How to sell your skills and experience in an interview

Reading time: four minutes

You’ve got the ambition, now it’s time to show recruiters and interviewers you’ve got what it takes. Whether you’re crafting an application or gearing up for a high-stakes interview, how you talk about your work experience and skills can make or break your chances. This is your moment to stand out, not just as a candidate, but as a future legal professional.

Here are five high-impact, no-nonsense ways to talk about your experience and skills that’ll leave recruiters wanting more.

1. Tell stories, not lists

Recruiters don’t want a shopping list of everything you’ve ever done. They want stories – snappy, specific and packed with punch.

Instead of saying:

“I worked at a legal aid clinic and developed communication skills.”

Say:

“While volunteering at a legal aid clinic, I helped a vulnerable client navigate a housing dispute. I simplified complex legal jargon, built trust and secured a positive outcome that boosted my confidence in client-facing work.”

It works because:

• it’s personal;
• it shows impact; and
• it demonstrates skills in action.

Pro tip

Structure your examples using the STAR method:

• Situation (10%) – briefly set the scene.
• Task (10%) – outline your responsibility or objective.
• Action (70%) – focus on what you did. This is the most important part.
• Result (10%) – share the outcome, ideally with measurable impact.

Don’t spend too long on situation and task. Prioritise your actions, they show your skills in practice.

2. Link skills to the role you want

You might be a skilled multi-tasker or an experienced researcher, but unless you link those skills to the role you’re applying for, they won’t land.

Ask yourself the following questions:

• What does this firm value?
• What skills does this role need?
• How do my experiences prove I’m ready?

Example

“During my internship at a commercial law firm, I analysed contract clauses under tight deadlines. This sharpened my attention to detail and time management, skills I know are crucial for a trainee solicitor working on high-value transactions.”

It’s a clear example of how your experience translates into value for the firm, and you’ve made it speak directly to the role.

Pro tip

Scan the job description and the firm’s values. Mirror their language and priorities in your examples.

3. Show growth, not just achievement

Recruiters aren’t just looking for polished professionals. They want learners and future leaders. So, don’t just talk about what you did, talk about what you learned.

Example

“At first, I found client calls intimidating, but after shadowing senior solicitors and practising mock interviews, I became more confident. By the end of my internship, I was leading calls and summarising discussions for the team.”

This shows:

• self-awareness;
• resilience; and
• progress.

Pro tip

Reflect on challenges you’ve overcome. Growth stories are gold in interviews, they show you’re coachable and committed.

4. Measure your impact

Numbers speak louder than adjectives, so if you can measure your success, do it. Instead of, “I helped improve the firm’s social media presence” say: “I created a LinkedIn campaign that increased engagement by 40% and attracted two new pro bono clients.”

That’s tangible, memorable, and impressive.

Even in legal roles, there are ways to quantify:

• number of cases supported;
• hours of research completed;
• deadlines met;
• clients helped; and
• documents reviewed.

Pro tip

If you don’t have hard numbers, use comparisons. Measuring your impact using ‘more than,’ ‘faster than’ or ‘above average’ can show you’re aware of your value.

5. Be bold

Don’t be afraid to show personality. Law firms aren’t hiring robots, they’re looking for people who’ll bring energy, insight and drive to their teams.

If you’ve got a unique background, a passion project or a side hustle that’s shaped your skills, talk about it.

Example

“Running a student-led podcast on legal reform taught me how to research complex topics, interview experts and communicate clearly. These skills I now bring to every legal discussion.”

It’s fresh and authentic, helping to build a picture of your personality and how you’ll fit into the culture.

Pro tip

Think beyond traditional legal experience. Leadership roles, creative projects, volunteering, part-time jobs all count if you frame them right.

Final thoughts

Every experience you’ve had, whether it’s a vacation scheme, a part-time retail job, or a mooting competition, has shaped your skill set. The key is to shape your narrative. Don’t just say what you did, say why it matters and how it makes you the right fit. Plus, don’t overlook soft skills. If you’ve worked in hospitality, retail or customer service, you’ve already built client-facing experience, handling pressure, resolving issues and communicating clearly. Law firms value people who can build rapport and manage relationships. So, if you’ve dealt with difficult customers or led a team on a busy shift, say so – that’s real-world client skills in action.

Follow this checklist to talk about experience skills like a pro:

• Use stories, not lists
• Link skills to the role
• Show growth and learning
• Quantify your impact
• Inject personality and passion

Remember, confidence isn’t arrogance. When you speak clearly about your journey, your strengths and your potential, you give recruiters a clear reason to believe in you.