Hey guys, I need some advice because I'm not really sure what to do. I've been lucky in securing a fair few interviews this cycle but I've been unsuccessful after all of them. I think my commercial awareness is generally okay, and I don't think I do badly in researching the firms.
I think I fall short in answering the more casual questions (e.g. tell us about yourself) and maintaining a rapport with the interviewers. Basically, I'm not the most social, charming and confident person and I know that commercial law is a 'people' job. Does anyone have any advice on what I can do to improve? Or any success stories of people who weren't that confident still securing TCs to give me a boost of confidence? I'm losing hope but I really am determined to secure a TC in commercial law. Thanks in advance
To me, some of this sounds like dealing with your expectations of yourself, and some of it sounds like getting comfortable with your story. My suggestions won't necessarily change things overnight but if this is something you know needs working on, then there are many roads to Rome.
I don't think any of us are the most social, charming and confident people we know - but we can be some of those things some of the time and all of them in optimal circumstances. Agreeing with previous advice, attending events is really good for forcing you to participate. For instance, "Let's Chat Law" have a negotiation workshop next week; F-Lex runs a monthly lunch with LexisNexis; Idin (Little Law) does a Saturday study club, etc etc. The challenge of introducing yourself in the breakout room is one that keeps regenerating, but it does get easier and you learn to smile rather than apologising, which really changes the dynamic. You can also force yourself to ask questions at online events so you get used to it (you will soon find what works!). You might also try a drama or improvisation class.
I also wonder if you've done any volunteering - either pro bono or, eg with children or groups at weekends? This is a great way to put yourself into a frame of mind where you need to communicate and chit chat should be part of the way it unfolds. Children are hilariously unguarded in what they ask you and nothing keeps them quiet if they really want to tell you something. You might enjoy another sort of volunteering - about something you care about, either with people your own age or significantly older or younger. Your university or local authority might be able to help you to find something. If you can place yourself in situations where the agenda doesn't matter in the same way, you might be more relaxed about the outcome.
, then I was like obsessively doing calculations from random data online to try and work out probabilities of getting a TC to try and relax again, and searching for my future horoscope on the Capricorn page again. lmao!!!!
