Drafting #pupillageapplications is a continuous learning process. Each time you approach a new app you get a little better at it.

To help that process, here's a thread of all I learned in my application process. At the bottom are as many other threads as I could add. 1/lots
1️⃣ Selection criteria
At all times bear in mind this criteria. Some sets publish theirs, if a set hasn't, think logically about what it might be.
Every time you make a point/answer a qs, ask yourself: have I demonstrated at least 1 of the marking criteria? If not, redraft. 2/X
For a generic crime #pupillage*, it's likely intellect/analysis, advocacy, interest in/commitment to the bar and Chambers' core practice area(s), tertiary competencies (determination, hard work, written advocacy, holds under pressure etc).
*Other practice areas may vary 3/X
🌟TOP TIP🌟
Demonstrate you know the key competencies required and the specific situations they're needed in. Marks for criteria AND for showing you fully understand the practicalities of the job.
Eg empathy: obtained in X role, will assist in con's with vulnerable clients. 4/X
Think about your top achievements and make sure those are front and centre in Every application.
Top marks in a module/assessment/degree? Advocacy award/prize? First place in a (relevant) competition? Get it on your application. This is not the time for modesty!!
5/X
Don't forget to maximise the employment history section to demonstrate all your competencies.
Bar work = great! 🍻
Long hours on your feet, difficult customers, need for professionalism and courtesy 24/7... sounds familiar! All transferable skills to show off on your app. 6/X
2️⃣ Unique Selling Point
You need to decide on this BEFORE you start writing. What is it that you have that no other applicant has?
AND why does this make You the applicant the panel should interview? It may be an exp, interest, or skill. It just needs to make you stand out. 7/X
3️⃣ Proof readers/2nd opinions
This is an important balancing act. It's about adding finesse to your application and refining Your Authentic Voice. This exercise should not result in material changes to your narrative nor the personality you are expressing. 8/X
Friends/family make great proof readers but from experience don't let them get carried away with the sometimes dangerous 'if it were me...' comments, it's YOUR application, not theirs.
Mentors/barrister friends can help with phraseology/specific legal content and structure. 9/X
4️⃣ The "right tone"
Lots of us struggle with bigging up our achievements and fear being arrogant. I've found that if you are worried about this, you are likely quite far from that particular fine line so you can give yourself some healthy leeway on this issue. 10/X
🌟 TOP TIP 2 🌟
If you struggle with this, I recommend applying for a set you consider out of your reach. As its 'only a speculative app', your brain will allow you not to get too hung up on tone + be a little more bold. This top content can then be copied to other apps. 11/X
🌟 TOP TIP 3 🌟
Draft the toughest (inc speculative) apps first. You will be forced to be your best draftsman on tighter word limits. You can then repurpose (and if necessary expand on) or improve on these superbly drafted answers in other applications. 12/X
5️⃣ Copy + Paste
Once you have perfected an answer/work history, stop ⛔
Copy and paste perfected phrases to new apps, if you are repeating yourself cut something/reformulate it, if you haven't mentioned it then add it. Only expand an answer if Absolutely necessary. 13/X
6️⃣ Concision/repetition
Your application is your principle evidence in your drafting skills, so it should be flawless.
Good drafting is concise. Repetition is a cardinal sin. If you say something well, you need only say it once.
Remember they are word LIMITS not goalposts. 14/X
7️⃣ SPAG
Spelling Punctuation And Grammar.
See above for evidence of drafting skills. Do you want panels to think your best drafting is a piece littered with typos, missing words, and poor punctuation? Certainly not. Here is where proof readers really come into their own. 16/X
8️⃣ Where to apply
You can't apply everywhere, so refine your list according to criteria that matter to you. Eg location, commitment to outreach schemes, support for/engagement in diversity groups, more Def/Pros work, field leaders on certain legal areas of interest to you. 17/X
9️⃣Pace yourself
The pupillage season is a long one. The 6 week app window is an endurance race not a sprint. Apps take time to perfect, so use the time well. Drafting gets a little quicker as you go, but you can't hope to wow a panel on a rushed application! 18/X
There are plenty of other brilliant and insightful people who have shared their thoughts and experiences too, some of which I share below (before I hit the thread limit 🙄). Good luck all 🤞
For all matters pupillage visit http://pupillageandhowtogetit.com  and listen to @pupillagepodca1
Pupillage and how to get it

Does what it says on the tin - 2nd Edition

http://pupillageandhowtogetit.com
As always, if something is worth saying, you can bet @Joanna__Hardy has found the perfect words. Her unmissable thread here: https://twitter.com/Joanna__Hardy/status/1212744943061655553?s=19
Clear and important advice from @MayersSpeaks: https://twitter.com/MayersSpeaks/status/1332725786235850753?s=19
At this time of year, @Pupillages pupillage selection report is a must read: https://twitter.com/Pupillages/status/1329394921153982467?s=19
For a special insight to family law (although lots of it is equally applicable to other areas), see @AdBassam 's thread here: https://twitter.com/AdBassam/status/1333402869974884353?s=19
For excellent advice And gifs then @jackharrison is your guy: https://twitter.com/jackharrison/status/1333417919104098309?s=19
A super looking resource linked by @mequissa here: https://twitter.com/mequissa/status/1341711887583633410?s=19
An advice double bill from @GeorgiaRich_Bar: https://twitter.com/GeorgiaRich_Bar/status/1332338349143715844?s=19 https://twitter.com/GeorgiaRich_Bar/status/1272952624300556290?s=19
@emmaleechristie
Advises the use of caution with 2nd/3rd/4th etc opinions! Take note. https://twitter.com/emmaleechristie/status/1332782352876118016?s=19
I will continue to add more content as and when I find it/its brought to my attention like this helpful approach to apps from @BATTHEBAR https://twitter.com/BATTHEBAR/status/1343846715527458817?s=19
For upcoming live events on pupillage applications and more see https://twitter.com/innertemplesa/status/1343906686617219075?s=19
Not relating to content per se, but @LaFaouzElla raises something crucial to the process: BELIEVE IN YOURSELF. Applying is daunting but it can be an excellent exercise in achievement acknowledgment. Use your success to inspire your best ever application! https://twitter.com/LaFaouzElla/status/1345730212710014976?s=19
Application checking services being provided by @lincolnsinn among others. Applicants keep your eyes open for ALL available opportunities this month, it is imperative you maximise the use of all the help on offer. It is all done for your benefit. https://twitter.com/lincolnsinn/status/1347488760787849217?s=20
More application help, as coordinated by @SCynic1
You need to email [email protected] on Friday 15th January at 9am and by Saturday 23rd January 2021 at 11.55pm at the latest.
More info here https://twitter.com/SCynic1/status/1347525275056271360?s=19
Another brilliant thread that has come to light this week is this one: https://twitter.com/JohnMcNamara_/status/1346169772975783938?s=19
Another super offer from @ThemisWomen for application reviews. See the thread for details of how to apply. https://twitter.com/ThemisWomen/status/1347962287089471494?s=19
This @KalisherTrust event is not to be missed. I attended a similar event 2 years ago and it was invaluable! https://twitter.com/KalisherTrust/status/1349372141096067072?s=20
More top tips in this Themis thread https://twitter.com/ThemisWomen/status/1351468378867851264?s=19
New kid on the block @pupillageB worth a follow for all you pupillage hopefuls https://twitter.com/PupillageB/status/1355800303216570372?s=19
Still some great advice making the rounds. Here's another excellent thread, this time from @HudaSMMusa https://twitter.com/HudaSMMusa/status/1356537981889314821?s=20
You can follow @anoushkatwining.
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