Can I use AI when applying?
We strongly encourage you to write applications in your own words, rather than copying or amending content generated by AI. We believe that the best applications are always well-researched, authentic, and original, as this helps us to get to know you as an individual candidate.
Secrets of success
Here are some hints and tips to help you through the process of becoming a Bristows trainee.
The kind of person we're looking for:
Someone who...
- is clever and enjoys engaging their brain
- takes responsibility and thinks for themselves
- wants to join in, work as part of a team and contribute to the firm
- understands this is a people-based business
- with good communications skills
- is passionate about a career in law
- wants to succeed but not at the expense of their colleagues
At fairs and presentations:
- Spend some time, however brief, on preparation
- Prepare a few questions to ask to all law firms; this can make your comparison much easier
- Be enthusiastic
Tips for your application form:
- Fill in everything carefully - we do care about typos
- Tailor what you say - show why you’ve chosen Bristows rather than any other city law firm
- Let your answers give a flavour of you as a person - don't go over the top trying to sell yourself
- It shows if your form has been rushed, so give yourself the best chance and prepare everything early
At video interview:
- Be professional - you may be at home or university - but dress the part and present yourself as if interviewing in person
- Try to use a plain/neutral background - you don’t want the reviewer to be distracted by the television or posters behind you
- Find somewhere quiet, where you won’t be interrupted during your recording - and make sure you’re free from distraction, so you can make the most of your time
- The video interview system offers practice interviews, so make best of these and get confident
- Try to engage with the camera rather than the screen - it may be difficult to ignore yourself, but Shortlister has a handy blurring tool that may help you with this
At interview:
- Be on time for your interview; if this is your first time making the journey to the office, set off early so you can locate us ahead of time
- Then use your spare time for last-minute prep in a nearby coffee shop. You can even grab a coffee in the atrium of our building
- If something unexpected goes wrong with your journey we will understand, but please do try to contact us so we can let your interviewers know
- Look the part - smart and professional
