Davitt Jones Bould, the largest specialist real estate law firm in the UK, have opened their Undergraduate Placement applications. They have written for us about their placement opportunities and provided some application advice too.
The placement is truly like no other as we deliberately don’t put you through a structured programme. Instead, you will be working in line with the real-time demands of the business, giving you experience of what running a business is really like.
You will work directly with a talented team of Davitt Jones Bould people, including colleagues in the Business Services Centre, lawyers based all over the UK and Davitt Jones Bould’s leadership team. You will be given responsibility straightaway for a wide range of tasks – some will play to your strengths, and some will challenge you to learn new skills.
You will be provided with dedicated on the job mentoring and training, as well as access to Davitt Jones Bould’s wider training programmes and courses.
Our current Undergraduate Placement student, Daniel Adams, shares his top tips on how to ace your applications:
During my university years, like many students, I dedicated significant time to applying for internships and placements. Through a mix of successes and setbacks, I gained valuable insights into what truly works in the application process and what pitfalls to avoid. I have spoken with hiring managers at many large corporations and compiled a list of what I have learnt to help you with your applications.
Cover letters
The first stage of any placement application process is an online application consisting of a CV and Cover Letter. This is the stage where most people will be rejected. Although it seems simple, an attractive CV and appealing cover letter are harder to get right than you’d expect.
The key to excelling at this stage is to imagine you’re the recruiter who is assessing your application; it’s essential to consider what they would be looking out for, and what would impress them.
Writing cover letters can feel daunting, but it’s worth the effort – 94% of hiring managers say cover letters influence their decision-making, and 83% of hiring managers read the majority of cover letters they receive. This shows the importance that cover letters hold.
The most effective advice I could give for this is to show your research and interest. Research the company, specifically their core values, ambitions, missions and beliefs, and find a way to link this to yourself. Referencing this and showing how your personal values align is essential. This shows commitment and enthusiasm as well as indicating that your skills connect to their needs. Going this extra mile effectively helps you stand out and reflects initiative and proactivity.
Other cover letter tips
- Include a professional opening: This demonstrates professionalism and establishes a positive reaction. Try to refer to the hiring manager by name.
- Use the correct formatting: This shows an attention to detail and keeps the cover letter looking clean. It also ensures key points aren’t missed.
- Show enthusiasm for the industry: This indicates that you genuinely have a passion for the industry, and you aren’t just applying for any job you find.
- Stick to 2 to 3 paragraphs: Concise cover letters respect the hiring managers time and helps to stay focused without overwhelming them.
- Use a professional sign-off: Ending on a respectful note leaves a lasting impression of professionalism and responsibility.
The placement application process is challenging, but with preparation, professionalism, and the right mindset, you can succeed at every stage.
The most important advice is to do your research, maintain professionalism; and consider how things look from the recruiter’s perspective.
Stay in touch with Davitt Jones Bould
This blog is part of a series written by Daniel. Here is his first post about CVs.
Further advice from the Careers Service
Get more support with your cover letter on the Careers Service website.
If you have any questions writing your application, interviews, assessment centres or anything else relating to careers, you can speak to us on live chat, or pop in to 5 Tyndall Avenue.
Small Business, Big Opportunity (SBBO)
SBBO is a new event series which will be running across the year which gives students the chance to meet local small to medium enterprises and network/secure future employment.
There is so much value in working for a smaller organisation and you can gain and develop so many skills which will kickstart your career. By going to these events, you can meet with smaller employers like Davitt Jones Bould, ask questions and find out more about the sector you wish to enter.
Look our for SBBO events on mycareer – there will be panels and presentations throughout the year.