Applications - Mary Rose's top tips

A C.V. will automatically go in the bin if there is just one mistake in spelling or grammar. Don't rely on doing it yourself - get someone else to check it for you. You must think of securing a training contract as a race - you won't get to the starting post if your application isn't absolutely perfect.

Tailor applications to the firm you are applying to. Consult their website and find out all about the kind of practice and the work they do. Many applicants to Schofield Sweeney waste their time by seeking something in criminal law.

Find out before you post the letter who to send it to. Phone the firm and ask where to send a training contract application. Ask the receptionist for more information on the firm - they may be very helpful.

If you have any practical experience work out what the firm is looking for and put some spin on it. Never send out the same C.V. twice.

If you are going for a management post, always increase the emphasis on skills rather than legal knowledge. You should be stressing IT, communication, finance, advocacy et cetera.

Make yourself relevant to the job you are going for. You will learn to do this by trial and error. Once you start getting experience you will find that although you need the qualifications to get in the door, they become less important than what you have done with them.

Interviews - Mary Rose's advice

Interviews are all about practice. Go to interviews for jobs you do not want for the practice. Role play to perfect your technique. This will reduce your nerves.

Always attend an interview armed with questions about the organisation and the job. By devising questions you will think of other things about the firm which will enable you to respond better to questions you are asked.

Remember the interviewer may not be skilled either!

You may be asked what you think is the most important quality for being a solicitor is. Integrity is paramount, although a sense of humour is also important.