How to Write a Training Contract Application

I have put together this guide to equip you with practical advice on how to write your Training Contract applications.

Note: Also, I do not like to review applications that don’t meet the minimum standards. It’s wasting my time and your money. So essentially, this is to help you, help me:)

Writing Your Answers

Understand the Questions Carefully read each question to understand what it is asking. Answering application questions requires deep thinking and reflection on your part. Think hard about why the firm is asking a particular question. Each question is trying to understand something about you.

Before you start writing, it is important that you spend some time thinking carefully about what you want to convey and which qualities, experiences, and aptitudes you want to highlight. Go for a long walk or a run, talk to a friend or meditate – do whatever it takes, to reflect on your experiences and consider how these elements fit into the questions you are answering.

It becomes quite obvious to me when an application is written in one afternoon compared to one that has been deeply considered. And, if I can tell the difference, so can the recruitment team. Taking the time to reflect and articulate your responses is always worth the extra effort.

Show, Don't Tell Every skill or experience you mention should be backed by concrete evidence. For instance, if you claim to have excellent leadership skills, provide specific examples from your work experience, extracurricular activities, or academic projects that demonstrate this ability. Avoid making unsupported claims – these do not add any value and are a waste of space in your application.

For instance, writing “I have good leadership and excellent communication skills” is vague and does not tell me anything about your qualities. Instead, if you say – “During my second year at university, I organised a music concert to raise funds for a charity. I got together a group of three bands, selected a venue, and coordinated the entire process of managing the event with the help of two other volunteers. The event was successful and attended by over 150 people" – that is a much better way to showcase your abilities.

Focus on highlighting attributes that the firm is specifically looking for in their Future Trainees. Commercial firms are looking for some key sets of skills, e.g good communication, drive, motivation, intellect, teamwork, attention to detail, etc. This list is in no way exhaustive, but it should give you a sense of how you should be connecting your experiences to the relevant skills that are needed to be a good commercial lawyer.

Spend Time on Each Application Avoid the temptation to copy and paste the same answers and cover letters into different applications. You can draw from previous applications, but each application should be uniquely tailored to the firm. Reflect on how your experiences, skills, or aspirations align with the unique attributes of that particular firm. As much as possible, link your answers to something relevant to the firm.

Here is a good example of how a candidate has done that in their application:

“One quality that I am particularly proud of is my adaptability and cultural awareness, which I developed during a semester abroad in Hong Kong. I was selected by my university to represent our institution due to my proactive involvement in extracurricular activities. [...] From speaking to some Associates at your Open day, I know that the firm offers the chance to fourth seat trainees to spend time in one of your international offices. Given my previous experience in Hong Kong, I would be thrilled to have the opportunity to return there.”

Candidates will often tailor responses to questions like “Why this firm”. But very rarely do I read applications where they make the same effort for other questions. In the above example, the candidate was highlighting their interpersonal skills but was able to weave in firm-specific details as well.

Tailoring your application demonstrates genuine interest and effort. Recruiters can easily tell when an applicant has taken the time to understand their firm. This effort signals that you are serious about the opportunity and have thoughtfully considered how you would fit into their team.

Conclusion

I know that the application process can seem overwhelming and lengthy. But if you are committed to a career in a commercial law firm, it will be worth your efforts. Also, the selection process is a two way street, you should take the time to understand the firm properly to determine if it is the right fit for you.

And remember, securing a training contract is a marathon, not a sprint. It requires meticulous preparation, continuous improvement, and resilience but you will get there in the end.

Good luck!