Confused as to why I suddenly have no success with applications despite previous success

Hi all,

Looking for some insight. I'm confused as to why I've gone from having quite promising success with applications to suddenly multiple first stage rejections.

For context, I have a RG LLB 1st (2024) with a few top of year prizes; 18 months experience as a paralegal.

Last cycle, I had success. One application turned into a vacation scheme, another a MC final stage interview. Bearing in mind I only did three applications (for personal reasons) I felt that with a bit of hard work I'd get somewhere this time.

However, this cycle - nothing. After applying to 15 firms, I'm getting rejected much earlier than before. And even before the WG tests sometimes. Very confused as to what is happening. Especially because since last cycle I've done lots of volunteering for legal clinic and some Free Representation Unit work.

Scrambling for potential reasons. I understand that the competition is tough but pre-WG rejections seem strange.

Some of the top of my head are:

1. Motivation for a city career? I've applied to commercial firms; however, my charity volunteering and uni modules focus on family and employment. I personally don't think this suggests I would be a worse city lawyer. But I realise this isn't the usual commercial profile. Particularly I am worried that my FRU experience is sending the wrong message.

2. AI? I don't particularly use AI but sometimes I'll accept an edit on a badly written sentence. I also use em-dashes (because I like them) and I fear that's maybe sending out a false positive?

3. Just too old? Having graduated uni almost two years ago, maybe I'm seen as past-it? Especially with a vacation scheme last cycle and no TC?

Any suggestions would be very welcome as I feel stuck and confused.