Blake Dawson is utilising Skype in its national clerkship recruitment process to enable candidates to learn more about the firm, to build their professional network and to have some one-on-one time with a lawyer from the particular practice group they're interested in.

"This is part of our general approach in trying to make ourselves more accessible to our candidates across the board; to lift the curtain and see what it's really like to be here," explained Blake Dawson social media strategist Kelly O'Shaughnessy.

Providing optional Skype sessions between the first and second-round interviews, candidates will not be formally assessed for participation, but rather will be afforded a deeper insight into life at the firm through an informal, 'face-to-face' conversation.

"We decided we wanted to give our candidates different options on how they can communicate with us. We know that using technologies like Skype just makes that a bit easier for people who can't come into our face-to-face functions that we hold," said O'Shaughnessy.

"We do it for a short period of time so it's a very informal scenario. It's about people asking our partners and lawyers general questions about what it's like to be at the firm. It's more about the experience of being employed here, rather than interview questions or anything too serious."

According to O'Shaughnessy, the Skype initiative has received positive feedback both from the candidates and the lawyers involved.

"Candidates [said] how easy it was and how they felt comfortable to ask those questions because they're in their own environment," said O'Shaughnessy.

"It obviously doesn't take as much time out of our lawyers' days to jump on a quick Skype chat. It's nice and speedy but also engaging. It's better than a phone call because you're able to engage more."