SKILL ROADMAP 25 · PRACTICAL CAREER SKILLS
Job Application Roadmap
Target → Hiring routes → CV → Writing sample → Applications → Tracking → Formal requirements
Track your progress
- This roadmap has 6 steps, 4 checkpoints and 1 projects.
- Open the interactive version to tick checkpoints and projects. Your progress is saved in your browser.
1 What this path is
This roadmap takes you through applying for your first legal job, from deciding your target to completing the formal steps.
2 Who this path may suit
Students in their final years and recent graduates.
3 The roadmap, step by step
- Decide your target.
Learn: what kind of role you want, whether a chamber, firm, company, judicial or government post, research or further study.
Practise: by writing down your first and second choice. - Understand hiring routes.
Learn: how each route hires. Firms often hire through internships and campus recruitment, chambers through internships and contacts, companies through applications and referrals, and government and judicial posts through exams with their own eligibility rules. Check the latest official notification for any exam.
Practise: by mapping how your target employers have hired in recent years. - Prepare your CV.
Learn: to write a clear one or two page CV that leads with your most relevant work.
Practise: by tailoring your CV for each type of role. - Prepare a writing sample and cover letter.
Learn: to choose a short, polished sample relevant to the role.
Practise: by writing a tailored cover letter for each application. - Apply and track.
Learn: to apply widely and keep a tracker of dates and follow ups.
Practise: by maintaining a simple spreadsheet of applications. - Complete formal requirements.
Learn: the enrolment and examination requirements for your path, such as State Bar Council enrolment and the All India Bar Examination for practice.
Practise: by keeping your documents ready and checking official notifications.
4 Your levels and checkpoints
Ready to apply
- Clear target and tailored CV
- Writing sample ready
Applying
- Application tracker in use
- Applications sent to a sensible range of employers
These checklists are for honest self assessment. They are not an official certification.
5 Build these projects
- A tailored CV for each target role and a strong writing sample
6 Internship direction
Your final internships are often your strongest route to a job. Treat them as long interviews.
7 Portfolio evidence
CV versions, writing samples and recommendation letters.
8 Common mistakes
- Sending the same generic CV everywhere
- Depending on a single opportunity
9 Go deeper
Internship Guidebook and the Portfolio Roadmap