My application
Writing up a good CV and cover letter can be both a daunting and curious experience. I often found myself wondering about roles that I had spent months in – what exactly had I been doing? After a while thinking, though, I came to realise that this wasn’t because I’d been doing nothing. It was because I’d been looking for the big achievements that you often see in the CVs of people at a more senior level. We’ve all read of people killing their KPIs or coming up with a brilliant idea that change their organisations forever (supposedly). But you don’t come across those opportunities often as a university student, and it’s important to realise that you learn something in every role. Capitalise on how you’ve grown through those experiences and let your willingness to learn shine through. I was asked at my second round interview what I thought were the qualities of a good summer clerk. I can’t remember what I said (it must’ve been the nerves!) but I do remember asking my interviewers what they thought was the most important thing to look for in a summer clerk. Their answer was simple: enthusiasm! As a final point, I’d say don’t be afraid to be yourself even in your application. I’ve never taken myself too seriously and I enjoy a good laugh. In my CV, I even listed one of my achievements as being the 7th funniest paralegal at one of my old gigs (out of 7!).
My clerkship experience
The clerkship itself was a welcome break from the doom and gloom of applications and interviews after interviews. From the fabled 9AM coffees at the Regiment to getting dug into a research task on a developing area of law, I was always kept engaged whether that was socially or intellectually. As a summer clerk, you’re also looked at as a sort of puppy (in a good way!). There aren’t any silly questions and people are always willing to help you in any way they can. But it’s not all just work. There were so many social events going on that it was sometimes hard to keep track of them all! Sometimes friends and family would ask whether I was holding up, working over the summer break and all. But honestly, it never really felt like work and I’d do it all again in a heartbeat!