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Hints and tips

We’ve put together a few pointers that should help you to make a strong application, and to prepare for your interview and assessment day if you move on to the next stages.

A chance to show what you can bring

Your application is an opportunity to show how you think, what drives you and how you could contribute to a high-performing firm like ours. We are looking for individuals who demonstrate the following attributes:

  • Commercial awareness: Understanding the business and legal market developments through regular news engagement.
  • Professional communication: Providing clear, concise, and structured communication, both written and verbal
  • Personal effectiveness: Managing time effectively, problem-solving and showing resilience.
  • Drive for achievement: Demonstrating motivation through academic, work or voluntary commitments.
  • Teamwork and relationship-building: Collaborating effectively with others.
  • Innovative mindset: Showing genuine curiosity about new technology and ways of working.

Writing a strong application

A strong application is clear, considered and focused. It should show that you have researched CMS, understand the opportunity and can explain why this route is right for you. We want to see evidence of your motivation, judgement and ability to learn – as well as the potential to contribute to teams that deliver high-quality work for clients.

Be clear and precise

Use concise, professional language and make every answer purposeful. High-performing applications are easy to follow and focused on the question asked.

Tailor your response

Avoid generic answers. Show that you understand CMS, our clients, our sectors and the programme you are applying for.

Use evidence

Choose examples that demonstrate impact, resilience, collaboration, problem-solving and learning. Explain what you did, why it mattered and what you took from the experience.

Show ownership

Take responsibility for the quality of your application. Review your spelling, grammar and structure carefully before submitting.

Prepare early

Give yourself time to reflect, refine and improve. A thoughtful application shows discipline, self-awareness and commitment.

Perfecting the video interview

Your video interview is not just a professional assessment – it is a chance to showcase your personality and suitability for the role. To make the most of this opportunity, we recommend that you:

  • Test your camera, microphone and internet connection before you start.
  • Choose a quiet, well-lit space where you can concentrate.
  • Keep prompts brief so your answers remain natural and focused.
  • Structure your response, answer the question directly and keep to time.
  • Use each answer to show how you think, what you have learned and the contribution you could make.

Preparing for assessment days

If you are invited to an assessment day, preparation is key. Understand the programme, the assessment format and the behaviours we are likely to explore. Think about examples that show how you work with others, respond to challenge, solve problems and learn from feedback. We are looking for potential, but we also want to see focus, professionalism and a genuine commitment to performing at your best.

Understand CMS

Be ready to explain why CMS, why this programme and why now. Connect your motivation to our work, clients, sectors and culture.

Know your application

Be prepared to discuss your experiences, choices and motivations in more detail. Your answers should feel authentic and well considered.

Use strong examples

Prepare examples that demonstrate impact, teamwork, resilience, curiosity and sound judgement.

Think commercially

When discussing current issues, show that you can analyse the implications and consider what they might mean for clients.

Stay composed

Listen carefully, structure your response and take a moment to think if you need to. We are interested in how you approach the question, not just the final answer.

Building commercial awareness

Commercial awareness is about understanding the environment in which CMS and our clients operate. Follow business, legal and sector developments, but go beyond knowing the headlines. Think about what a development means, who it affects and how it could create challenges or opportunities for clients. Strong candidates can connect wider market trends to CMS’s work and explain their thinking clearly.

When researching commercial topics, focus on areas that genuinely interest you rather than trying to learn everything. Interviewers are less interested in hearing a rehearsed summary of the latest news story and more interested in understanding your perspective. Be curious, ask questions, and think critically about why an issue matters. A genuine interest in business, clients and the wider market will help you develop more meaningful insights and have more authentic conversations during the recruitment process.

Using AI in your application

We recognise that AI can be a useful tool and encourage its responsible use for activities such as research and proofreading. However, your application should reflect your own experiences, motivations and achievements. We want to get to know the real you, so please ensure that any answers you submit are your own authentic work and are not generated by AI.

Final advice

The strongest candidates combine preparation with authenticity. Show us that you are motivated, commercially aware, willing to learn and ready to contribute to a collaborative, high-performing environment. Take ownership of each stage, reflect on your experiences and use the process to demonstrate the future-facing mindset we value at CMS.

FAQs

If you have a question about applying or our selection process, check the FAQs – there’s a good chance it’s covered.

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