* A vacation scheme doubles your chances of being taken on as a trainee — assuming you make a reasonable impression. The most common way to blow it? Poor timekeeping.

* It is usually pretty obvious when an application form has been rushed. A personal statement we received recently began: “I’m the kind of guy who does things because they feel right at the time.” Not the kind of guy we invite for interview.

* Let the facts speak for themselves. “I have done X, therefore it demonstrates that I have amazing Y.” It is quite a wearying formula. Recruiters are capable of drawing inferences.

* Demonstrate a passing interest in business. If reading the Times business pages and FT induces drowsiness, the job’s probably not for you.

* Ladies: favour modest attire. When female candidates sit down at interview, there isn’t always as much coverage as would be ideal, shall we say.

* Men: go easy on the after shave.

* Abandon spontaneity at your peril. Sometimes you can almost hear the wheels whirring in the candidate’s head: which of my preprepared sentences demonstrating what a wonderful person I am can I drop in here?

* Think of some questions for the panel. In advance. That aren’t dealt with in the brochure. Asking why the partner interviewing you decided to join the firm is usually a good bet.

* We don’t google people. Or vet Facebook profile photos. We always verify academic results, though.

* Be yourself. Hardly original, I know, but it’s the best piece of advice around.

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