All in a day's work: how to use law firms' open days to focus your graduate job search
Law firms’ open days are designed to give you a brief insight into the firm and how trainees fit in. They’re a bit like an interactive brochure: as well as featuring office tours, talks and presentations, they often include opportunities to meet trainees and other staff. Having the chance to ask questions will help you make an informed choice as to whether you’re a good fit for the firm – and vice versa.
Open days provide an excellent opportunity to gain an insight into a firm’s working atmosphere and culture
‘Open days provide students with an excellent opportunity to gain an insight into a firm’s working atmosphere and culture,’ says Justine Beedle, graduate recruitment and development officer at Baker & McKenzie. ‘Our open day programme is designed to give students the chance to meet partners, associates and trainees and also includes a number of talks and sessions aimed at enhancing skills such as commercial awareness and interview technique.’
Many firms run different events for law and non-law students and some firms don’t offer open days at all but instead run shorter workshops, office tours or mini vacation placements lasting two or three days. You can also explore TARGETchances events, which give insights into City and regional law firms.
How open days vary from firm to firm
Different firms’ open days will have different functions. For example, some firms use open days as a discrete stage in their recruitment process while others will offer them as an alternative introduction to the firm for students who were unable to secure a vacation placement.
You may feel that you don’t need to prepare for an open day if it’s not part of the formal recruitment process, but some forethought and advance planning will help you make the most of the day. If you know you’re likely to get lost or flustered on the way, work out your journey, including planning extra time to find the right building and the right entrance, to help create a timely first impression. Check your shoes are smart yet comfortable and that you have a suitable bag to hold any brochures or recruitment material you might pick up during the day. Research what you should wear (if in doubt, wear a suit) and make sure it’s comfortable.
Another essential part of open day preparation is to read through your CV. There are likely to be moments during the day – during coffee breaks or lunch, while you’re waiting for talks to begin or even while you’re waiting for the lift – when small talk is called for, so having some conversation at the ready will help you appear confident and unflustered. You may not be being assessed on your performance at an open day, but you’ll feel more relaxed if you can talk positively about yourself and your plans.
Network with trainee solicitors
Recruiters only have a short time to get to know you, as well as all the other students attending the open day. You can help them by showing you’ve researched the firm and have made an effort to fit into a professional workplace. Consider taking notes: it’s impossible to remember every detail covered during an open day, but if you subsequently choose to apply to the firm for a vacation placement or training contract it can be helpful to mention details you found particularly interesting or relevant to your plans.
Use networking opportunities – over lunch or coffee, for example – to ask current trainees about what life is really like at the firm. After all, this is the kind of information you can’t find out any other way. It can help you make an informed decision about whether a firm is right for you and can bolster your application if you’re later invited for an interview as it shows you’ve done some proactive research.
If the open day you’re attending is a formal part of the recruitment process you’ll need to be prepared for assessments and an interview. Visit the interviews and assessments section of website for more ideas about how to be successful.
Show your enthusiasm at the open day
Above all, open days are a chance for you to get a sneak preview into firms that interest you – and vice versa. Recruiters are looking for smart, enthusiastic participants who will fit into the firm. If you are genuinely interested and enthusiastic this will come across and you can relax and be yourself – and enjoy the day.
