Composing successful online applications The secret of effective online applications isn’t in the online part. What is important is the preparation and thought you put in before you go anywhere near a computer. you up to 90 minutes to respond to all the available questions. The system is designed to automatically log you off after the allocated amount of time has passed. • Using the Quick Navigation Bar in cvMail doesn’t save your data. Read the FAQs and ALL instructions before launching into the application. Some online applications can be half completed, saved, and submitted at a later time. Check this before beginning an application. As your task is to use the application form to help you present evidence of the skills you have which match their requirements, sell yourself by giving evidence from all aspects of your life (including part time jobs, work experience, volunteer work, sport, travel and your social life). Avoid referring to the same example in more than two responses. Don’t rush your applications (this cannot be stressed enough!) and make sure that what you submit is your best possible effort. Take just as much time preparing an electronic application as you would a paper- based one. Many applications fail because of careless errors; pay attention to detail. Employers won’t be impressed if you get their name wrong or forget to include important information. Attach all required documentation. Make sure you answer the question. Be honest. If what you write gets you an interview, then your application will be subject to academic transcript checks and referee checks. Misrepresenting yourself can have dire consequences. Do yourself justice. Have you chosen the best examples of your skills and achievements? Once you have completed the form, review it before hitting ‘send.’ Ideally, show your answers to a careers adviser, friend, family member or someone who works in the legal industry for proof reading. Don’t forget to print a hard copy to keep a record of your application before you submit it. Online job applications can be very deceptive. Ticking boxes, answering a few questions about yourself, and clicking ‘send’ might feel as easy as ordering a pizza over the internet. Therein lies the trap – applications require a lot more thought and preparation than deciding between meat lovers and supreme. In NSW, applications for summer clerkships have a similar format across the various firms. Many use the prescribed cvMail online format whilst others will use their own, slightly different, online format. But you will find that the majority involve uploading your resume, cover letter, and questionnaire answers all in the one place. You are strongly advised to look through all of the sections of the application before attempting to complete it. The more complex sections (such as ‘Additional Information’) are the ones to watch out for, as what you offer here distinguishes your application and renders you competitive. The instructions might ask you to elaborate on the factual material already presented, and show how it is relevant to the clerkship. For example, you could indicate that your particular legal interests and academic results in that area are aligned with the firm’s specialties. Alternatively, you could mention that you are drawn to the firm’s reputation for having an innovative and entrepreneurial culture. If it’s a small firm, you might choose to focus on the opportunity for extensive client contact and mentoring opportunities. Take the time to answer the questions asked of you. Try to show your interests, but most of all, show that you have a real interest in the firm. Finally, be yourself, as ultimately the interviewers will seek personalities that fit in with the firm. Useful Hints and Tips • Online applications require you to have done some research about the position and the firm. Be prepared. They do take time to complete and often have a time out feature. For example, cvMail applications allow • • • • • • • • • • • 20 Clerkship Guide 2013