Over the last few months, there have been quite a few comments posted in response to my search for a pupillage. Some have empathised with my plight. Others have told me to stop whingeing and pull myself together. And a couple (that I wrote under false names) have gushed unreserved praise.

It’s comforting to know that there are people out there who also sometimes feel like they are getting worse with each interview. And it’s been interesting to read the advice that has been offered. While I’m not sure about the wisdom of suggestions that I sign up for yet more further education and work experience - surely it’s possible to do too much as well as too little - some of the tips look pretty useful.

Schmooze

One former barrister wrote: “All you need are connections and you will see how easy it is to get a job.” Recently BabyBarista advised aspiring pupils to engineer "coincidental" pre-interview meetings with pupillage committee members, which could be difficult to pull off though I get the idea. Find some kind of link. Network.

Previously, when I’ve met barristers during mini-pupillages or through paralegal work, I’ve played it pretty cool. But in these increasingly desperate times I can see that I need to be a bit more Victoria Beckham.

Accordingly, we've started a Facebook group for Times Law readers called "The Common Law" that will hopefully enable us all to share a few contacts. Check it out. Everyone is very welcome to join, especially all you leading QCs out there!

Chill out

A successful applicant posted the following sage advice: “I found that the barristers warmed to me far more when I was not trying to impress them with law/big words/flash suits. Just be yourself and let your personality shine through!” It’s just that I appear to be unable to act normally when faced with six snarling (or even sympathetic-looking) barristers. Frustratingly, I’ve found the rabbit-in-headlights style of a footballer speaking to the press comes remarkably naturally in such situations.

So, having explained how “110 per cent gutted” I am about movements towards extending the detention period without charge to 90 days and outlined the way the prospective changes to the Attorney-General’s role have left me “literally over the moon”, I’m faced with another disappointing first round exit.

How do I control my inner John Terry?

‘So, what exactly was it that I did wrong?’

A couple of posts have emphasised the importance of getting feedback from interviews. I must admit, I haven’t always done this. In fact, I’ve only done it once.

For several weeks after each rejection I can’t even face seeing a legal drama on TV, let alone contemplate making contact with the foolish, obviously blind-to-brilliance people who have just knocked me back. However, I can see that it might be time for a change of attitude. Various friends have mentioned receiving thoughtful and candid feedback (along with a few meaningless platitudes) from botched interviews that proved invaluable in their subsequent successes.

So with gritted teeth, I’ve just emailed the head of the pupillage committee from flunked interview number 13.

Get Lady Luck on side

Lots of people have reminded me of the importance of luck. And believe me, I’m doing my best to generate it. The chambers that I apply to are now selected according to Saturn’s aspect to Mars, and in the lead up to interviews I’m more superstitious than most witches. Surely a break is on its way . . .

Hopefully putting into action the various pieces of advice is going to land me something soon. In the meantime, I’ll keep reminding myself of Churchill’s inspirational line (as quoted by Thomas from Yorkshire in his post): "Never never never give up."

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