Aleisha Murray

This week we're chatting to Aleisha, Director of In-House Legal Recruitment at Beacon Legal UK.

She recruits legal professionals across commerce and financial services.

I reached out to her on LinkedIn to write a piece for this newsletter as she recently hired for an in-house training contract role that attracted more than 600 applications within 48 hours 😱 

I asked if she would share some insights on what makes candidates stand out from the crowd. I hope you find them useful…

“Applications for paralegal roles, legal assistant positions and training contracts continue to rise, creating an increasingly competitive environment for aspiring lawyers. For those navigating this, there are several practical steps that can improve your chances of success: 

✨ Be responsive. If you're actively applying for roles, answer your phone and respond promptly to emails. Opportunities often move quickly, and being available can make a genuine difference. 

✨ Treat every interaction as part of the process. Whether it's a screening call, an email exchange or a first interview, first impressions matter. The strongest candidates consistently demonstrate professionalism, enthusiasm and confidence from the very first conversation. 

✨ Focus on authenticity, not perfection. Hiring managers don't expect flawless answers. They want to understand your motivations, experiences and potential. Aim to have a conversation rather than deliver a rehearsed performance. 

✨ Practise talking about your experiences. The best candidates can explain what they've done, what they've learned and why it matters. Interview preparation with a recruiter, mentor, friend or family member can help you become more comfortable discussing your experiences naturally and confidently. 

✨ Develop your ability to think on your feet. Many candidates prepare extensively for anticipated questions but struggle when conversations take an unexpected turn. Building confidence in unscripted discussions is often what separates good interviews from great ones. 

✨ Reflect on your experiences. In a market where many candidates have strong academics and similar work experience, the ability to articulate what you've learned and how you've grown is a powerful differentiator. 

✨ Demonstrate genuine interest. Candidates who stand out can clearly explain why they are interested in a particular organisation and what genuinely excites them about the profession. 

✨ Remember that your CV is only the starting point. Most of the CVs I reviewed were exceptionally well presented. The candidates who progressed furthest were often those who paired strong credentials with excellent communication skills, self-awareness and a genuine ability to connect with others. 

While the market is challenging, there are opportunities available and the candidates who remain resilient, adaptable and proactive in their approach continue to make positive progress.”

Thank you so much, Aleisha! I think the point about treating every interaction as part of the process is a particularly useful one and is not something we talk about enough. If you're an aspiring lawyer who would like to chat about your individual circumstances, the current landscape or how to position yourself for success, please feel free to reach out to Aleisha on LinkedIn to discuss further.