TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2021-22 (#1)

[Kubed]

I could be wrong but I don't think this is quite right - accuracy is more important than speed, but I've definitely heard of WG tests that have time as a factor

Yep this is correct for some firms, for example although the HSF test is not timed, I think they consider the time taken when scoring.

 

[John Travoni]

I could be wrong but I don't think this is quite right - accuracy is more important than speed, but I've definitely heard of WG tests that have time as a factor

You’ve totally misunderstood what I said. Asil asked whether doing the WG questions would increase your percentile score. I clarified by saying that is not true and the only way you can improve and get the best percentile score is by getting the questions correct. Of course some WGs have a time factor element but the overriding principle still stands, to get the highest percentile score, you need to get as many of the questions correct.
And yes that’s correct. Firms might take other factors into account even there isn’t a time element, such as how long you took but firms who do give you a report with a percentile score, that is based on how many questions you got correct in comparison to the focus group used.

 

[Rob93]

Yep this is correct, for example although the HSF test is not timed, I think they consider the time taken when scoring.

This is what I thought. Again I think accuracy takes primacy, but assuming otherwise equal responses assesors could look at time in terms of overall total time, time taken by section, time taken on individual questions. I imagine getting it right is worth [1] but that multipliers are applied on some scale to reflect speed in some instances.

 

[Rob93]

You’ve totally misunderstood what I said. Asil asked whether doing the WG questions would increase your percentile score. I clarified by saying that is not true and the only way you can improve and get the best percentile score is by getting the questions correct. Of course some WGs have a time factor element but the overriding principle still stands, to get the highest percentile score, you need to get as many of the questions correct.
And yes that’s correct. Firms might take other factors into account even there isn’t a time element, such as how long you took but firms who do give you a report with a percentile score, that is based on how many questions you got correct in comparison to the focus group used.

Yeah I fully agree with the basic premise that improvement principally hinges on higher accuracy. From what I've gathered though - and I am no expert, happy to be corrected - otherwise identical scores could be differentiated in percentile terms by a time consideration.

 

[anon123456789]

Yes - I got a reply on January 15th after doing the Watson Glaser

Was this an invite to interview?

 

[Rob93]

You’ve totally misunderstood what I said. Asil asked whether doing the WG questions would increase your percentile score. I clarified by saying that is not true and the only way you can improve and get the best percentile score is by getting the questions correct. Of course some WGs have a time factor element but the overriding principle still stands, to get the highest percentile score, you need to get as many of the questions correct.
And yes that’s correct. Firms might take other factors into account even there isn’t a time element, such as how long you took but firms who do give you a report with a percentile score, that is based on how many questions you got correct in comparison to the focus group used.

Not trying to start a row with you but I did fully understand your original point, I've offered a series of qualified comments on your broadly correct post. You're mostly right, I'm not looking for a scrap, but time can and does factor in.

 

[MartineA]

I didn’t really prepare for it. SJTs are quite simple to complete. As long as you’re honest with your answers, you’ll be fine.

OK great thanks

 

[S87]

So in the end what’s a good percentile? I believe that accuracy and speed play a big role although not with the same value.

 

[Donuttime]

So in the end what’s a good percentile? I believe that accuracy and speed play a big role although not with the same value.

I think it depends on the firm. Some value speed and accuracy others just value speed.

a good percentile varies from firm to firm

 

[ZaraB]

Congrats! When did you do the Artic Shore?

Thank you! 14th Jan

 

[Ks36]

Has anyone else applied for pwc legal?

I applied and did their test but haven’t got a feedback report yet, is that normal I did the test on the 24th!

 

[Jessica Booker]

I wanted to know for Watson Glaser percentile does how long you complete the test in effect your percentile. For example, if you complete it in 15 minutes and you have 30 minutes for it and if yes does speed increase your percentile. What are your thoughts on this @Jessica Booker

Sometimes it can impact your score. It really depends on how the scoring is designed (there can be lots of different factors that contribute to this though - not just timings).

There will be many firms that don’t factor in timings into their scoring system though.

 

[Jessica Booker]

No. There is only one way you can increase your percentile score in a WG test and that is getting the questions correct.
Remember, your percentile score is based on how you do in comparison to the other candidates taking the test, so it would make no bearing on your score if you do it quickly or slowly.

This is not entirely true. Some assessments can factor in time taken to complete the assessment and that can then influence your percentile score, because your time taken is compared to the norm groups time taken. Therefore you can increase your percentile score by doing the test quicker than the next person.

So it isn’t the “only one way” but is typically the best way to achieve a higher percentile score.

 

[Jessica Booker]

So in the end what’s a good percentile? I believe that accuracy and speed play a big role although not with the same value.

A good percentile can be as low as 15 and as high as 85.

 

[AvniD]

With the "where should we open a new office", I just found out that the firm had an office in the country I was going to discuss but closed it in 2019... would it be advised to chose a different place in this case? I feel like I have a strong argument but not sure if it would sit right?

Do you mind if I ask which country this was in? If it was a country like India, where foreign law firms are not allowed to operate independently, then no matter how strong your argument is it will fail at this stage.

If there weren't any jurisdictional/permission issues, then it's probably worth caveating your argument by saying that you know that the firm closed their office there in 2019 and that the firm's financials, growth, quality of clientele, ability to make a local impact, range of competitors etc. would be important factors in your decision to re-open.

 

[emilyrose99]

I applied and did their test but haven’t got a feedback report yet, is that normal I did the test on the 24th!

I did mine mid December and haven’t heard back!

Last year they were quite speedy with their turnaround but the platform for the assessment has changed which makes me think the whole process has had a shake-up.

Hopefully now the deadline has passed we’ll start to hear back soon

 

[thelovelygiraffe]

just double checking that doing a VS complies with my tier 4 student visa work limits...?

 

[John Travoni]

I did mine mid December and haven’t heard back!

Last year they were quite speedy with their turnaround but the platform for the assessment has changed which makes me think the whole process has had a shake-up.

Hopefully now the deadline has passed we’ll start to hear back soon

Check your portal to see if you’ve progressed

 

[Deleted member 11671]

just double checking that doing a VS complies with my tier 4 student visa work limits...?

I'm on a tier 4 too. A VS will comply with the working hour limits only if done during the holidays (outside term time). So please check your university term dates and ensure the VS is outside this.

 

[thirdtimelucky]

Do you mind if I ask which country this was in? If it was a country like India, where foreign law firms are not allowed to operate independently, then no matter how strong your argument is it will fail at this stage.

If there weren't any jurisdictional/permission issues, then it's probably worth caveating your argument by saying that you know that the firm closed their office there in 2019 and that the firm's financials, growth, quality of clientele, ability to make a local impact, range of competitors etc. would be important factors in your decision to re-open.

It’s Colombia. The firm closed both its Venezuelan and Colombian offices but still operates in Brazil and Mexico. But Colombia has some really interesting large infrastructure projects happening in 2022 (and ofc has big mining/resource/agricultural economy) something which the firm specialises in. I know for example that Baker McKenzie still operates in the country, and that Dentons took over this firm’s Venezuelan office so I feel like it’s not a lost cause financially lol!