Applying for vacation placements? Know what recruiters want

Most students don’t realise that they are equipped with the skills and aptitudes recruiters are seeking and tend to fall at the first hurdle – successfully presenting their skills base, whether on paper at the application stage or orally at the interview stage. Knowing yourself and what’s expected of you will make the process much easier and less scary.

We asked the graduate recruitment teams across a range of firms what skills and aptitudes they look for in candidates. Here’s what they told us:

• academic ability
• a genuine interest in a legal career
• enthusiasm and energy
• commercial awareness
• the ability to work as part of a team
• excellent communication skills
• client skills
• self motivation and drive
• flexibility
• self confidence.

The order of importance of these skills will vary depending on the firm, client and project.

Recruiters will look at your positions of responsibility, previous work experience, interests and activities, and general enthusiasm towards law. It's helpful to include details of committee memberships, voluntary work and any language skills in your application. Relevant work experience will strengthen your hand, whether in the legal sector or in the commercial business world. 

Recruiters will also look closely at your academic achievements. The majority of City firms seek to recruit graduates with a minimum 2.1 degree and A and B grades at A level. They will be looking for vacation placement candidates who are on track to meet these requirements.

If you're invited for an interview, make sure you look the part. Find out about the firm's dress code if possible, and if in doubt, go for a dark suit and polished shoes. Be polite to everyone you meet, make eye contact, smile, and shake hands with confidence. First impressions count.