subject: Boost Your Chances Of Getting That Top Job With Some Extra Training [print this page] When it comes to applying for jobs, it always pays to go that extra mile to set yourself apart from the often dozens of other applicants. With the UK job market currently at its most competitive in years, not least in the legal sector, this is doubly important.
Obviously having a large background of job experience in similar roles is always going to help you get a foot in the door, but there's little you can do about that between commencing your job search and getting an interview. However, having relevant training is often equally as crucial in helping you beat off the competition, and this is very much under your control.
Getting ahead with additional legal training
Whatever legal job you're applying for, all those applying for the position are clearly going to have a law degree or similar. So in order to impress the selection panel and convince them that you're the right person for the job you need to possess something a little extra, and preferably something they're specifically looking for in a candidate.
Undertaking additional personal injury training is in many cases an excellent way of doing this. Injury law is one of the fastest growing areas of the legal sector at the moment, for two key reasons. Firstly a high volume of people in the UK are injured as a result of accidents that weren't there fault on a daily basis and need legal council to pursue a claim, and secondly the public's awareness of their right to claim under such circumstances is at an all time high.
It is because of these reasons that more and more law firms are looking to either specialise in personal injury law or add it to their array of offerings. If you can demonstrate on your CV that you have the skills and knowledge they need to expand in this area then this can be a major plus. Even if they're not specifically looking for someone with personal injury training at this moment in time, they may make a special note of it as a worthwhile skill set to bring to their team for future expansion.
Demonstrate your commitment to your legal career
As well as the additional legal training/ qualification itself, the actual act of pursuing extra training off your own back should count as a tick for initiative on the interview sheet. It shows that you're driven and motivated towards improving your skills, and are capable of taking the lead. It also demonstrates that you're keen to learn and are flexible in adapting your skills to shifts and changes in the legal sector - something that can be very important in today's climate.
Even if you already have some injury law experience, additional training can certainly help your prospects. Having undertaken a substantial training course recently, rather than five years ago, you show prospective employers that you understand the need to keep up to date with current developments, and are constantly developing yourself to be the best you can be.
by: Sue Richardson
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