Tips on Applying
Now for the main question on every new grad’s lips – how do I get a job? The graduate job seeking process can be a challenge but do not panic, we have compiled our top tips on how to land a Training Contract (or other job). You can also find out more and learn new hints and tips on our LinkedIn Geldards Careers Insights newsletter - subscribe here!
Deadlines are much closer than they appear
Deadlines are non-negotiable, so don’t miss out due to bad planning - make sure you know when deadlines are for each stage of an application. Our application opening dates can change so keep an eye out!
There are four stages to our Training Contract application process - find out more here.
There are four stages to our Training Contract application process - find out more here.
Be the one to stand out in the crowd
All applicants for our Training Contracts will have gained a degree (legal or otherwise) and a post-graduate course in law.
We want to know what makes you different - what it is about your experiences both legal and commercial that shows who you are and why you're interested in law and Geldards?
We want to know what makes you different - what it is about your experiences both legal and commercial that shows who you are and why you're interested in law and Geldards?
Don't Rush
Working as a Trainee you'll be communicating with our high profile clients, drafting legal documents and assisting in wider firm projects.
If your CV and application form are littered with spelling, punctuation and grammatical errors, this will raise concerns about the quality of the work you would produce.
We will make reasonable adjustments for mitigating circumstances (so please don't hesitate to reach out) but take full advantage of the long application window to re-check your submission carefully.
If your CV and application form are littered with spelling, punctuation and grammatical errors, this will raise concerns about the quality of the work you would produce.
We will make reasonable adjustments for mitigating circumstances (so please don't hesitate to reach out) but take full advantage of the long application window to re-check your submission carefully.
Us, us, us, me, me, me
We know this probably won’t be the only application you are writing, but please don’t make that too obvious.
Top tips:
Top tips:
- Don't leave other law firms' names on your application/CV
- Don't talk about your passion for an area of law in which we don't practice (criminal etc.)
- Don't tell us about your ambition to be a barrister!
To stand out from the crowd, you need to have done some research and found out more about our culture; show us what you can bring to the team!
We love law, but it’s not everything
We want to see you lead a balanced and interesting life outside work; this makes for a well-rounded, happier and integrated trainee. This is highly important to us and the service we offer.
Don’t forget any work experience that you've had (not just in the legal sector); you'll have gained lots of transferrable skills from these experiences.
Think about what makes a good Solicitor, the skills they use and how you can demonstrate them.
Don’t forget any work experience that you've had (not just in the legal sector); you'll have gained lots of transferrable skills from these experiences.
Think about what makes a good Solicitor, the skills they use and how you can demonstrate them.
Our recruitment team play buzzword bingo
When we're reviewing a CV, we're looking for the experiences and the skills behind the buzzwords. If you've got great commercial awareness, communication skills and initiative, show us how and where these skills have developed.
Always use examples that are pertinent - if you've done a degree you will have IT, time management and organisational skills. Your CV should highlight the exceptional rather than being a tick list of skills we're expecting anyway.
Always use examples that are pertinent - if you've done a degree you will have IT, time management and organisational skills. Your CV should highlight the exceptional rather than being a tick list of skills we're expecting anyway.
Be yourself - not what you think we want to see
You don’t need to pretend to be something you are not; be proud of who you are, what you have achieved and what you are interested in. This confidence will shine through during the application process and will help you to stand out.
Don't put yourself in a role you're not comfortable in. For example, in an assessment centre, if you're not a natural leader don't feel you need to put yourself forward. We want to see the real you; we don't want 'cookie cutter' lawyers.
Don't put yourself in a role you're not comfortable in. For example, in an assessment centre, if you're not a natural leader don't feel you need to put yourself forward. We want to see the real you; we don't want 'cookie cutter' lawyers.