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

[GXA123]

Is this for VS? I applied for the direct TC but have been waiting since December (post-test)!

Yay congrats! when did you complete the tests?

yes for the vac scheme and I received the feedback report on the 16th of Jan

 

[GXA123]

is TLT rolling for TCs?

 

[Jessica Booker]

Hey! sorry for being unclear, I guess I'm just wondering how they are generally assessed, is it the interviewers choosing who to invite? Do they communicate with grad rec who decides? Are the written application and psychometric tests considered? How does the written assessment factor in etc. I guess I'd just like to know a bit more about the process of evaluating candidates. Thank you!

It’s generally graduate recruitment deciding who is invited to AC. Sometimes there are a small panel of associates or partners who may screen applications, but this is rare. Even in those circumstances, it’s unlikely the people who invited you will be the people who interview/assess you.

If you mean who is offered off the back of an AC, then it is rarely one person’s assessment of you that does this. You are usually scored and the people with the highest scores are offered. As there are multiple assessments (and usually multiple competencies in each assessment), decisions are typically made holistically. Certain assessors might back you (or try to veto against you) but a decision is typically made by graduate recruitment, alongside other candidates’ performances.

Every assessment has its purpose and is important - if they weren’t important, they wouldn’t include them. You generally need to perform well in all assessments, although in certain circumstances one performance in an individual competency might be balanced out by a stronger performance in the same competency but in a different exercise.

 

[Jessica Booker]

Strategically speaking, is it better to apply to the London office or other regional office of a firm for better chances at a TC? Regional offices have less vacancies but I assume they have less applicants as well.

It really doesn’t work like this, and I would strongly advise not to factor this into your decision making. Most firms have had decades of applicants trying to game the system and apply to what they perceive to be less popular locations, and then try to move to another location at either offer stage or even during a TC/upon qualification. It more often than not doesn’t work.

It’s why many firms with regional offices put a very heavy emphasis on “why this location”, both in application forms and in recruitment processes.

Firms will see right through you if this is your approach. Only because thousands of applicants have already tried it before you.

 

[rose0904]

Is anyone waiting to hear back from Eversheds for the Cardiff Office?

I emailed them earlier this week and they said they'd finish reviewing Cardiff VIs by Friday. Not sure whether that also means we'll defo hear back by the end of tomorrow

 

[cycw]

Guys I have still not heard from Latham and their deadline was 2nd January and applied on new year eve. Do you lot think I should email them about an update on my application or is it early. I am asking as I have never had experience with Latham application and when is the last VI they send out.

fyi I've heard back and they've rejected me

 

[Adrian_S]

Soooooo, looks like my Weil video interview was a disaster.

RIP me. Good luck to everyone still in the running! I have faith in you!

 

[ellensdaleoriginal]

I think they're primarily interviewing for spring VS atm. I did my 2nd round there about 3.5 weeks ago (spring VS) and haven't heard back.

Perhaps there is still hope! Hope you hear back with good news soon!

 

[S87]

Talking about Links..radio silence everywhere and my app is still on hold 🙃🙃🙃

 

[emilyrose99]

In a competency interview, can I talk about something I did in a job that I haven’t put in my work experience section?

 

[Miki3999]

In a competency interview, can I talk about something I did in a job that I haven’t put in my work experience section?

yes

 

[AvniD]

I want to thank everyone on the forum for the support they have provided over this cycle, especially @James Carrabino and @AvniD for the AC tips they gave me last week. Also, to the many people who have replied my DMs and quoted my posts with the most encouraging words, I really appreciate it. I heard back from Weil today and was offered a VS. I also heard back from Baker McKenzie last week with a Spring VS offer. This time last week, I was crying because I had been rejected from a final round interview (non-VS related) so things can always turnaround. That's the end of the application cycle for me! I applied to 6 firms, received 4 rejections and 2 ACs.

I'd appreciate if anyone can link me to any forums related to converting a VS to a TC. If anyone has an upcoming AC with Bakers for Summer VS or an AC with Weil, feel free to message me and I will do my best to help!

I am so happy for you @summer207! What a show- very, very well deserved!

Your journey quite perfectly elaborates on the ups and downs that come with making training contract applications- the blows hit hard but those few wins seemingly undo the unpleasantness of any rejections.

Wishing you the very best in your vacation schemes and hoping for you to land a TC at the end of them 🤞🤞🤞

 

[AvniD]

For sure! Totally agree with your point. I think it's simply because at the moment, I'm studying my MA, working two jobs whilst looking for another because I need a job change, and just trying to keep on top of everything. Very overwhelming, but just taking my time with applications!

Please do keep us in the loop and tag us in your posts here on the forum if we can help with anything- we'd love to be there to support you as you manage your many priorities and go through the application process! Wishing you the very best.

 

[AvniD]

In a competency interview, can I talk about something I did in a job that I haven’t put in my work experience section?

Of course! Though be prepared to answer why you didn't include it in your work experience- they may be curious about this.

 

[AvniD]

CRS VI!!

If anyone has any experience with this or tips on how to prepare please could you let me know as CRS is one of my top firms!! Thanks

Well done! Linking my post here with my best tips and resources!

 

[mch16]

AG GR contacted me last Tuesday to say that my VI answers were incomplete as no sound can be heard. I’ve called them multiple times and emailed them with no response. Any advice as to what else I can do?

 

[GXA123]

AG GR contacted me last Tuesday to say that my VI answers were incomplete as no sound can be heard. I’ve called them multiple times and emailed them with no response. Any advice as to what else I can do?

I think contact the VI it team and explain this to them, but I don't think anything could be done more than calling and emailing.

 

[manchester12]

AG GR contacted me last Tuesday to say that my VI answers were incomplete as no sound can be heard. I’ve called them multiple times and emailed them with no response. Any advice as to what else I can do?

Did they offer to let you redo them?

 

[Rob93]

Soooooo, looks like my Weil video interview was a disaster.

RIP me. Good luck to everyone still in the running! I have faith in you!

Welcome to the club, we have wine and taco bell.

 

[Adrian_S]

Welcome to the club, we have wine and taco bell.

How do people improve on timed VIs? I did a video interview simulation with TCLA and got decent feedback but my brain just absolutely melted during the real thing. Also I hate looking at myself on camera - so cringe.