Hearing Back from Law Firms, Assessment Centres & Interview Tips - 2019 - 2020

[ComplianceChange]

Hahah I'd really like to know how they use the metrics from that game to assess candidates

I got through to a PwC (non-law) graduate scheme a couple of years ago prior to them using the game- it used to be a simple bunch of psychometric testing (verbal, non-verbal, numerical)- I am not sure why some employers thing they need to up their use of technology just for the sake of it.

I genuinely feel with a game you can't "play" truthfully or comfortably... because you are sitting there freaking out about what ulterior motive the company has for each game you're playing AND therefore you are playing in a different way to how you would naturally play.

Also, I'm not sure about you but the report did not reflect my personality at all

 

[003]

I have only just been invited to do the Bakers WG, and the email they sent said the summer AC dates are late February/ March. So there is still time.

Thanks, when did you apply?

 

[D95]

I got through to a PwC (non-law) graduate scheme a couple of years ago prior to them using the game- it used to be a simple bunch of psychometric testing (verbal, non-verbal, numerical)- I am not sure why some employers thing they need to up their use of technology just for the sake of it.

I genuinely feel with a game you can't "play" truthfully or comfortably... because you are sitting there freaking out about what ulterior motive the company has for each game you're playing AND therefore you are playing in a different way to how you would naturally play.

Also, I'm not sure about you but the report did not reflect my personality at all

I have just done the same game for Taylor Vinters - honestly, I quite preferred it to the standard psychometric testing, but of course I had to bomb the "logical sequence" thingy at the end and my aptitude score that I received in the report was not that great (truthfully, it was shambles).

I expect a rejection now because of this which is a shame because I truly like the firm.

(Funny thing is that I once tested the lawyers that I am working with on one of these silly psychometric tests and all of them failed miserably - and I am speaking of people who have years of legal experience and solid reputation, so I wonder how these tests really reflect one's capabilities as an aspiring solicitor? I can see them as nothing else but a tool for HR to filter down the number of candidates, sorry.)

 

[EvaK]

I got through to a PwC (non-law) graduate scheme a couple of years ago prior to them using the game- it used to be a simple bunch of psychometric testing (verbal, non-verbal, numerical)- I am not sure why some employers thing they need to up their use of technology just for the sake of it.

I genuinely feel with a game you can't "play" truthfully or comfortably... because you are sitting there freaking out about what ulterior motive the company has for each game you're playing AND therefore you are playing in a different way to how you would naturally play.

Also, I'm not sure about you but the report did not reflect my personality at all

It sounds like PwC use the exact same game as Taylor Wessing. Did you also have to match adjectives to (computer-generated) facial expressions? TW also claim the score doesn't matter but I somehow doubt that. I only scored around 7,500 and I haven't (yet) been invited to the next stage while other people who took the test after me have. Also, no idea if and how I'm supposed to reapply next year if they still use the game; should I spend the next 12-months practising opening safes and blowing up balloons? Great use of my time and legal skills.

 

[W]

I have just done the same game for Taylor Vinters - honestly, I quite preferred it to the standard psychometric testing, but of course I had to bomb the "logical sequence" thingy at the end and my aptitude score that I received in the report was not that great (truthfully, it was shambles).

I expect a rejection now because of this which is a shame because I truly like the firm.

(Funny thing is that I once tested the lawyers that I am working with on one of these silly psychometric tests and all of them failed miserably - and I am speaking of people who have years of legal experience and solid reputation, so I wonder how these tests really reflect one's capabilities as an aspiring solicitor? I can see them as nothing else but a tool for HR to filter down the number of candidates, sorry.)

What are your thoughts on Watson Glaser?

 

[tractor12]

I got through to a PwC (non-law) graduate scheme a couple of years ago prior to them using the game- it used to be a simple bunch of psychometric testing (verbal, non-verbal, numerical)- I am not sure why some employers thing they need to up their use of technology just for the sake of it.

I genuinely feel with a game you can't "play" truthfully or comfortably... because you are sitting there freaking out about what ulterior motive the company has for each game you're playing AND therefore you are playing in a different way to how you would naturally play.

Also, I'm not sure about you but the report did not reflect my personality at all

I personally don't think psychometric testing is any more effective/representative of my personality.

 

[EvaK]

I have just done the same game for Taylor Vinters - honestly, I quite preferred it to the standard psychometric testing, but of course I had to bomb the "logical sequence" thingy at the end and my aptitude score that I received in the report was not that great (truthfully, it was shambles).

I expect a rejection now because of this which is a shame because I truly like the firm.

(Funny thing is that I once tested the lawyers that I am working with on one of these silly psychometric tests and all of them failed miserably - and I am speaking of people who have years of legal experience and solid reputation, so I wonder how these tests really reflect one's capabilities as an aspiring solicitor? I can see them as nothing else but a tool for HR to filter down the number of candidates, sorry.)

Agreed! I'm also quite convinced that people who game have a considerable advantage (reaction speed, hand-eye coordination etc), in spite of what the firms say.

 

[ComplianceChange]

It sounds like PwC use the exact same game as Taylor Wessing. Did you also have to match adjectives to (computer-generated) facial expressions? TW also claim the score doesn't matter but I somehow doubt that. I only scored around 7,500 and I haven't (yet) been invited to the next stage while other people who took the test after me have. Also, no idea if and how I'm supposed to reapply next year if they still use the game; should I spend the next 12-months practising opening safes and blowing up balloons? Great use of my time and legal skills.

Is it the Arctic Shores one? If so yes that is what PwC use! The funny thing is they say on the rejection email to reapply next year. I guess if you're really committed to that particular firm you have no choice but to keep applying and trying to get through the game! A catch 22.

I have e-mail grad recruitment, I doubt that will do anything though.

Sadly I think If I am unsuccessful this year I will start putting into consideration the recruitment techniques before applying to firms :/

 

[ComplianceChange]

I personally don't think psychometric testing is any more effective/representative of my personality.

Oh I absolutely agree, but at least it doesn't seem like an actual joke!

 

[Jen E C]

Are you sure? Their email states next stage of the process and I know that last year it was not automatic

I was at an open day this cycle and they stated it was automatic

 

[D95]

What are your thoughts on Watson Glaser?

Well, I generally despise all psychometric testing, so...

My scores for WG vary between 20th percentile to 80th percentile, I honestly think that it is mostly down to luck.

I also know that my feelings about psychometric tests are mostly due to the fact that this is the stage where many of my applications fail and so I have actually started targeting law firms which do not use this in their application process. I am quite tired of someone trying to tell me that just because I can't see a pattern in some random shapes, that I am not fit to be a lawyer. But maybe I'm wrong and skills like blowing balloons are now essential prerequisites for entering legal profession.

 

[James Kitching]

Well, I generally despise all psychometric testing, so...

My scores for WG vary between 20th percentile to 80th percentile, I honestly think that it is mostly down to luck.

I also know that my feelings about psychometric tests are mostly due to the fact that this is the stage where many of my applications fail and so I have actually started targeting law firms which do not use this in their application process. I am quite tired of someone trying to tell me that just because I can't see a pattern in some random shapes, that I am not fit to be a lawyer. But maybe I'm wrong and skills like blowing balloons are now essential prerequisites for entering legal profession.

I heard that blowing up balloons is particularly good for client relations.

 

[Long Dinh]

Rejected from PwC.
However I have been disillusioned with their silly game for some time now. Really lacks the diversity and inclusion they pride themselves on!

Sorry to hear! What programme did you apply for?
I have got the VI for Pwc Tax and really don’t know what to expect/prepare for!

 

[thirdtimelucky]

Loool just remember cos you didn't blow up enough balloons and unlock a cartoon safe you aren't good enough ahahaha

Lol the balloon element was a NIGHTMARE as were the generators! Also was very confused with my report because it opposed my personality massively!

 

[thirdtimelucky]

So far I’ve been rejected by Eversheds, PwC and SPB (post-VI) and I’m still waiting on Mishcon, Shearman, Gibson Dunn, Charles Russell Speechlys, Travers, Mayer Brown (post-tests) and Links! Anyone else still waiting?

 

[CalibreX1]

congrats! when did you complete the online test? i'm still waiting on mine

I completed the test on 26th January!

best of luck, keeping my fingers crossed for you.

 

[Christina_1213]

Any heard from Freshfields TC post WG?

 

[Zsaurcaks1]

So far I’ve been rejected by Eversheds, PwC and SPB (post-VI) and I’m still waiting on Mishcon, Shearman, Gibson Dunn, Charles Russell Speechlys, Travers, Mayer Brown (post-tests) and Links! Anyone else still waiting?

Still waiting on Travers and Gibson Dunn! When did you apply?

 

[hlaws20]

Anyone heard back from W&C following the VI? I done it over a week ago now and no response

 

[thirdtimelucky]

Still waiting on Travers and Gibson Dunn! When did you apply?

I applied close to the deadlines (so like 18th for Travers and 28th for GD) for both so given their rolling I’m not too hopeful! Wbu?