TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2021-22 (#1)

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Y-Gurl

Active Member
Dec 2, 2021
10
9
Hi ,

This may seem an obvious question but this is my first application cycle so forgive me!

When filling in the fairly standard parts of application forms like work history/experience, and extra curricular interests is it best to just talk about yourself or link to the individual firms to show you are a good fit for them? Obviously I don't mean in a gratuitous way. I am thinking of an example of work experience which illustrates your interest in business and then linking that to a firm seeking commerciality in its trainees.

Or is it best to keep the linking to the firms to the questions?

Any advice here would be welcome. Thanks very much.
 

Lastseasonwonder

Legendary Member
Premium Member
Dec 21, 2019
633
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Hey all,

Please type your cover letter below to be read by the Graduate Recruitment Manager. You do not need to address it to a person or to include your/our address (max. 300 words).

I understand that this means that I would not need to put Dear [NAME] and Yours Faithfully / Sincerely, but would I need to at least introduce myself as you would in a standard CL?
 

Aspiring Solicitor 007

Active Member
  • Feb 13, 2021
    15
    6
    Hi guys,
    I'm unsure what the best way to order/list work experiences is. I've completed a few legal internships, worked with a startup on their business development and owned a business.
    I'm confused as to whether I should
    A] Mention non legal experiences first, followed by legal experiences - to show transferable skills and commercial experience; or
    B] Mention the legal experiences first, followed by non legal ones - to demonstrate an understanding of what working in law entails (I'm a non-law applicant)
    I'd be grateful if you could share your thoughts
    @Jessica Booker @James Carrabino @George Maxwell @AvniD would love to hear your perspectives

    PS am I overthinking this?
     
    Last edited:

    AvniD

    Legendary Member
    Future Trainee
    Gold Member
    Premium Member
    Oct 25, 2021
    1,124
    2,094
    Hi guys,
    I'm unsure what the best way to order work experiences is. I've completed a few legal internships, worked with a startup on their business development and owned a business.
    I'm confused as to whether I should showcase work placements where I developed commercial skills to make a strong impression, or demonstrate an understanding of what working in law entails (I'm a non-law applicant).
    I'd be grateful if you could share your thoughts
    @Jessica Booker @James Carrabino @George Maxwell @AvniD would love to hear your perspectives

    PS am I overthinking this?
    I'd put down everything you can and if you have more experiences than space on your application form, put down only the ones that you 1) learnt the most from and 2) demonstrate skills/qualities most relevant to a career in commercial law. Note that these experiences don't have to be legal in nature at all- there are plenty of transferable skills one can pick up from non-law careers and roles.
     

    Aspiring Solicitor 007

    Active Member
  • Feb 13, 2021
    15
    6
    I'd put down everything you can and if you have more experiences than space on your application form, put down only the ones that you 1) learnt the most from and 2) demonstrate skills/qualities most relevant to a career in commercial law. Note that these experiences don't have to be legal in nature at all- there are plenty of transferable skills one can pick up from non-law careers and roles.
    Thank you @AvniD
    Sorry I wasn't clear in asking the question, I meant to ask which experiences should I list first, and which ones I should mention subsequently.
    Editing the earlier post for brevity😬
     
    Last edited:

    Jessica Booker

    Legendary Member
    TCLA Moderator
    Gold Member
    Graduate Recruitment
    Premium Member
    Forum Team
    Aug 1, 2019
    14,511
    20,201
    Hi guys,
    I'm unsure what the best way to order/list work experiences is. I've completed a few legal internships, worked with a startup on their business development and owned a business.
    I'm confused as to whether I should
    A] Mention non legal experiences first, followed by legal experiences - to show transferable skills and commercial experience; or
    B] Mention the legal experiences first, followed by non legal ones - to demonstrate an understanding of what working in law entails (I'm a non-law applicant)
    I'd be grateful if you could share your thoughts
    @Jessica Booker @James Carrabino @George Maxwell @AvniD would love to hear your perspectives

    PS am I overthinking this?
    I would include everything and put them in reverse chronological order with the most recent first, so your reader can see your route.

    If on a CV, you can create separate sections for different types of work experience, but that doesn’t translate as well for online application forms.
     
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