Employability
In a competitive jobs market it is no longer enough to just have excellent academic qualifications.
On average there are 83 applications for every graduate position advertised. When Duncan Gibbins conducted their most recent legal assistant recruitment drive we received hundreds of applications.
It is vital that you are able to display to employers that you are confident and have non-academic skills that can be applied in a career in law.
Work experience is a good place to start as it shows to prospective employers that you have an interest in your chosen field and on placement you will be able to speak to solicitors and learn how to interact in a legal environment.
Other part-time jobs or extra-curricular activities that you have been involved in could also help to develop your inter-personal and communication skills. It may be a job pulling pints in your local or working in a call centre, but whatever legal environment you enter you will be required to interact with clients or members of the public. Any interaction in a customer service role can help improve confidence and develop your skills.
The World of Work
Daniel Taylor, operations manager at Duncan Gibbins Solicitors spoke to Liverpool John Moores University as part of their World of Work scheme. The initiative helps students to develop non-academic skills such as problem solving, written communication and organisation.
Daniel spoke about how candidates who develop non-academic skills and build confidence will be looked upon more favourably.
He said: “We don’t have a minimum requirement for a degree. When it comes to choosing students we look for someone who has not just got a degree but who is a more rounded candidate. The one thing that differentiates the successful from the unsuccessful candidates is confidence.
“If all you have is a good degree then you are putting all your eggs in one basket. It is important that you can show that you non-academic skills that you can relate to the world of work.”
What We Are Doing
- Check out our related pages for information on work experience and competitions that can develop your skills and improve your CV.
- Follow us on twitter @DG_Academy and like our Facebook Page for regular job updates and legal careers advice.
- We are here to help – email us any questions to academy@duncangibbins.com
