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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26
- Thread starter Ram Sabaratnam
- Start date
If you click help centre in the email, the provider is shortlist.me - just used that system for Bristows IP workshop, it was just VIs, they gave you 20 seconds to prep, so it was short and sharp questions.
Their employer section of their website shows they have other things though as it's talks about crafting an immersive experience: https://www.shortlist.me/employers
Haven’t clicked on the link yet as I’m not near my laptop atm. But I have clicked the tips for preparation link which took me straight to the firm’s website, specifically the page where they say what skills they look for candidates. I know previously the test was Amberjack, the classic mix of SJT, verbal and numerical questions with VI at the end. But now I’m not sure it’s that…30 minutes doesn’t seem like enough time to complete a whole Amberjack!
I really hope it is Amberjack! By far my favourite out of all the ones I've done for the mix of tasks
The grad brochure indicates the next stage is a critical thinking test so perhaps shortlist.me offers that as well.
That is really helpful, thank you. Were the questions motivational or competency-based?
Hi @Andrei Radu in terms of identifying USPs that do not apply to another firm, how would you even find this (even with deep research, events etc) as a lot of firms work in same practice areas etc? Is it not sufficient enough to just mention what the firm does and therefore that makes it tailored to the firm? I am quite confused and I feel the whole USP part is slowing me down
If it is any help, if you click on the Get Help button at the end of the invite email and click participant in the website it is all about VIs….
I know I saw that as well! Oh well, part of the job is to be able to think on your feet so will do it on Wednesday and see what comes up.
Hey!
Sure, happy to share how I approached the VI!
In general for video interviews, it's really important to make sure that you are fully answering the question and that any examples that you use actually fit with the question. I used to have a tendency to want to use my strongest example and try and fit it to the question, however, the graduate recruitment team can usually tell and it'll look better to use an example that fits best (even if it is a less 'substantive' experience)
Another main thing I did was practice - it can be very weird to talk to a computer screen, so it really helped me to have a go at answering the most common interview questions in the mirror (even if it felt a little silly!). I had a tendency to ramble in my video interviews, so knowing roughly how long it would take me to cover my main topics was really helpful.
Make sure you also utilise your prep time, as this is really useful to have a clear idea of what you are going to say before you start recording - Reed Smith actually recommend you use the prep time instead of jumping straight into the questions! I would avoid writing a script as this can sound robotic and could reflect badly on your overall performance, but I stuck a post-it note with all the key points I wanted to discuss and used that when practising (and in the recording).
There's a video in the TCLA Law Firm Directory that I watched before my VI that I found was super helpful - I'll link it here. I'd definitely give that a watch, as Rik gives some great advice on what they are looking for and how to approach each aspect of the assessment.
Overall, just answer truthfully and be yourself. I think there's a tendency to think you have to come across as super composed and scripted for a video interview, but this isn't necessarily how you would behave in an actual interview. Take a moment to relax before recording, and try and come across as approachable and friendly - show them your personality and what your strengths are!
I hope that assists
Hey!
I would try not to focus too much on the specific traits that were your highest and lowest scoring. Whilst 'personal responsibility' was listed as the area that you need to work on, this doesn't necessarily mean that you scored really low - it was just the lowest scoring trait compared to the others. This doesn't automatically mean a rejection, and I'd try to stay positive until you hear back!
For DLA, the question says to "select one article from DLA Piper Insights page", I went to the page and selected something that's a longer form guide. Does anyone if that is okay or does it need to be one of the short form articles?
Not sure if I'm overthinking it - would appreciate any input on this
Not sure if I'm overthinking it - would appreciate any input on this
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