This session featured Ross MacGregor, interview and application strategist and former lawyer at Linklaters and Akin Gump. MacGregor shared practical, experience-driven insights on how candidates can strengthen legal CVs and cover letters to stand out in an increasingly competitive market.

Reframing the CV: From Checklist to Sales Pitch

MacGregor challenged the common misconception that a CV is an administrative record of tasks. Instead, he positioned it as both a sales document and a strategic tool, your “ticket to interview” and a “map” for the interviewer. The core issue he highlighted is what he termed the process versus value trap: candidates describe what they did, rather than the impact they had.

He demonstrated this through examples, contrasting generic descriptions (e.g., “managed society budget”) with high-impact statements that quantify outcomes (e.g., “managed a £5,000 budget, secured sponsorships and achieved a 20% surplus”). The key principle: recruiters should never have to infer your value; you must make it explicit.

Evidence Over Assertion

A recurring theme was the importance of evidence. Rather than listing skills such as “strong communicator” or “good under pressure”, candidates should demonstrate these through concrete examples. Metrics, outcomes, and specific contributions build credibility and differentiate applications.

MacGregor also advised maintaining an up-to-date CV throughout one’s career. Capturing achievements in real time prevents valuable examples from being lost and ensures stronger applications when opportunities arise.

Striking the Right Tone: Confidence Without Overstatement

Addressing concerns around appearing overly self-promotional, MacGregor emphasised that clearly stating genuine achievements is not “showing off”, it is simply communicating value. The risk lies not in confidence but in exaggeration that cannot be substantiated under interview scrutiny.

Cover Letters and Applications: Tailoring as a Non-Negotiable

Turning to cover letters and application forms, MacGregor stressed that generic submissions are one of the most common and damaging mistakes. A simple test: if the firm’s name can be swapped out without altering the content, the application is too generic.

Strong applications must:

• Be tailored to the specific firm and role
• Clearly answer “why this firm” and “why this role.”
• Connect personal motivations to the firm’s work in a meaningful way

He encouraged candidates to move beyond surface-level statements (“top-tier firm”) and articulate intrinsic motivations, such as interest in complex problem-solving or international work, which resonate on a human level.

Using AI Effectively

MacGregor acknowledged the growing role of AI in applications but drew a clear distinction between delegation and augmentation. While AI can enhance clarity, structure, and accuracy, it should not replace original thinking.

Best use cases include:

• Critiquing drafts
• Identifying gaps or inconsistencies
• Improving clarity and polish

Relying on AI to generate applications risks producing generic content and undermining performance at the interview, where depth of understanding is tested.

Attention to Detail: A Critical Differentiator

In a profession defined by precision, small formatting inconsistencies, such as inconsistent punctuation or styling, can undermine credibility. MacGregor stressed that consistency matters more than stylistic preference; a flawless, consistent document signals professionalism and care.

Standing Out in a Competitive Market

With thousands of applicants competing for limited roles, MacGregor advised candidates not to be discouraged by headline statistics. Many applications are not competitive; the focus should be on strengthening one’s own profile.

He also highlighted the value of individuality. Experiences outside traditional legal pathways, such as part-time jobs, extracurricular roles, or unique interests, can provide compelling stories that demonstrate transferable skills and personality.

Ultimately, successful applications are those that combine:

• Clear evidence of impact
• Tailored, thoughtful positioning
• Strong attention to detail
• Authentic personality

These elements not only secure interviews but also provide a foundation for strong interview performance.