Does anyone have any advice for structuring applications which ask for a cover letter and then have multiple additional questions (eg 300 words on extracurriculars or something similar). I struggle to balance what should go in the cover letter vs the other questions as they seem to overlap a lot. For instance, a lot of my evidence for points in the cover letter are my extracurriculars and other activities that would go in those additional questions. I don't want to repeat myself but also don't want to sound like I can't support my points well, if that makes sense. The kind of applications like
white & case or
travers smith for example.
The W&C questions are
"Please provide a covering letter (1000 words) in the space below.
Please tell us why you are interested in a career in commercial law and, in particular, why you would like to join
White & Case. We are also interested in knowing what skills and attributes you have developed that you think are suited to a career in law at our firm. We are specifically looking for you to demonstrate some of our core competencies, in particular tenacity and determination, commercial awareness and a global mindset."
So this is:
1. Why do you like comm law, and our firm in particular?
2. Demonstrate that your skills and attributes are those we are looking for
and then
"Please give details of any interests and extra-curricular activities, including any positions of responsibility or achievements. Tell us what skills and competencies you have developed in the activities you have undertaken and how you developed these."
(350 words)
The second question is very generic - a copy + paste to some extent, but it's important to answer all the questions being asked.
1) interests /extra-curricular
2) positions of responsibility/achievements in these
3) skills developed in these
4) how those skills were developed
So I would make sure my answer answers the question posed - about extra-curriculars & interests. For the main question, it's very much not a given that the question would be answered by talking about extra-curriculars: some people will have work experience, for example. However if you don't, then there's likely to be repetition. I wouldn't see that as a problem per se - they are looking for impressive candidates because it's one of the most desirable jobs for graduates, so providing your e-c and activities do demonstrate the calibre of candidate that they are looking for I don't think duplication is a problem