Applying for a legal position

There are basically three kinds of job applications that you can make:

An application for a specific advertised position.

An application to a recruitment consultant to register your details in case a suitable position arises.

An unsolicited application – i.e. a general application to a firm in circumstances where no specific position has been advertised.

The kind of letter or email you write will depend on the kind of application you make, but in all cases you should:

Find out whether the application must be made on a special application form, or through an internet platform, or by sending in your curriculum vitae (CV) and a covering letter.

Find out the name and job title of the person to whom you should send your application. Many job applications are disregarded because they are not addressed to a particular person. Most of the larger law firms have human resources departments, which deal with job applications. If it is not clear to whom an application should be addressed, phone or email the human resources department to find out.

Do your research. Find out as much as possible about the firm or organisation you are applying to before sending your application. In this way you can (1) save yourself the trouble of sending out any applications that stand little chance of success, and (2) adapt your application to the needs of the particular firm or organisation to which you are writing.

Remember to quote any reference numbers mentioned in the advertisement.

When applying for a legal position, always ensure that your letter and CV or application form are free from grammatical errors and spelling mistakes. Lawyers are trained to pay attention to detail, and mistakes will make a very poor impression.