How to use your experience for a standout job application

Many of us don't know how to write a pitch for a job. Many of us are hesitant to sell ourselves during interviews. Your application can stand out if you gather relevant experience and present it well.

Sophie Pender (26 years old) was one of the lucky ones. She clearly remembers the moment she signed a training contract with Herbert Smith Freehills. "It was my mom's birthday. I recall getting the call and almost choking on meatballs!" She saw the news in reward for her'so much effort' and'so many hours'.

According to recruiters, a great application must be error-free, precise and personal. You should have an understanding of the organization you are applying to and the job requirements. Then, you can use your knowledge to personalize your application.

Pender is currently working at London law firm Bates Wells. She says that she wanted to study law when she was 16, but was discouraged by a friend who told her that there were not many jobs available. Pender studied English at the University of Bristol, but was then accepted onto a Herbert Smith Freehills legal training program. It began with a two year law conversion course.

She was able to show skills like conflict resolution and customer service, which she learned while working part-time at McDonald's as well as at John Lewis department store. Pender says that law is about providing customer service and making things easy for clients to understand. "I believe that working in sales really helped.

Employers recommend taking a step back and connecting the dots to see where you can make a difference. Toby Horner, Clifford Chance's early talent acquisition manager, said that competitive candidates can demonstrate the impact they have had at work and in their extracurricular activities.

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Pender founded, for instance, the 93% Club at University, a network that aims improve social mobility for students in state schools. Although this was difficult to manage alongside work, she learned to prioritize and coordinate with others.

Horner says that you can also look for internships, insight days and holiday programs offered by companies or charities to help you gain an extra edge and better understand what it takes to work in a specific industry.

The Social Mobility Business Partnership gives 16-18-year-olds with low incomes the opportunity to take part in a week-long program that includes visits to offices such as Microsoft and BBC, and participation in a resilience workshop at a professional sport club.

Muhammad Gangat (26 years old) says that he was exposed to many aspects of the legal profession by spending time with Landsec's legal team. "I thought, wow! Every day is so different and I clearly learn so much. That was when I realized I wanted to become a lawyer. Now, he is a trainee at Hogan Lovells, a London law firm.

Gangat advises that you should never turn down an opportunity. Gangat worked part-time at a warehouse during sixth form, and was also a tutor teacher at university. "Seek part-time employment, find a hobby, learn a language, or reach out to local businesses in order to gain some work experience.

You might even consider looking for opportunities overseas. Lucy Miller, 25, is a policy officer at Human Rights Consortium Scotland. She spent a year in Sydney, Australia as part of her University of Glasgow degree. She worked in a call center and as a research assistant. Additionally, she interned at a charity.

Part-time work is possible. You can also learn a skill or a language.

Muhammad Gangat

She says, "Experience gave my a sense of the role I should be seeking." Miller originally wanted to be a journalist covering human right's issues. However, she discovered that she can engage in policy and public relations by learning skills in Sydney.

It can be overwhelming to think of all the things you need to do. Ask LinkedIn professionals for their advice about working in a particular field. Gaelle Blake is the head of permanent appointments at Hays UK and Ireland.

Anoushka Dossa is the director of intern recruitment at Creative Access. She says that it's better to apply for every job you see than to try to fill every position. Creative Access provides career support and has access to the UK's creative industries. "Consider your earnings, benefits, and corporate social responsibility -- all of the things that matter to you.

When writing a cover letter, recruiters recommend that you include relevant experience. Blake says that applicants should be professional but also show the candidate's personality.

It is helpful to keep track of your accomplishments. Gangat has, for example, a notebook that spans nearly a decade. It lists his work experience and the projects he's been involved in.

Horner advises anyone who is worried about lack of experience to remember this: "Reflect on your past experiences and consider how you can put it together in a compelling way."