

A question that you will almost certainly be asked is "Why law?". Gemma warned not to reply with something generic that could apply to any job, for example "I am looking for a job with a great career structure, where I'll be doing client-orientated work in a team". Just think how many jobs this could apply to! Your answer has to be specific to law and specific to the type of firm you want to work for. For example, if you are interviewing at a City firm your response could include that you want to work in a commercial environment to help clients achieve their goals. Above all else, you must show a passion for law at the interview.

If you are interested in listening to the whole of the Big Discussion and other sessions of the CityLawLIVE conference please visit the LawCareers.Net YouTube channel where you can also see video interviews from the event.

For further information about CityLawLIVE see www.CityLawLIVE.com.