How many training contract applications should I make?

Dear Oracle

Last year I sent off more than 40 training contract applications but didn’t get one interview. What am I doing wrong?

The Oracle replies

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So, how many training contract applications should you make? There’s no magic number, but quality matters far more than quantity. As a rough guide, aim for around five to six carefully researched training contract and/or vacation scheme applications per intake rather than firing off dozens of generic ones.

While we don't know much about your academic background or work experience, one thing that does jump out is the sheer number of applications you’ve submitted – 40 is a lot! Receiving this many rejections signals that a candidate isn’t putting the required care and time into each application, so it’s time to rethink the strategy.  

Learn how to apply for a training contract with this masterclass.

How do I choose which law firms to apply to?

Applying for a training contract is a competitive process. You must market yourself in the best possible light, so make sure that your applications are the best reflection of your skills and experience. When choosing which firms to apply to, target them well by asking yourself the following questions:

• Do they specialise in a practice area that interests you?
• Are they located in a place you want to work/have a connection to?
• Do you align with the firm’s values and culture?
• Are you being realistic about matching up to the criteria they require?

Make sure that you also get as much help from any careers advice services that you can. They should be able to give you one-to-one advice or at least signpost you in the right direction.

This LCN Says outlines five other things your university’s careers service can help you with.

How long should a training contract application take?

In terms of your applications, we recommend dedicating at least eight hours on each – researching the firm, writing a draft application, having someone else check it – to make sure that each application is polished and stands a good chance of being taken seriously by recruiters. However, you may need to invest even more time to ensure you feel confident to submit.

Use this article as your guide to writing the perfect cover letter, CV or application form.

A standard application form, including open-ended questions, can take between six and eight hours to complete. Some careers advisers we speak to advise making five to six vacation scheme and five to six training contract applications per intake. Review and check each application at least three times. Don’t underestimate the importance of carrying out meticulous research before applying. Check out the law firm profiles on LawCareers.Net and then explore their website extensively.

Sometimes a firm’s website won’t give you enough information so you may have to dig a little deeper. Check out their social media presence, news stories about the firm, and make use of LCN’s Practice Area Profiles and Meet the Lawyer profiles for extra insights that’ll set you apart from other candidates.

Find out more about how to research law firms when applying.

How can I make my training contract applications stand out?

To stand out in applications consider the following:

• Do you have the key transferable skills firms are looking for? This is where you need to use your ingenuity. Think of your legal and non-legal work experience (including pro bono and any employment experience). Mention the aspects you enjoyed and the things you learnt that demonstrate your understanding and interest in the firm and its clients' industry sectors.
• Highly desirable/essential transferable skills are: client service; the ability to build professional relationships (ie, networking); innovation and creativity; an interest in the commercial world; and teamwork. In outlining these skills, give specific examples from your academic, work and general interests.
• Why that firm? Often candidates talk in very general terms. Simply mentioning that the firm has a diverse portfolio of clients, is a great place to work and a strong international network doesn’t cut it and will be an instant screen out! As a guide, you should apply 'the power of three' to answer this question (ie, three specific reasons supported by precise evidence or facts). Above all, it’s most important you come across as a candidate who’s made an informed choice in applying to each firm.

For more information on training contracts deadlines visit LCN’s deadlines page. You can bookmark the firm’s directory page and save it to your MyLCN account; deadline dates will be added automatically to your personal calendar.