Applications and interviews

‘Don’t rush into a vacation scheme’ and other applications advice, from over 200 trainee solicitors

According to the TARGETjobs Law Student Survey 2012, 93% of aspiring solicitors find it difficult to get a vacation placement or legal work experience. Here’s some practical advice from trainees in the job.

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How to make your legal CV and covering letter effective

Although many law firms use online systems to recruit graduates for training contracts, others require a CV and cover letter. Find out how to use this application format to maximise your chances of a trainee solicitor job.

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Crack your training contract interview

If you've got an interview at a law firm you've already impressed graduate recruiters with your application. Find out how to handle the next stage of the process and get a job as a trainee solicitor.

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Your application timeline: key dates for getting hired as a trainee solicitor

Commercial law firms tend to recruit trainee solicitors up to two years in advance, so you'll need to plan ahead to get a training contract and launch your graduate career in law.

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What skills do law firms look for when recruiting graduates for trainee solicitor jobs?

Be familiar with the key skills and competencies that law recruiters want to see evidence of in applications, assessment days and interviews for training contracts and vacation schemes.

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Are you commercially experienced enough to get a graduate job as a trainee solicitor?

Many law firms will ask about your commercial awareness and experience during the application process to get a training contract. We asked trainees at a selection of law firms for their advice on how to respond.

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How to research applications for your first graduate solicitor job

If you want to stand out from other graduates who want to become solicitors you need to do a thorough job of researching law firms and tailor each and every application for training contracts.

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Make the most of law fairs to kickstart your graduate career

Law fairs offer the perfect opportunity to make a great first impression on solicitors' firms and ask trainee solicitors questions about their jobs.

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All in a day's work: how to use law firms' open days to focus your graduate job search

Going to an open day at a solicitors' firm gives you a sneak preview that will help you decide if you want a graduate job as a trainee solicitor there.

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Mistakes successful graduates avoid in applications for solicitors' training contracts

Legal recruiter Stephen Trowbridge explains how to increase your chances of getting a graduate job as a trainee solicitor by avoiding basic errors in your applications to law firms.

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Five easy steps to outstanding online applications for graduate trainee solicitor jobs

Don't rush online applications to law firms, as it's easy for mistakes to creep in and spoil your chances of getting a solicitor's training contract.

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