• Contact details are vital: include address; home, work, and mobile telephone numbers, and email address if you have one. Also include details of 2 referees.
• Write in plain, business-like English, in the third party tense.
• Be brief but thorough. Ideally it should be 2 pages; never more than 3.
• Give the whole picture; include genuine interests, marital status, date of birth, education from O level stage, and whether you have a clean licence and car.
• Do not include a personal opinion of yourself or a subjective view of your strengths. Avoid including interests that may be seen as controversial.
• List your achievements - eg. Duke of Edinburgh award; team captaincies etc. Avoid including everyday activities such as "socialising".
• Particularly relevant to Newly Qualified Solicitors: include A Level results and Degree Class.
• Put your work experience in reverse date order so that your most recent is read first: concentrate on the previous 1 - 2 years.
• Categorise your work and select a brief example of the areas you have covered. DO NOT simply list types of work: personalise them with your actual experience.
• Include any experience you have of marketing, presenting seminars, training, number of files, billing targets etc
• Do not leave any gaps. If there are any, be ready to account for them.
• Do not exaggerate or embellish.
• Do not use gimmicks: eg binding, cover pages, photographs etc.
• Ask someone you trust and who knows you well to proof-read the CV.

The guide to turning an interview into a job offer.

Preparation

• Obtain as much information about the job as possible via journals, the internet, directories, personal contacts, literature from the firm etc.
• Keep photo-copies of application forms or CVs you send to the employer / consultant. Take them along to the interview with you, and remember what information is contained on them; you may be asked questions about everything you wrote about yourself.
• Dress correctly. Men: shirt and tie with a suit; Women: smart trouser suit or skirt suit with blouse. Dress conservatively and be wary of wearing too much jewellery.
• Polish your shoes! Dirty footwear is surprisingly noticeable.
• Leave yourself plenty of time to get to your destination. Ideally you should arrive slightly early to allow yourself time to relax and gather your thoughts.
• Whilst waiting, take time to read any additional literature about the firm. Do not browse through glossy magazines!

The Interview

• Shake hands with the interviewer(s) - it portrays confidence.
• Wait until asked before you sit down. When you do, sit comfortably, confidently and attentively.
• Try and establish eye contact with the interviewer; it helps them to feel more relaxed with you. They may be nervous as well.
• Always listen carefully to their questions. Do not be afraid to pause before you answer, or ask them to repeat the question.
• When answering the questions, don't just say you can do it or you have done it - give real examples of relevant experience.
• Remember that an interview is a two way process. They are finding out about you, and you are trying to find out more about the firm and the job. Do not be afraid to ask questions.
• The key to success with interviews is to 'sell' your strengths. Don't be shy about blowing your own trumpet, it is the only chance you will get. Avoid saying anything negative about yourself.
• When you go into an interview have a clear idea in mind of the kind of person they are looking for. Emphasize all your skills and experiences that indicate that you are that person.

Here are some questions you may be asked:

• "Why do you want this job?"
• "Why are you interested in this firm / what do you know about this firm?"
• " Why did you leave you last position?"
• "What do you think of your last firm?"
• "What are your major strengths and weaknesses?"

Here are some questions you could ask them:

• 'What will be my responsibilities as a fee-earner / in addition to fee earning?'
• 'Whom shall I be responsible to and how is the team structured?'
• 'What are the main areas covered/services provided by the firm?'
• 'What is its position in the market?'
• 'What are the prospects like for someone who is keen and ambitious?'
• 'Will I be responsible for anyone / supervise anyone?'

Thank them for seeing you, and ask when you can expect to hear about the outcome. Wait for them to get up and leave the room. Shake hands and say you look forward to hearing from them.

Good Luck!