Application tips

‘Writing applications for Vacation Schemes and Training Contracts is a job in itself.’ Whilst this sounds cliché, it is the reality for a lot of applicants during the busy application season. Studying, working, going to the gym and having a social life take up the majority of most applicants week, then, roll on September and the words ‘vac scheme applicants’ and ‘insight schemes’ start to echo through the that dreaded 9am lecture you have dragged yourself to.

Whilst I can’t help with improving that lecture, I can give you some top tips that I have picked up as an Early Careers Coordinator at TLT LLP that will make writing those applications just a little easier.

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Research, research, research!

We expect you to have explored our website, especially the Early Careers page, to understand who we are, what we do, and how we support your career growth. But if you really want to stand out, you’ll need to go a step further...

Go beyond the basics:

Check out platforms like LawCareers.Net, Legal Cheek and The Legal 500 for deeper insights into our work and national reputation.

Dive into our website’s Insight and News articles - read what sparks your interest!

Stay current by following us on social media for firmwide updated and a glimpse into our culture.

Top Tip:

Found something that really resonates with you? Mention it in your application and explain why it matters to you! Personalising your research shows you have gone the extra mile - and it makes a big difference!

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Have I answered the question?

Make sure you answer the question! One of the most common mistakes we see? Candidates not actually answering the question that’s being asked...Yes, many firms ask similar application questions, but the wording matters! Those small nuances are important, and your answers should reflect them. So, please don’t copy and paste!

A few golden rules:

Don’t shoehorn in achievements or personal stories just because you’re proud of them, if they don’t answer the questions, save them for the interview!

Use the word count wisely. You have the space, so make sure your answer is thoughtful, detailed and well-structured.

Remember, with training contract applications, it is definitely quality over quantity!

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Commercial awareness

When it comes to demonstrating your commercial awareness in your application, here’s our biggest tip: choose a topic you genuinely care about!

Why? Because when you’re passionate about a subject, it shows - both in your writing and in the interview! Plus, staying up to date and doing in-depth research won’t feel like a chore, but something you’re naturally interested in.

Here’s how to get it right:

Pick a topic you are interested in and research it thoroughly - avoid surface-level summaries.

Be ready to discuss and defend your thoughts and opinions on the topic!

Remember to link your chosen topic back to TLT and the kind of work we door the sectors our clients operate in. That’s what makes your answer relevant- and memorable!

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Why do you want to be a commercial solicitor?

It might seem like an obvious question, but really think about why you want to be a commercial solicitor. It’s one of the most important question you will answer during the recruitment process, and no one can tell your story better than you!

The application form is your chance to show us:

• What do you know about the role of a commercial solicitor?
• What skills and strengths do you bring that would help you succeed?
• What trends or developments in the legal industry genuinely interest you - and why?
• And why do you think TLT is the best place for you to explore all of this during your training?

Remember to be honest, be specific and most important of all, be yourself!

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Hopefully you have found my top tips useful! If you want to hear more about how to ace your applications, join me at one of our upcoming open evenings.

Author: Amanda Rees Frometa, Early Careers Coordinator