Not Just Another CV: Advice from a Leading Law Firm Recruiter

^{We've all been there—staring at a Word doc, wondering how to make your CV sound humble and impressive. Should you really list that Matric prefect badge again?}

^{So, when I had the chance to sit down with Kekeletso Sebakeng—a recruiter at one of the most competitive law firms (yes, that top-tier)—I wasn’t interested in the polished brochure version. I wanted the unfiltered take.}

^{Here’s what I learned when I stopped overthinking and started listening:}

1. The Biggest Misconception About Recruiters

^{“They think we don’t have souls,” Kekeletso laughed. (Relief.)}

^{But behind the humour lies a common misconception: many students believe recruiters see them as just another CV in a sea of Helvetica. He debunks this with ease: “I do remember people. I care deeply about young talent, especially because I came from a less privileged background.”}

^{Before entering the legal recruitment world, Kekeletso was in the shoes of many students, navigating spaces that weren’t built for him. He worked his way up by being authentic and persistent. Now, that same empathy shapes how he sees candidates: not just as applications but as people with potential.}

^{“I see myself in them,” he told me. “I know what it’s like to want something and not know how to get there.”}

2. What Top Law Firms Really Want (and What They Don’t)

There’s No Such Thing as a “Perfect Candidate”

^{“If perfect candidate attorneys existed, we would have hired them already,” Kekeletso says matter-of-factly. “We want to see that you have the basics,” he said. “But more importantly, we want to know you’re teachable, curious, and resilient.” In other words, they’re not hiring robots but investing in mindset.}

^{So if you're agonising over whether your application is flawless, stop. Instead, ask yourself: Have I shown I’m willing to grow? That’s what counts.}

Your “Why” Is Your Anchor—Know It

^{When things get tough (and they will), your “why” gets you through the late nights and steep learning curves.}

^{“We work in a fast-paced environment,” he says. “Your ‘why’ is your internal compass. It gives you direction when the work gets hard and shows us that you’re here for the right reasons.”}

^{And no, saying “I’ve always wanted to be a lawyer since I watched Suits” doesn’t count. Think deeper. Did a specific case move you? Do you care about a particular cause? Have you always loved solving problems? Make it personal, because that's what makes it real.}

Commercial Awareness: It’s Not Just for the Interview

^{Kekeletso put it plainly: “You say you want to do corporate law, but you haven’t read a single deal in the news?”}

^{Here’s the truth: if you’re aiming for commercial law, you can’t afford to be commercially clueless. The best candidates don’t wait to be taught how to care. They’re already tuned in. They follow the market. They know the firm’s biggest clients. They’ve looked at recent matters and asked themselves, “If I worked on this, what would I need to know?”}

^{“You don’t need to be an expert,” he said. “But you do need to show effort.”}

^{So if you're aiming for corporate law and “mergers” still sound like a dating app feature, you've got homework to do.}

3. Building a Strong Application

CV Tips: Don’t Downplay the Hustle

^{Everyone has heard it: “I’m a hard worker.” But Kekeletso’s heard it enough to know it doesn’t mean much unless backed up by action.}

^{“One of our candidates once worked at Pick n Pay while studying, and got excellent marks. That told us everything we needed to know about their grit.” It’s not about whether your experience is ‘legal’—it’s about whether it shows resilience, reliability, or leadership. And let’s be honest: juggling shifts, studies, and staying sane? That’s the kind of pressure top firms understand.}

^{And while we’re myth-busting: your CV doesn’t have to be one page. If you’ve put in the work, let it show. Just keep it clear, well-structured, and purposeful. Every line should add weight to your narrative.}

Cover Letters That Actually Cover Something

^{Once your CV sets the stage, your cover letter brings the story to life.}

^{“Too many students copy and paste what’s already on their CV. That’s a missed opportunity,” he warned. “Use your cover letter to connect the dots—why this firm, why you, and what you bring beyond the bullet points.}

^{And yes—if you're applying to a top firm, tailor your answers. “We can tell when you’re sending the same thing to everyone,” he said with a smile that very much read: don’t do it.}

4. The Importance of Authenticity

There Are No Bonus Points for Pretending

^{This came up when I asked him about psychometric tests. “Some students try to answer based on what they think we want to hear,” he said. “But we’re not testing how clever you are. We’re trying to understand how you think.”}

^{The best thing you can do? Be honest. Be yourself. If the person who shows up at the interview doesn’t match the results, that’s a red flag. Authenticity > performance.}

Smart Networking Starts Before the Handshake

^{Networking isn’t just about swapping LinkedIn connections; it’s about building genuine relationships. Kekeletso urges students to start networking early, because those right connections often evolve into the mentors or partners you need.}

^{Do your homework: look up the people you’ll be meeting. See if they’ve shared an article, spoken at an event, or have expertise in an area that interests you. When you enter a conversation with knowledge about their work, you immediately step up your game.}

^{And please, don’t ask the generic “What do you like about your job?” Try something like, “What made you choose this firm over the others?” or “I saw your team worked on the XYZ deal—what was the trickiest part?” Thoughtful questions signal genuine curiosity and respect for their time.}

^{Don’t underestimate the impact of a short follow-up message. “Thanks for your time. I enjoyed hearing about [X].” It might sound simple, but it’s a small gesture that could open the door to mentorship.}

5. Final Words of Wisdom

^{As someone who once Googled “How to not sound desperate in a law firm interview” (no comment), I found this conversation grounding and galvanising. It turns out, the best way to stand out isn’t by being perfect—it’s by being prepared, present, and purpose-driven.}

^{So, next time you see a recruiter at a firm event, maybe don’t lead with, “What’s the salary?” Instead, offer to carry a box and say: “Hi, I’m applying this year and’d love some advice.”}

^{Now that’s how you start a conversation. Just ask Kekeletso Sebakeng.}