Alison Bone is the LLB Course Director at the University of Brighton. Erica Bone is an HR Advisor at Wiley Blackwell. They provide advice on the legal recruitment process, including how to prepare a CV and cover letter, what to expect and how to conduct yourself in an interview, and next steps after an interview. Key points are to research companies thoroughly, have relevant qualifications and work experience on your CV, be concise, and be prepared with examples to discuss. During an interview, keep answers precise and focused on the questions, and demonstrate confidence while avoiding arrogance.

1. Alison Bone
LLB Course Director, University of Brighton
Erica Bone
HR Advisor, Wiley Blackwell

2.  It is only in very rare circumstances ( e.g.
entertainment, modeling) potential
employers/agents can charge to find you work
 If they DO charge you for their services these
must be set out very clearly explaining
notice, withdrawal without penalty
 Anything you say to potential employers must
be treated as confidential, although you may be
asked for information to confirm your identity

3.  Anything an employer says or writes during
the recruitment process could be deemed to be
at the very least a representation
 Statements made during the interview are
likely to form part of the terms of the offer.
Keep a careful note of what was said and by
whom! If it is important to you try and get
confirmation afterwards
 Similarly anything YOU say during the
recruitment process must be true – hype is
acceptable – but know where to draw the line

4.  Is it relevant? DO include Maths and English
GCSE + e.g. 8 others at Grade B and above. A
levels/IB inc grades. Degree classification.
Elective modules
 DON’T include long sections on
hobbies, personal interests etc
 Work experience – what you did, where you
did it, how long for
 Presentation – watch the lay-out. One
font, simple and concise lay-out. Immaculate
grammar and spelling

5.  How long do you think I take to read your
CV/covering letter?
 Covering letter – sometimes worth taking a
risk….BUT humour is NOT advisable
I realised from a young age my desire to be a
professional stunt man would not be successful
since my phobia of heights, deep water rafting,
shattering glass, explosions as well as not actually
being a man, were contributory factors
 Make social networking work for you
 Have you researched the company thoroughly?
 Check you have (a) a professional voicemail message
and (b) a sensible email address

6.  This starts from the moment you enter the
building
 You can never be too smart – but check out the
company website for hints
 Do not come empty-handed
 Remember you are now a serious potential
candidate
 With or without outside help...

7.  Keep your answers precise and to the point –
let the interviewer lead the interview: watch
their body language
 Be prepared to show examples e.g. websites
you’ve designed, pro bono cases you’ve
worked on – but make sure you refer back to
the interviewer’s question
 Confidence and engagement are paramount
 But don’t be arrogant!
 Try not to regard the interview as a test
 Have some questions to ask – but only a few

8.  Don’t badger them – even if you are successful
it may take longer to let you know the outcome
 If you are given new information with the job
offer think carefully – you don’t have to accept
immediately
 Make sure your referees are informed
 Have vital information to hand eg planned
holidays
 Feedback if unsuccessful?

9.  University of Kent
 Law Practice Interviews here
 If you think you have been – or could be -
discriminated against check out the HR
websites
 Recruitment interviewing - the law
 Find out what typical questions might be
 Top 100 Interview Questions (for lawyers....)
 Check out the legal job websites
 Target Jobs