Hi guys please can I have some honest ideas of what you think is going wrong here because I’m getting constant rejections. I’m on my second application cycle, this time taking a far more tailored approach and only applying to firms I’ve interacted with and been to open days at. All of my applications are proofread by people that have secured TCs and I’ve read lots of successful cover letters so I know I’m along the right lines. I have top grades, study at Cambridge, hold society positions, have work experience law and non-law - please help 😓 I think I’m being filtered out by these assessments but I’ve been practising them loads
Hey! First of all, I just want to say that you really shouldn’t be disheartened by the rejections. I know it’s hard, and I don’t want to sound cliché by saying the LinkedIn favourite, “rejection is redirection,” but honestly, sometimes a rejection simply means going back to your application and reflecting on it with any feedback you’re able to get (when firms do provide it).
It also sounds like you’re already doing a lot of the right things. Having people around you who have secured TCs and are willing to proofread and advise you is genuinely half the battle, so that’s a real positive. I’m also a non-law student, and when I was applying, I remember feeling particularly anxious about the assessments. Looking back, I think I sometimes made them more intimidating than they needed to be because of that non-law background.
In terms of practical steps, continuing to practise mock assessments where you can is definitely helpful, as is spending time with each firm’s recruitment materials and website so you feel properly prepared going in. Consistently asking for feedback is also really important, you can only improve with feedback. When you receive a rejection, it’s always worth emailing to ask if they can share anything specific you could work on.
Most importantly, try not to get too in your own head about the assessments. You clearly have a strong profile, and you’ve already achieved a lot. You’ve got this! Keep reminding yourself of that.
