TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5

[trainee4u]

okay I fully expect rejection because my scores are lower and my last two VI questions were messy, but just because your overall score was low does not mean they count only this. IMO they score the VI questions by points as well and then they decide because they score like this the AC and it makes sense. Especially since I've seen people progress with lower scores than yours.

They could have sent out the wrong email, IDK, because the email is quite unambiguous that it was based on the SJT overall score which does not include VI:




The "video interview items - can be assessed for successful candidates only" does make it clear that AJ does allow firms to waste candidates' time by having them sit the VI even when they've already failed the SJT, and in such a case the VI will be ignored.

However, I quite frequently receive emails with the wrong reason for rejection from law firms, so they might have sent me a wrong email in this case and I lost on VI. 🤷‍♂️

 

[InterestInPublicLaw]

They could have sent out the wrong email, IDK, because the email is quite unambiguous that it was based on the SJT overall score which does not include VI:
View attachment 7237

View attachment 7238

The "video interview items - can be assessed for successful candidates only" does make it clear that AJ does allow firms to waste candidates' time by having them sit the VI even when they've already failed the SJT, and in such a case the VI will be ignored.

However, I quite frequently receive emails with the wrong reason for rejection from law firms, so they might have sent me a wrong email in this case and I lost on VI. 🤷‍♂️

I think if you want to clarify you could ask more specifically esp the criteria for these online tests can be quite ambiguous and different firms have different approaches. I had phone calls with a few firms the last cycle after I was rejected by them and they were happy to answer questions on the tests. Not sure about Stephenson Harwood though.

 

[BillSikes]

I was specifically told that it was a PFO for the scores - the email suggests it was not for the VI aspect:

Thank you for completing the Amberjack assessment for your Stephenson Harwood application.

Unforunately, your overall score has not met our criteria and we are unable to progress you to the next stage of the process on this occasion.

You should have received a personalised feedback report from Amberjack. Please take some time to read through this and think about how you can best prepare for future assessments.

If one reads the feedback:

Creative (6/9) "This is an area where you demonstrated a good level of potential, although you occasionally missed a number of opportunities to take a forwardthinking approach in the situations presented to you, and could have done more to consider the bigger picture, identify opportunities for success and drive change for the better in the way that you responded."

Grit (7/9) "demonstrated clear strengths, showing that you were mostly able to overcome challenges in a positive and calm manner, and making a strong attempt to remain dedicated to successfully achieving your various tasks and responsibilities."

Digital Mindset (9/9) "exceptional potential."

Applied Intellect (4/9) "Based on your results on the assessment, you did show some good judgement, although this is an area you would really benefit from developing further. In the situations presented to you, you would have needed to respond quite differently to show empathy, understanding others, and self-awareness when interacting with a range of individuals."



The "quite differently" does appear to be a "you are not good enough" response.

As such, it looks like you'd need to score 5+ on this.

While they clearly treat 4/9 on applied intellect as "you are unemployable, FOAD", I'm not sure that scoring 4/9 on other categories would necessarily result in the same response - not all of their pillars are necessarily of equal value.

They do say "your overall score" in the rejection,which implies they sum things, but I would guess that they don't necessarily do, so, as my overall 26/36 plus 5/6 on the verbal/numerical seems very good overall.

I'm cooked then. I cannot express the words as to what a joke this is. 3x 600 word application questions to be rejected by SJT which is just luck. And why bother make us to the VI if we have already failed the test. Complete joke.

 

[Chris Brown]

My Stephenson Harwood test result is:

Verbal medium
Numerical medium

Grit 6/9
Applied intellect 7/9
Creative force 4/9
Digital mindset 9/9

I used to score high for both verbal & numerical and had 6 or above for the 4 areas 😭 please don't throw me out because of the 4/9

I think they assess the SJT + VI together so it’s possible someone with a ‘low’ test score but a ‘strong’ VI could still progress. If someone had a ‘high’ test score but a ‘weak’ VI, they might also progress to the next stage. 😀

If I remember correctly, I got 8766 for the test, which is 27/36. Your score adds up to 26/36 so it’s basically the same difference. I think I got middle for verbal and high for numerical for the reasoning sections of the test too. 😅

I’m sure you will be fine, especially as digital mindset is 9/9 (super impressive)! In any case, the benchmarks and criteria firms use will vary depending on what they prioritise. Best of luck for your SH DTC application.​

 

[InterestInPublicLaw]

I'm cooked then. I cannot express the words as to what a joke this is. 3x 600 word application questions to be rejected by SJT which is just luck. And why bother make us to the VI if we have already failed the test. Complete joke.

I have a different interpretation of the email - it may suggest the overall score include the scores for the video interview so I wouldn’t lose hope! It’s not one of the firms that specify, for example, you’ll need to pass the online test for your initial written application to be read.

 

[BillSikes]

I have a different interpretation of the email - it may suggest the overall score include the scores for the video interview so I wouldn’t lose hope! It’s not one of the firms that specify, for example, you’ll need to pass the online test for your initial written application to be read.

I'm cooked if they include the VI also!!! 🤣

 

[shays]

That’s again reassuring 🥹 and who knows their benchmark perhaps you’re good enough!

thanks for the support but doubt that as I had 1/9 on grit???? idk how bc I even talked about the determination and resilience in my VI lmao plus I thought I know how to answer but apparently nope so my grit is not going to push me forward

 

[InterestInPublicLaw]

I think they assess the SJT + VI together so it’s possible someone with a ‘low’ test score but a ‘strong’ VI could still progress. If someone had a ‘high’ test score but a ‘weak’ VI, they might also progress to the next stage. 😀

If I remember correctly, I got 8766 for the test, which is 27/36. Your score adds up to 26/36 so it’s basically the same difference. I think I got middle for verbal and high for numerical for the reasoning sections of the test too. 😅

I’m sure you will be fine, especially as digital mindset is 9/9 (super impressive)! In any case, the benchmarks and criteria firms use will vary depending on what they prioritise. Best of luck for your SH DTC application.​

Thank you so much! Congratulations for your TC offer and appreciate you still checking the forum and helping us with our questions!

 

[RS Sanjanaa]

If anyone has insights on White and Case AC, please let me know! Thank you

 

[InterestInPublicLaw]

thanks for the support but doubt that as I had 1/9 on grit???? idk how bc I even talked about the determination and resilience in my VI lmao plus I thought I know how to answer but apparently nope so my grit is not going to push me forward

The test report is automatic, your VI response doesn’t affect the score

 

[shays]

The test report is automatic, your VI response doesn’t affect the score

i know, i'm just saying it's funny my responses indicated that when i talked about it in my answers as i expected i'd have that the highest? if that makes sense, sorry my brain is cooked

 

[InterestInPublicLaw]

i know, i'm just saying it's funny my responses indicated that when i talked about it in my answers as i expected i'd have that the highest? if that makes sense, sorry my brain is cooked

Ah I see, no worries at all. Not sure if that’s helpful -but i would study the feedback and see what actions they recommend and consider them in your next test (whether it’s amberjack or not). I’ve done this and had some successes.

 

[RS Sanjanaa]

If anyone has insights on White and Case AC, please let me know! Thank you

especially in regard to the group exercise

 

[abc124]

How bad is it if I somehow managed to not link my answer to Stephenson Harwood even once? I don’t know how I achieved that, I was so stressed 😭 I mentioned their core competencies etc, I just didn’t name drop them….

 

[BillSikes]

How bad is it if I somehow managed to not link my answer to Stephenson Harwood even once? I don’t know how I achieved that, I was so stressed 😭 I mentioned their core competencies etc, I just didn’t name drop them….

What question was this for?