Hey!
As you only have 200 words, I would be really selective and tie everything back to what
Clifford Chance values. A structure could be:
- Start with 1-2 core strengths (e.g. commercial awareness, teamwork, problem-solving) and briefly show how you have developed these - for example, through your work experience, academics, university societies, etc. These are the skills that you have learned and can demonstrate with evidence.
- Link each strength directly to the role of a Clifford Chance trainee. For example, how your analytical skills help you break down complex matters, or how working with diverse teams has prepared you for Clifford Chance's collaborative, global environment. I would have a look at their website and see what values and attributes they highlight as most important to them, and try to tie these in where you can.
- Add 1-2 personal attributes (e.g. resilience, adaptability, attention to detail) and again connect them to the demands of a fast-paced, high-performing firm like Clifford Chance. Compared to the core strengths, these are character traits that you naturally have or have developed over time.
- Finish your answer with a forward-looking sentence about how these skills will enable you to contribute and grow at the firm.
A rough word count split could be:
- 30-40 words on background/skills gained
- 120-130 words linking those skills to Clifford Chance
- 20-30 words on your future contribution to the firm
I would just make sure that everything is specific, concise, and clearly relevant to
Clifford Chance's culture and expectations.
I hope that helps, and best of luck with your application!
