Would you hire you?

LawCareers.Net's Basic Training events swept the nation in March. Their purpose? To educate wannabe lawyers on everything they need to know to secure a training contract, including how to write an application form, what makes the ideal candidate and how to shine at interview. But if you missed out, don't panic: the LC.N team had front row seats and were listening carefully. Here is our handy summary of the very best bits."Would you hire you?" asks Martina Butler, graduate recruiter at Dewey & LeBoeuf - a question that all those considering a career in the legal profession should ask themselves. If the answer is no, take some time to consider why. Maybe there are some academic skeletons in your closet? Or maybe your CV is lacking legal work experience? Whatever is letting you down, identifying this weakness is the first step to remedying it - whether that means you start reading the legal press, volunteering or working harder at your studies.

R you serious?

The buzz word at the events, highlighted consistently by almost all of the speakers, was 'research'. Pervading every aspect of the application process, it is fundamental to success.
"You cannot do too much research and you cannot start researching too early" was LC.N's very own Matthew Broadbent's advice to prospective lawyers. He told students that when it comes to finding a training contract, thorough research is what will give you the edge. In these troubling economic times, competition for places in law firms has inevitably got tougher. With more applicants than jobs, thorough research is the way to get ahead of the rest.

Jacqui Megson, graduate recruiter at Jones Day, also spoke of the benefits of well-conducted research in her presentation on the perfect candidate. It is essential to decide early on what kind of practice will suit you and the only way to find this out is by spending time investigating the differences between firms. You can find out about their work areas and culture by browsing their websites and speaking to firm representatives at law fairs and networking events. Sites such as LC.N, The Training Contract & Pupillage Handbook and information in the legal press are also essential reading when it comes to finding out about your chosen firms.

Star applicant

Ok, so you've researched yourself silly - what happens now? Next up is the dreaded application form. Hopefully, with the help of these top tips it will end up at the top of the interview pile instead of in the bin.  

The written form is often your first point of contact with the firm and therefore you must strive to create the best possible first impression. "By the time we get to the interview stage, it is much more of a two-way process, but before then, it is entirely up to you to market yourself," said Victoria Wisson, graduate recruiter for CMS Cameron McKenna. "Sixty percent of applicants will be screened out based on their application form" - which means it must be flawless in order to make the grade.

Using competency-based questions as an example, Victoria gave some useful advice for writing good answers. Steer clear of jokes - only sensible examples should make their way on to your form. Setting up broadband in your college house or switching from phoning to texting in a long-distance relationship to save money were real examples that got the crowd laughing, but served as a warning of what not to say. It's good to be memorable, but only if it is for the right reasons. 

The structure of your responses is also crucial. Victoria revealed the STAR technique - situation, task, action and result - as a way of making sure each aspect of the question is addressed. Break down your answer to cover these four parts and this should make for a well-rounded response.

Also essential when it comes to making a good impression at application stage are spelling and grammar. "Lawyers need to have great attention to detail and the application form is your first chance to show this off," Victoria said. Print out your completed form to check for errors and ask a careers adviser, friend or family member to proof it as well.

Last but not least - don't lie! Being untruthful in your form will not only look terrible if you are discovered later on, but also add to your nerves should you get an interview.

Impressive interviewee

You sent off your impeccably structured, well-written and typo-free application. The recruiters were impressed and an invitation to an interview at the firm of your dreams has just dropped through the letterbox. So what's the secret to giving good interview? Anna King from Simmons & Simmons had some excellent advice on how best to impress.

To begin with, Anna pointed out that getting to the interview stage means that your written application must have been pretty impressive. The next step is to show the recruiters that you have a well-rounded set of skills and aren't simply good on paper: "Good preparation and research are absolutely vital and part of this involves being very familiar with your application form." The written application is the only thing your interviewers have to go on, so rigorous questioning of what you put down is guaranteed.

First impressions are important too. This means you should dress appropriately and if you are going to be late, call up to apologise. "Eye contact should be natural. Think about how you would be in a normal conversation; don't overdo it and stare at the interviewer the whole time." Something else that will relax you and come across well to the interviewer is a confident smile.

Anna's final piece of advice concerned questions. "It is a good idea to have a few prepared for the end of the interview. If you have nothing to ask, it will appear as though you are not particularly interested in the firm. And make sure they are intelligent too - basic information will be on the firm website, so don't ask something you should already know the answer to."

Saint or sinner?

"Sin is something you're taught to avoid, but you should want to sin when it comes to choosing a law school." This was the intriguing start to the presentation from Giles Proctor, head of Nottingham Law at Kaplan Law School, on the Seven Deadly Sins and why they should most definitely be indulged.

Apparently, greed is good. Or at least, it is when it comes to sussing out the best course providers: "It's good to be demanding when it comes to picking the institution you are going to study at. Look at the quality of their careers advice. What is their success rate? How many people go on to get training contracts?" Anger/assertiveness is similarly important. Ask the law school representatives at law fairs as many questions as possible and speak to current students to gauge opinion on the quality of the course. Next, indulge in some envy/appreciation by speaking to your peers about which law school they are choosing and why. This can help in your decision, but beware of following the crowd without good reason. 

Postgraduate courses are known for their hefty price tag, so what do you get for your money? This is where avarice/enterprise comes in - is the expense justified? "You're the customer, so act like one."

Then there's lust and gluttony. You have to really want to study at your chosen institution, so once you're there, don't forget to indulge - take as much from the experience as possible. But take note: sloth should be avoided at all costs!

So there you have it - how to secure a training contract in a nutshell. With some hard work and perseverance, your legal career might be just around the corner. And Basic Training events will be touring the country again in 2010, so be sure to keep an eye out for a session near you. Giles for one recommends that students attend: "The LC.N Basic Training events are a great way to introduce students to the law and to what it means to be in practice. They help you start your career search in the best possible way - by meeting and talking to lawyers and law tutors about how to successfully apply for law school places and training contracts. They give you the know-how that people who have not attended do not get."

A selection of the talks are now available for download as podcasts here.