Training Contract Applications

Here you will find articles containing expert advice on how to craft impactful training contract & vacation scheme applications.

commercial law

5 Critical Mistakes In “Why Commercial Law?” Answers

By Matt Oliver

I’ve reviewed hundreds of answers to the “Why commercial law?” question – and I see the same critical mistakes repeated. It’s such an important question in any training contract application or interview. Failing to answer it well can be the difference between success and rejection. Firms want to avoid the risk that you’re unclear on…

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Answered: How many training contracts should I apply for?

By Matt Oliver

Ideally, you should aim for 10 to 15 training contract and vacation scheme applications per year. BUT…focusing on someone else’s ideal number of TC applications is the wrong way to think about it. The truth is there’s no magic number of applications to make. The real answer to the question is: it depends on your…

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Using AI In Training Contract Applications: A Quick Guide

By Matt Oliver

Your ability to use AI in training contract applications can set you apart from other applicants. And it’s only likely to become more important as AI and candidates’ knowledge of it develops. The sooner you get to grips with it, the better. In this post, I’m going to give you 3 key pillars: Guidance on…

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Training Contract Application Tips – An Essential Guide

By Matt Oliver

There’s no getting around the fact that most training contract applications are designed to be challenging. There follow some of my best training contract application tips, which have helped many candidates secure training contracts and vacation schemes over the years. Once you understand and apply them I’m sure you too will be able to rise…

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CV for Training Contract Application – An Essential Guide

By Matt Oliver

A CV for your training contract application may turn out to be one of the most important pieces of work you ever produce. You should see it as a piece of work that you take pride in rather than something that needs to be thrown together to enable you to submit a job application. The…

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Building The Foundations For a Solid Training Contract Application

By Pippa Allsop

This is a guest post from trainee solicitor Pippa Allsop setting out her best training contract application advice. There is plenty of advice given on how to make a successful training contract application. However, if you don’t put the right foundations in place first, you may find your applications are unsuccessful even if you follow…

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Grad Recruiter Secrets: What Makes an EXCELLENT Training Contract Application

By Matt Oliver

I asked some experienced graduate recruiters a question I often hear…. In your experience, which factors differentiate an excellent application from a good application?” Paula McMullan, Graduate Recruitment Manager at Gide Loyrette Nouel LLP (London), had this to say: A great application is one where I can tell that the person: has taken the trouble…

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training contract cover letter

Covering Letter for Training Contract Application – An Essential Guide

By Matt Oliver

Covering letters are usually sent with a CV as a form of training contract or vacation scheme application where the completion of an application form is not required. However, some firms do request a covering letter as part of an application form. In either case, a covering letter can make or break your application. Where…

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Law Vacation Scheme Application Tips

By Matt Oliver

Here are some quick vacation scheme application tips around some the areas that will make the most impact with the recruiters. Build Your Vacation Scheme Applications on a Foundation of Research As with most things connected to the pursuit of a legal career, time spent at the researching stage will stand you in good stead…

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