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Hints & tips

Do your homework

Although we don't expect you to know all there is to know about business, the law, or us, it will be worth doing some research on Linklaters and the commercial environment in which we work. Explore the main website (http://www.linklaters.com/Pages/Index.aspx) and keep your eyes on the financial press in the days and weeks leading up to your interview. This is good advice even if you decide not to opt for Linklaters: a genuine interest in the business world will help with every application you make.

Why are you applying?

You need to be very clear about your chosen career path. Why do you want to pursue law? Do you know what the work involves? Do you have a particular interest in a specific practice area? What is it that attracts you to the commercial world and a global firm? Irrespective of your degree discipline, you must have good reasons for wanting to be a lawyer.

See it our way

We take a lot of time and care when reviewing the application forms we receive. But you need to remember that, at this early selection stage, all we have to go on is what you write about yourself and how you answer questions. Academic qualifications alone won't get you through to the next stage; a carefully completed application form is key to being invited to interview. So give it some thought and keep it interesting.

Complete with care

Read the questions carefully and answer as honestly as you can, backing them up wherever possible with real examples. When you've completed the form to your satisfaction, do check it for spelling and punctuation. Mistakes are unimpressive.

Know your strengths

You need to consider what you have to offer and compare it objectively with what we are looking for. There's a useful list of qualities and aptitudes in the Selection process section of this site. If, on reflection, you feel a career in law is not for you, it's better to acknowledge that now. Choosing not to apply for something that wouldn't suit you is a good career decision. Alternatively, if you do recognise yourself in those qualities and feel excited about the prospect of working here, apply right away.

Prepare for the interview

Your interview day is a real opportunity to show us what you can do and to check out for yourself if Linklaters is right for you. To get the best out of it, remind yourself of our process and what we are looking for. Think about any questions you want to ask. Consider doing a mock interview with someone you trust. Once you have been invited to interview we will automatically post you a practice book for the critical reasoning questionnaire.

Be yourself

You can take all the time in the world to prepare and you should, but ultimately try to relax and just be yourself on the day; this is the only way to do yourself justice and ensure you have an interview experience that is really useful all round. We wish you the very best of luck. We hope you enjoy it.