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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

Donna Paulsen

Legendary Member
  • Sep 23, 2025
    173
    521
    RPC’s marketing team when they see other firm’s marketing teams. BECAUSE THEY COULD NEVER!!

    Voguing Strike A Pose GIF


    Maddy knew who she was from a very early age? Well so did RPC
    Meme Reaction GIF

    The RPC recruitment team when they can sense someone is #StrikinglyFake
     

    Afraz Akhtar

    Legendary Member
    Staff member
    Premium Member
  • Dec 22, 2025
    138
    306
    Is there a difference as to how I would approach a strengths based rather than competency based interview? Especially re: how I approach examples - if I'm talking about for example communication, am I better off bringing in multiple examples fro my career to date to show it is a strength of mine rather than STAR analyse one specific situation?
    @nbjani there is no set structure to any questions, just suggestions. You're right in thinking the best way to approach competency questions is to STAR them, but that strategy has been advised based off how the question is structured, it invites you to talk about a time or an example where you've displayed that particular skill.

    With strengths based questions more generally, it heavily depends on the way the question is asked. Let's look at two different ones that I've been asked in the past:

    1. "What would your friends say are your top qualities"
    2. "Do you prefer focusing on the bigger picture or the smaller details"

    Although both questions are strengths based, I can only qualify the second with an example naturally. It would just be plain awkward if I provided an example of a time my friends complimented me (they do so very rarely). However, with the second, I can talk qualify why I think I prefer focusing on the smaller details, and leverage an experience that made me come to that realisation.

    So, look at the way the question is structured, and check to see if it invites any examples. Where it does, be sure to use it as it will give you more to say and help sell who you are as a candidate. However, where it doesn't invite examples, don't stress too much, providing one is just a bonus anyway.
     
    • Like
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    radssss

    Legendary Member
    Aug 16, 2024
    507
    723
    Is Trowers assessment deadline tonight as it says assessment link expired when I start it.
    My email said 12 Jan - 11:59pm but I did the test a few days ago! It’s worth emailing grad rec and checking with them along with sending them a screenshot of the page which shows link expired asap as proof before its actually time for it to expire :)
     
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    Afraz Akhtar

    Legendary Member
    Staff member
    Premium Member
  • Dec 22, 2025
    138
    306
    @Afraz Akhtar I reached the final stage with a law firm three weeks ago - they haven't given out offers yet to anyone and I am yet to hear back on the outcome of that interview, maybe even this week. However, I am away for a week in another country and switched my sim card. If they were to call (hopefully) with an offer, that call wouldn't reach me. Am I right to assume that they would then email? A bit worried that I may come off as unprofessional and/or not receive comms from them at all for this reason.
    Hey @Mikeross750 if you have an international number, it is best to provide that to them and let them know you can only be contacted on that or email. Give them the option, just in case they want to deliver the news directly. I know some seniors love hearing the excitement in your voice when you get any offer - which is why you typically get a call from a partner for the TC offer. Graduate recruitment do all the work, but the partners get all the glory.... and don't worry, they're able to make international calls.

    Although if you don't provide the number, it is enough to ask them to email you due to your travels. Although its not unprofessional not to do so, it is just courtesy, given the fact you've gotten this far in the process.

    Good luck!
     

    nbjani

    Esteemed Member
    Gold Member
    Premium Member
    Nov 23, 2023
    80
    136
    @nbjani there is no set structure to any questions, just suggestions. You're right in thinking the best way to approach competency questions is to STAR them, but that strategy has been advised based off how the question is structured, it invites you to talk about a time or an example where you've displayed that particular skill.

    With strengths based questions more generally, it heavily depends on the way the question is asked. Let's look at two different ones that I've been asked in the past:

    1. "What would your friends say are your top qualities"
    2. "Do you prefer focusing on the bigger picture or the smaller details"

    Although both questions are strengths based, I can only qualify the second with an example naturally. It would just be plain awkward if I provided an example of a time my friends complimented me (they do so very rarely). However, with the second, I can talk qualify why I think I prefer focusing on the smaller details, and leverage an experience that made me come to that realisation.

    So, look at the way the question is structured, and check to see if it invites any examples. Where it does, be sure to use it as it will give you more to say and help sell who you are as a candidate. However, where it doesn't invite examples, don't stress too much, providing one is just a bonus anyway.
    As always thanks so much Afraz, you really are a legend!
     
    Hey guys, quick question, when a firm asks in an interview to speak about a recent commercial news story, do you typically pick a deal, a headline showing a wider trend or something else?

    Would love some insight!
    I usually pick a wider market trend / potential fluctuation in the market that could affect their clients (without directly saying xyz will affect clients unless they've asked)
     
    • Like
    Reactions: Blueberry26

    trainee4u

    Legendary Member
    Sep 7, 2023
    416
    810
    Ah okay thank you. I called but no one picked up and their mailboxes are full unfortunately. I might try again later today. Hopefully they do see the email if I cannot get through to them.

    Have you had a negative experience with them responding to their emails before? I emailed the [email protected] address.
    giphy.gif
     

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