Strong grades may open the door, but they're rarely the only thing that determines who secures a training contract. In this session, we'll explore the qualities, skills and behaviours that help candidates stand out throughout the recruitment process, from commercial awareness and resilience to leadership, initiative and self-reflection. Our panellists will discuss what separates a good application from an exceptional one, challenge some of the biggest misconceptions about law firm recruitment, and share practical advice on how students can strengthen their applications and develop their potential long before they apply.