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Applications For Training Contracts - 5 Common Mistakes to Avoid
By Credit Watcher | July 13, 2008
Going over the top with your words
For many reviewers, making your writing sound too classy can often bring about the opposite effect. The main purpose of your application is to address the questions that the reviewers have posed, so don’t make their job more difficult by making the language ambiguous or convoluted.
Try and see to it that the style and tone of your writing is assured and precise, and it will give off the right impression to the reviewers.
Dodging the bullet or incomplete answers
Most people take the view that it is better to present only areas that they are strongest in, while leaving out others in the hope that they are not seen to be as important. Someone who is looking to avoid or leave out their weakness doesn’t display qualities that reviewers would associate with self-evaluation and improvement. In addition, being open and honest about your own abilities and skills, gives more credibility to everything else in your application.
Regurgitating, or cutting and pasting information
There are plenty of good examples of training contract applications out there, but there can be no substitute to one that you write by yourself. Other than spelling and grammar errors, there is likely nothing more irritating for reviewer than for them to spot instances of copy and pasting from other sources.
Incorrect information and mistaken names can be a great source of embarrassment during the review process. In addition, having the reviewers spot something that is derived directly from another source gives very little credit to the rest of your work.
Improper use of language
As with other types of formal writing, it is not considered good practice to include slang or colloquial language with your application. Write with a clear and direct intention to give your writing added understandability.
When it comes to questions that require you to provide an opinion, take one side of the discussion, but remain balanced in your views. Avoid making your arguments and points too long, or you’ll struggle to retain coherence and consistency.
Too many spelling or grammar problems
This is the undisputed cardinal sin of written submissions.
Nearly all spelling and grammar errors are picked up by word processors, and with some good proofreading you can remove the rest of the errors. Apart from giving them the idea that you’re not one for close attention to details, it also conveys a lack of expertise to your potential employers.
If you are also hunting for a well-written and presented applications, then there is no chance for mistakes like these.
Nevertheless, if you plan your moves ahead, there’s no reason you can’t be fully armed when the time comes to win and keep the solicitor training contract. Whatever you decide, talking knowledgeably about training contracts and the firm you apply for is key for making your interview a successful one.
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