Klein Hamilton

Commercial awareness Legal recruiters cite commercial awareness as one of the most important attributes a candidate can have. It basically means possessing knowledge of current developments in local, national and world business, particularly any issues that may impact a law firm and its clients. Firms expect employees to market their services to prospective clients, as well as develop trusting relationships with existing ones. Ultimately, law firms are businesses, so lawyers must appreciate the commercial importance of meeting deadlines, keeping costs low and handling information confidentially. A client, meanwhile, will expect their lawyer to fully understand how their business is run, and which wider social, political and economic issues may affect them. If applicable, lawyers must also appreciate the short, medium and long-term implications of their client's business proposal, and think strategically about the organisation's strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and th...

Read your application or CV and covering letter through the night before – you will be questioned on the content. Make sure you have some new examples to hand – months may have passed since you submitted the form. Dress smartly – unless you are specifically told otherwise, it’s wise to wear a suit. Always make sure you have planned your journey and know exactly what's required of you on the day. Give yourself enough time to get to the interview or assessment centre and make sure you’re familiar with the route. Have a healthy breakfast or lunch before you arrive so you have lots of energy. Greet everyone with a firm, but not bone-crunching, handshake and make good eye contact. ‘Not having a firm handshake won’t lose you the job, but little things add up to how you’re perceived,’ advises Katie Makey, graduate recruitment officer at Shearman & Sterling. Equally, leave people with a lasting, positive impression by shaking hands at the end of the interview. Assume that you ...