Deadline 8th February 2023, 11.59pm
As the deadline for pupillage applications on the gateway draws near, it’s essential to make sure your application stands out from the crowd. The competition is fierce, and the selection panel is looking for well-rounded individuals with a passion for the law and a strong desire to pursue a successful career as a barrister. Here are some tips to help you put your best foot forward.
Seek Feedback from a Diverse Range of Sources
It’s always beneficial to get a fresh set of eyes on your application, and seeking feedback from a diverse range of sources can provide valuable insights and help you avoid common pitfalls. Consider reaching out to colleagues, mentors, or industry experts for their input and suggestions. It can feel embarrassing asking for help and feedback but you absolutely should if you want your applications to be the best they can be.
Read and Hear Your Application Aloud
Reading your application aloud and using text-to-speech software can help you identify awkward phrasing, typos, and grammatical errors that you may have missed in your proofreading process. This is a crucial step in the application process as small mistakes can detract from the overall quality of your application and hinder your chances of success. If you use Google Docs or Microsoft Word there are built in features to let you listen aloud to your writing. You can change the style of voice and the speed of playback.
Know Your Unique Selling Points
The selection panel is looking for well-rounded individuals who bring something unique to the table. It’s essential to understand what sets you apart from other applicants and what you have to offer. Focus on highlighting your skills, experience, and passion for the law, and be sure to tailor your application to the pupillage you’re applying for. In our ‘Using Data to Draft Pupillage Applications’ workshop we discussed with Barrister Vinesh Mistry the importance of understanding your unique sales pitch. In the same way brands market themselves to you every day to get you to buy their products, you are also selling yourself to Chambers.
Take Time to Proofread Carefully
Proofreading is an essential step in the application process, and taking the time to review your application carefully can help you avoid costly mistakes. Check for typos, grammatical errors, and awkward phrasing, and make any necessary corrections before submitting your application. No matter how much you look, you will make typing errors. It is guaranteed. Mitigate the risk of ruining a great application by double, triple and quadruple proofreading your applications.
Tailor Your Application to the Pupillage
Tailoring your application to the pupillage you’re applying for shows the selection panel that you’ve taken the time to research their requirements and understand what they’re looking for in a candidate. Highlight how your skills and experience align with the specific pupillage requirements for that chambers, and make a compelling case for why you would be an asset.
Be Honest and Transparent
Honesty and transparency are critical in the application process. Don’t exaggerate your skills or experience, as this can harm your credibility and negatively impact your chances of success. Be honest about your qualifications, and highlight what you bring to the table in a straightforward and professional manner.
Highlight Relevant Experience
Relevant experience is essential, and highlighting any experience you have, even if it’s not directly related to law, can help the selection panel understand your skills and abilities. Do not be afraid to show your interests and experience outside of law! Employ the STAR Technique to give concrete examples which illustrate your skills and experience, and show how they would be valuable in a pupillage setting – no matter where you got them from.
Conclusion
In conclusion, taking the time to craft a standout pupillage application can help you achieve your professional goals and take the first step towards a successful career as a barrister. By following these tips and tricks, you can increase your chances of success and make a lasting impression on the selection panel. And don’t forget, if you’re looking for additional support, consider joining the BLESSING AT THE BAR Mailing list to register for our Interview Skills workshop in March. Best of luck!
