How to talk about your skills, experiences and achievements
Recruiters use this common question to gain insight into your character beyond your motivation for pursuing the firm and commercial law more broadly.
It is essentially an opportunity to sell yourself, answering the question “Why you?” and demonstrating how you will be a strong fit for the firm as a trainee.
Although the question may seem trivial compared to the more motivational and competency-based elements of an application form, it is important to dedicate due care to drafting a well-rounded response. In fact, some firms will use this call for response as the first stage of their application process to filter out candidates.
How to structure your answer
The structure of your response can be more fluid than those addressing “Why commercial law?” and “Why this firm?”. It should be shaped around your relevant experiences to demonstrate your role or activity alongside the skills you developed or competencies you applied.
However, if you are struggling to draft a response, consider grouping your experiences into the categories used in the question, such as sections on hobbies, interests and achievements.
While firms of different sizes, scales and origins commonly use this call for response, take care when reading it to ensure that you do not mention irrelevant material. Subtle differences in wording may make it clear that the recruiter is asking about your experiences and achievements outside of academia, whereas on other occasions, academic examples will be welcomed.
Therefore, be careful not to copy and paste your “Why you?” response without reflecting on the wording and ensuring all content is relevant.
What to include in your answer
A useful starting point is to draft your response while referring to your CV, as most applicants will already have prepared an activities and interests section there. Your CV will call to mind relevant experiences and allow you to demonstrate the skills and qualities that are relevant to a trainee solicitor’s role.
It is important to differentiate between skills and qualities or competencies. The former can be developed and honed, whereas the latter are rooted in your character and are more innate in nature.
Effective answers will illustrate a well-rounded applicant with experience working in teams and assuming responsibility. It is encouraged to draw on a variety of activities and experiences, including (unless specified otherwise) academic highlights, school or university society involvement and volunteering.
Do not be afraid to present your authentic self, even if your hobbies and interests may, on the surface, appear trivial in the eyes of a commercial law firm. However, ensure that each activity or experience is related to the role you are applying for by reference to the skills you developed or competencies you displayed.
Finally, academic achievements, scholarships and prizes are among the most effective examples to use in this response, unless the wording has made it clear that the recruiter is focusing on experiences outside of academia.
Common pitfalls to avoid
Avoid dedicating too much of your response to one or two experiences. The question is different from a “When have you demonstrated [X skill or competency]?” question, and the task is to present a well-rounded personality that the recruiter would like to work alongside. Therefore, avoid STAR-structured examples of particular scenarios you encountered within your extracurricular activities.
Finally, as mentioned above, ensure that all material is relevant to the nuances of the question. Mentioning irrelevant material may suggest a lack of attention to detail and negatively impact your chances of progression.
Want expert help with your applications?
Training Contract Coach works one-to-one with candidates applying to top City law firms. Coaching is led by Kabya Chaharia, an ex-Magic Circle and elite US firm lawyer. Learn how the coaching works on the process page, or see what is included on the programme page.