As graduate programme manager, one of my responsibilities is finding the right people to join our firm as trainees. This is a rigorous process - and it needs to be.
We look for individuals who shine in terms of qualities and personalities, and who have an abundance of potential.
We receive many high-quality applications each year, so it’s important that you present yourself in the best way possible, to make us sit up and take notice. Write an application we are going to remember.
So, how can you make sure your application steals the limelight? There’s no single right answer to this, but here are six top tips to get you thinking:
Highlight skills that you think might be transferable to the world of law. We don’t expect you to have lots of experience working in a legal environment – but that doesn’t mean you don’t possess the attributes we’re looking for. Remember to include part-time work, sports activities, or hobbies and interests, particularly ones where you learned or applied skills that would be useful for a career in law.
Take time to find out about our business, our values and our people. This will help you in identifying if and why we’re the right choice for you.
It’s not all about legal know-how – and this is particularly reflected in the supporting information section of our application form. Think about the other skills and qualities that define a good lawyer.
Spending the past few months at home doesn't mean that you haven't put your time to good use, so incorporate your experience into your application form. How did you adapt to home study/work? Did you develop any new hobbies or interests during that time, or take on a volunteering role? You should be prepared to answer more questions relating to this if you progress to the assessment centre stage.
Attention to detail is key – first impressions are important, so make sure your spelling and grammar are correct. Double check your application and if you’re not sure, ask someone else to check it over.
Don’t write what you think we want to hear – we want to find about the real you. There is no such thing as a 'typical' Brodies trainee; the people that make us the firm we are, have a variety of talents, experiences and personalities to contribute – and we encourage you to share those with us.
Think you've got what it takes? Fill in our online application form by Friday 28 August.
Contributor
Graduate Programme Manager
