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Week 4 – Preparing for an Interview

Getting an apprenticeship with a law firm can seem daunting and so we are sharing some useful tips to help you kick start your legal career. So far we have looked at:

• Week 1: How to identify the right role and register for vacancies.
• Week 2: CVs and covering letters.
• Week 3: Work Experience.

This week we are looking at; preparing for interview.

Before we start though, key points to remember:

• An apprenticeship is not a course; it is a job with training.
• To be an apprentice you need to get a job.
• A specialist legal apprenticeship provider can help, but can never guarantee, to get you a suitable job role.
• Apprenticeships in popular sectors such as law and accountancy are over-subscribed, making competition fierce.
• There is no apprenticeship funding for graduates and so if you are a graduate an apprenticeship is unlikely to be for you.
• Almost all law firms are looking for good GCSEs (at least 5 A* to Cs) and many look for good A levels as well.
• Think about a backup plan if you are not successful. This can make you feel less stressed and actually help you during the application process.

Preparing for an Interview

If you have followed our tips for previous weeks then hopefully you will have been able to secure at least one interview with a law firm. It may be for a clearly defined, advertised job vacancy or a response to your request for some work experience. Either way your preparation will be very similar; treat the following points as a check list and assume that you are not ready until you have covered each of them.

• Carefully analyse the job description (if one is available/provided). This will provide you with key information about the job and will give you clues as to what you may be asked.
• Re-read your CV and covering letter. Ensure you know exactly what you have written and that you can back up what you have said if asked during the interview. Whilst re-reading your CV try think about those things which might set you apart from other candidates as well as any possible areas of weakness.
• Research the firm and, if you know who it is, the interviewer. Ensure you know the basics such as the areas of law that the firm practices, the size and growth of the firm and what the firm sees at its key attributes (this will be on the website). Read any latest news whether on the whether on the website or elsewhere. All of this shows the interviewer that you are committed and well-motivated but also capable of doing thorough research.
• Once you have thoroughly researched and revised these three areas start considering your answers to possible questions. From the job description and research on the firm you should have been able to identify what the most likely questions will be. Let’s look at a few things that that will come up in most interviews:
  • Why you want to work for the firm.
    • A bit of flattery can help: use the research you have done – its reputation, commitment to staff development, the fact that it is growing…
    • You like the areas of work that it specialises in. Be careful with this one: if you say you are interested in, say, commercial litigation, you will be asked why and what you know about it.
    • Be honest – there is nothing wrong with saying that you don’t yet know what type of law will interest you in but that you want to work in a legal environment.
    • Link you answer to the job role: if it is for a legal administrator for example you might be interested in it because you are well organised, like systems and processes and enjoy working as part of a team.
  • Your previous experience.
    • “Relevant experience” doesn’t mean you have done the job before. Think about what you have done that shows:
      • Teamwork: sports teams, being involved in a group project or club.
      • Determination: examples of where you have had to work hard for a sustained period (eg exams) or have kept a part time job going alongside school/college work.
      • Responsibility: managing an event, project or club. Think about any financial responsibility you may have had.
      • Dealing with customers. Part time or voluntary work is good here. Think especially about customers you have dealt with successfully who were very different in age or background and any difficult situations you have dealt with successfully.
  • Where you hope to progress to
    • It’s OK to say you don’t yet know but that, in the medium term, you want to build your experience and successfully achieve your apprenticeship. If you have your heart set on becoming a barrister or a corporate lawyer that’s fine but for the time being the firm will want to see how you get on in a more junior role.
  • Your reliability and determination
    • For reliability you may be able to point to your absence record at school/college or in previous jobs (provided it is true)
    • For determination see comments above. If you have managed to get yourself the interview mention this – it takes determination to research different employers, write letters to them and follow up.
  • Your weak points
    • Everyone has some and so, if asked, don’t say none. If you have got an interview then the employer hasn’t spotted any glaring weaknesses on your CV and so you mustn’t worry if asked this. Think of some weak points that can also be strengths. For example being “a bit of a perfectionist” means that you may take too long sometimes but it isn’t necessarily bad.

By preparing for the interview you are getting ready to put yourself in the best possible light for your future employer. However this doesn’t mean that you should stretch the truth or make something up. An employer will usually speak to your referees and finding out (either before you start work or after) that an employee has not been truthful undermines (often fatally) the relationship of trust between employer and employee.

Don’t forget, if a firm that you contact has any questions about legal apprenticeships by all means put them in touch with Damar – we would be happy to speak to them or let them have further information.

Good luck!

Next week - Interview technique

Week 6 – Becoming an apprentice if you already have a job in the legal sector.

Week 3 – Work Experience

Getting an apprenticeship with a law firm can seem daunting  and so we are sharing some useful tips to help you kick start your legal career. So far we have looked at:

• Week 1: how to identify the right role and register for vacancies.
• Week 2: CVs and covering letters.

This week we are looking at work experience.

Before we start though, key points to remember:

1. An apprenticeship is not a course; it is a job with training.
2. To be an apprentice you need to get a job.
3. A specialist legal apprenticeship provider can help, but can never guarantee, to get you a suitable job role.
4. Apprenticeships in popular sectors such as law and accountancy are over-subscribed, making competition fierce.
5. There is no apprenticeship funding for graduates and so if you are a graduate an apprenticeship is unlikely to be for you.
6. Almost all law firms are looking for good GCSEs (at least 5 A* to Cs) and many look for good A levels as well.
7. Think about a backup plan if you are not successful. This can make you feel less stressed and actually help you during the application process.

Work Experience/shadowing

For most firms, legal apprenticeships are very new. This means that:

• They may not have a vacancy for a legal apprentice… yet!
• They might not know how the programme is structured and tailored to fit the needs of the firm and the apprentice.
• They might not know about the other benefits (eg Government funding and, for some, grants for recruiting apprentices).
• There may be some apprehension about taking on younger employees.

One way to get a firm interested in having an apprentice is for them to see who you are and to give them a sense of the contribution you could make. Unfortunately, for some employers, “work experience” can sound a bit like hard work. However, if you ask a firm if you might be able to come and “shadow” one of their fee-earners for a day or so you might have a better chance of success. This could involve sitting in on meetings with clients, “conferences” with barristers, attending court or simply sitting with the lawyer as they work. As well as giving you a flavour of what working in solicitors’ firm is really like it gives the firm a chance to see what you are like…

So, how to get a day or two’s experience in a law firm…

First, follow the advice that we gave in week 1 about finding law firms – and don’t forget to use any connections you, your family and friends, your school or teachers may have!

Second, follow the advice we gave in week 2 about getting a really good CV together and making sure you have the right contact name at the law firm.

Third, write a really good covering letter to the law firm, using the advice we gave in week 2. In particular:

• If your handwriting is good write it by hand. If it’s not, use a computer.
• Drop the covering letter and your CV off by hand if possible (make sure you are dressed smartly). If it’s a small firm don’t be afraid to ask for the recipient by name – you have nothing to lose!
• Tailor you letter and, because the firm might not know about apprenticeships, mention some of the key advantages. You might want to say something like:

“I am writing to see whether it might be possible to spend a day shadowing one of your fee-earners during [the Easter holidays, which this year are from [date] to [date]]. I am [16] and am currently a student at [school/college] and am hoping to do a legal apprenticeship when I leave [school in July 2013]. I am particularly interested in [criminal/family/personal injury] law, hence my approaching your firm].

If you have not come across legal apprenticeships before, they are a new way for firms to recruit ambitious people into support roles and then receive training that can enable them to progress to fee-earning positions in the future. The initial training costs are usually met in full by the Government and I believe that a grant of £1,500 is also available in some cases.

A copy of my CV is enclosed. Please do not hesitate to call me if you have any queries.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Yours sincerely ”

NB – you will need to tailor this, particularly the bits in square brackets!

If a firm that you contact has any questions about legal apprenticeships by all means put them in touch with Damar – we would be happy to speak to them or let them have further information.

If you don’t hear anything within a week or so, don’t be afraid to call and check that you letter has been safely received.

Good luck!

Next week – Preparing for interview

Week 4 – Interview technique

Week 5 – Becoming an apprentice if you already have a job in the legal sector.

Week 2 – CVs and covering letters

Getting an apprenticeship with a law firm can seem daunting but over the next few weeks we will be sharing some useful tips to help you kick start your legal career. Last week we looked at how to identify the right role and register for vacancies. If you haven’t read it yet click here.

This week we are looking at CVs, covering letters and how to “get through the door” of a potential employer.

Before we start though, key points to remember:

1. An apprenticeship is not a course; it is a job with training.
2. To be an apprentice you need to get a job.
3. A specialist legal apprenticeship provider can help, but can never guarantee, to get you a suitable job role.
4. Apprenticeships in popular sectors such as law and accountancy are over-subscribed, making competition fierce.
5. There is no apprenticeship funding for graduates and so if you are a graduate an apprenticeship is unlikely to be for you.
6. Almost all law firms are looking for good GCSEs (at least 5 A* to Cs) and many look for good A levels as well.
7. Think about a backup plan if you are not successful. This can make you feel less stressed and actually help you during the application process.

CVs and application forms

Having a well-written CV is vital. Sadly, many good applicants never get beyond the first stage because their CV is poorly set out, contains spelling mistakes or doesn’t include relevant information. Fortunately the National Careers Service has some excellent support materials to help you write your CV or complete an application form here. Just a few tips from us though:

• Get a few people you trust to read it – a teacher or, even better, an employer.
• Include any relevant skills. Employers are looking for people who:
  • Are organised
  • Can work as part of a team
  • Can build relationships
  • Can cope with responsibility

It doesn’t matter if you haven’t yet been able to demonstrate these skills in a job. But you might have:

• Organised an event
• Played in/managed/coached a sports team
• Done some voluntary or charity work

It’s the skills that count, not where you obtained them!

Finally: read it, read it again, get some people that you trust to read it and don’t send it to anyone until you know it is perfect. You won’t get a second chance to make a first impression!

Covering letters

This is your opportunity to really stand out. Some applicants send their CV to employers with no covering letter or email or (even worse) a standard letter that has clearly been used for lots of different jobs. It does take time, but it is worth it. Again, there is really good advice on how to write a covering letter on the National Careers Service website here. You can also see how to lay out your letter.

Some extra top tips:

• Parts of the legal sector are quite traditional. If your handwriting is clear, write your covering letter by hand and send it by post or, even better, drop it in personally. If you are smart and well presented this might be fed back to the decision maker!
• Most law firms are (or were) partnerships rather than companies. If you are writing to a firm of solicitors always talk about your “firm” not your “company”. Attention to detail is vital for lawyers and even something as apparently small as this needs to be right!
• Always research who you should send the letter to and address it to that person. If you are not 100% certain, send it to the senior partner or managing partner of the firm (you will usually find this on the firm’s website).
• Legal apprenticeships are new and the firm may not have heard of them. If it is a speculative application you may want to add an initial paragraph such as:

“I am writing to see whether you may have any opportunities for legal apprentices with your firm? The legal apprenticeship pathway is a new way for firms to recruit ambitious people into administrative roles and then receive training that can enable them to progress into fee-earning positions in the future. If you were to take me on the cost of the training would be [met by the Government in full] [if you are under 19][subsidised by the Government] [if you are 19+ with no qualifications higher than A level]. Your firm may also be eligible for a £1,500 grant if you haven’t recruited apprentices in the last year.”

Good luck!

Next week – work experience.

Week 3 – Preparing for interview

Week 4 – Interview technique

Week 5 – Becoming an apprentice if you already have a job in the legal sector.

Week 1 – The Basics

Getting an apprenticeship with a law firm can seem daunting but over the next few weeks we will be sharing some useful tips to help you kick start your legal career.

Before we start though, key points to remember:

1. An apprenticeship is not a course; it is a job with training.
2. To be an apprentice you need to get a job.
3. A specialist legal apprenticeship provider can help, but can never guarantee, to find you a suitable job role.
4. Apprenticeships in popular sectors such as law and accountancy are over-subscribed, making competition fierce.
5. There is no apprenticeship funding for graduates and so if you are a graduate an apprenticeship is unlikely to be for you.
6. Almost all law firms are looking for good GCSEs (at least 5 A* to Cs) and many look for good A levels as well.
7. Think about a backup plan if you are not successful. This can make you feel less stressed and actually help you during the application process.

As with all job hunting, good planning is essential and can greatly increase your chances of success. Over the coming weeks we will guide you through the process to give you the best possible chance of finding a legal apprenticeship.Once you have done your research on the legal sector and have decided first, that it’s for you and, second, what kind of law firm you want to work for, you need to find some potential vacancies. Your first step is to think about the kind of role that will suit you at the outset and then to find a law firm that might have a vacancy…

Identifying the right role for you

It is far better applying for ten vacancies at the right level than one hundred at the wrong level. Although your aim will likely be progression to the Higher Apprenticeship in Legal Services and perhaps beyond, most entry level roles are not at this level.

For most GCSE and A level leavers, the work that you will be carrying out in year one is likely to focus on administrative support to more senior staff and solicitors. This may include some legal work such as research and work on case files but you will not be managing cases or advising clients. Consequently your starting point may well be either an Intermediate Apprenticeship in Legal Administration or (once it is launched in mid-2013) an Advanced Apprenticeship in Legal Services.

Registering for vacancies

1. Register with the National Apprenticeship Service’s “Apprenticeship Vacancies” site here. NB: because the legal apprenticeship pathway is new you won’t find many opportunities here yet but it is still wise to register.
2. Register your interest in the Higher Apprenticeship in Legal Services here.
3. Follow @LegalApprentice on Twitter for news on legal apprenticeships.
4. “Like” Legal Apprenticeships on Facebook to receive updates concerning legal apprenticeships, particularly vacancies.

Increasing your chances of finding a vacancy

With 10 or more applicants chasing every vacancy, the basics won’t be enough to get many apprentices a place. Here’s how to increase your chances:

1. Use your school or college. Ask whether your school/college knows any firms of solicitors. Are any of the governors solicitors? If your school/college has a law or careers department start here.
2. Research firms of solicitors near you. Find out who is in charge of recruiting trainee solicitors (it’s usually on their website). Do not forget the smaller solicitors’ firms. Although they may have fewer vacancies there is also likely to be less competition.
3. You can find law firms near you by searching the Law Society’s database here.
4. Ask friends and family whether they know any solicitors and see if you can get an introduction to them.
5. You never know who has a vacancy and is yet to fully advertise it; you have nothing to lose by asking!

Next week - CVs and covering letters, how to make the approach.

Week 3 – Work experience

Week 4 – Preparing for interview

Week 5 – Interview technique

Week 6 – Becoming an apprentice if you already have a job in the legal sector.

On Tuesday 26th June, The Manchester Law Society, Damar Training and the National Apprenticeship Service are hosting a lunch for training and HR managers and partners at NatWest’s offices in Spinningfields Square, Manchester. As well as an opportunity to network the event will be a chance to find out more about:

•         The new legal apprenticeship qualifications and how these can be used  to support your firm’s recruitment and staff development strategy.

•         The Manchester Law Society’s new online CPD offer.

The event is free and is open anyone responsible for training or HR within a law firm. We would be delighted if you could join us.

The details and agenda are as follows:

Venue:                 NatWest, 1 Spinningfields Square, Deansgate, Manchester, M3 3AP (opposite Brazennose Street and next to Armani and John Rylands Library)

Date:                     Tuesday, 26th June, 2012

Time:                   

Midday - 12.30pm, Registration and buffet lunch

12.30pm – 1.00pm, Speakers:

Welcome from Nick Davenport, Chair, Legal Education Committee, Manchester Law Society

•         Linda Stokes, Employer Services Manager, National Apprenticeship Service.

•         Jonathan Bourne, Managing Director, Damar Training.

•         Caroline Calverley, Practice Manager, Chafes Solicitors LLP

•         Michelle Jarvis, College of Law Media

Close and thanks from Jeff Lewis, President, Manchester Law Society

1.00pm – 2.00pm,          Networking

To confirm your attendance please would you either:

Email: HannahKershaw@manchesterlawsociety.org.uk

Call: Hannah Kershaw on 0161 241 7471; or

Complete and return the attached acceptance form by post or email to HannahKershaw@manchesterlawsociety.org.uk.

An  invitation from Fran Eccles-Bech, The Manchester Law Society’s Executive Director, is also attached.

Acceptance form

Invitation

We were delighted to visit Stepping Hill Hospital to present Louise Muffett with our “learner of the month” certificate. Louise, who works as a medical secretary in the urology department won the award because of her dedication to her advanced apprenticeship in business and administration. Working with her assessor, Ellie Taylor, Louise has made excellent progress over the recent months. In addition to Sam Blacow (Louise’s manager) and other colleagues from her team, the presentation was attended by Linda Espey, Assistant Director at Stockport NHS Trust.

Stockport NHS Trust (of which Stepping Hill Hospital is part) has grown its apprenticeship programme substantially over the past twelve months in partnership with Damar Training. Jonathan Bourne, Damar’s Managing Director commented: “we are delighted to be working with such an important local employer and it is great to see the impact that apprenticeships are having. Our congratulations go to Louise as well as the team at the Trust who have been so supportinve of the programme.”

Pictured below are Louise Muffett and Jonathan Bourne (centre) as well as Ellie Taylor (far left) and Louise’s colleagues.

Full article available here:

Focus on apprenticeships - Horwich Farrelly

For more information on the new legal administration apprenticeship or how apprenticeships can add value for law firms more widely, please call Damar on 0161 480 8171 and ask to speak to a member of our recruitment team.

We were honoured to be invited to the inaugural Research and Education Awards held at The Christie NHS Foundation Trust on Wednesday 25th April. The Awards were hosted by The Christie’s Chairman, Lord Keith Bradley and were supported by the senior management team including Chief Executive Caroline Shaw and Dr Richard Cowan, Director of Education.

The Trust, which uses the motto “We Care, We Discover, We Teach” to summarise its core values and strategy, is firmly committed to teaching and developing staff and students at all levels. Damar has partnered with The Christie on apprenticeships for almost five years, during which time around 80 members of staff have successfully completed apprenticeship and NVQ qualifications.

We were delighted that one recent achiever, Janette Rea, who recently completed an NVQ in business and administration, was commended in the “student of the year” category. Our thanks go to Janette for all her hard work and also to Michelle Norton, Vocational Training and Development Co-Ordinator and Karen Hellewell, Head of Education who have both provided such strong support for the programme.

Pictured below (left to right) are Robin Lindsay (Damar) Michelle Norton, Janette Rea and Maria Grimsley (Damar).

Damar’s work on legal apprenticeships is featured in today’s Sun (page 53). We work in partnership with ILEX Tutorial College (the training arm of CILEx) and are able to offer law firms and young people access to the only Government approved legal apprenticeship designed specifically for entry-level paralegal and administrative staff.

For more information, please contact Jonathan Bourne at Damar on 0161 480 8171 or email jonathan@damartraining.com.