How to avoid overlap in Ashurst question?

[Oliver Gilliland]

Does anyone have any advice on how to approach the "why us?" part of Ashurst covering letter? As the application also asks "How is Ashurst different to the other firms you have applied to? (250 words max)*" , which seems to overlap.

 

[Jaysen]

It’s a good question. I’d say the second question is more about identifying what differentiates Ashurst, whereas in your cover letter, you’ll be drilling down on why you are personally applying to the firm.

You’re right though, there is likely to be some overlap, so you may want to answer the application question first. I’ve seen a fair few Ashurst applications that only briefly reference to the firm - as it has been covered in the second question.

 

[Abstruser]

Just went through my successful Ashurst app from last cycle, and I did pretty much what Jaysen described. In the cover letter, I talked more about the points that I thought would directly influence a training contract there. My answer to the second question covered slightly more tangential points about the firm’s broader strategy.