Does anyone have any advice for strength-based interviews? Will they ask questions based on my feedback report generated from their online test?
-
Hey Guest, the first open day of the new cycle has opened! Click here to apply to Simpson Thacher by 1 July 2026.
TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26
- Thread starter Ram Sabaratnam
- Start date
Hey!
I have previously written a few posts on strengths-based interviews, which I have quoted below - I hope they are useful! They are typically looking to see how you would handle specific problems, your general working style, and the traits that you naturally possess that would make you a good fit for the firm.
If you have any further questions, just shout. Best of luck with the interview!
Hi!
Just to add to Andrei's advice, I thought I'd share my past experiences with strengths-based interview questions!
For these types of of questions, the important element is to answer truthfully and be yourself. They are typically looking to see how you would handle specific problems, your general working style, and the traits that you naturally possess that would make you a good fit for the firm. In preparation for the interview, I would make a note of what your key strengths are, and how they align with the skills needed to be a trainee (and what the role involves).
If you are given a hypothetical scenario, I'd talk the interviewer through each step that you would take to address the situation, and how you would use your personal strengths to aid you in handling anything that comes up.
Additionally, I've also found that the questions can be reflective in nature and may ask you specific questions about your way of workings. For an interview I did on a vacation scheme, I was asked "What type of person are you under pressure?" (which definitely threw me off!). There isn't necessarily one right answer here, and I would take a moment to actually think your answer through and consider how you usually approach these situations. It might be helpful to reflect on your past experiences and weave these into your answer, so that the interviewer can see that you are rooting your answer in concrete examples.
I hope that helps!
Hey!
It's totally normal to feel nervous, but I'd try to remember that they've progressed you this far for a reason! From my experience with strengths-based interviews, I would try to build rapport with the interviewers by being warm, engaged and genuine - try to treat it as a discussion rather than a formal assessment (whilst still remaining professional, of course!). Interviewers are human too, and sometimes asking genuine questions about their roles and career journeys can go a long way to show your interest in the firm.
When answering strengths-based questions, I'd focus less on giving a "model answer" and more on explaining how you naturally think and work. They are likely trying to see what motivates you, what you enjoy doing, and how you respond in real situations. In a previous strengths-based interview I completed, I was asked questions such as "What kind of person are you under pressure?" - this definitely threw me off, but the important part is to just be honest! You don't need long STAR-style answers, as short and specific examples are usually more than enough to demonstrate your point.
It can also help to link your answers back to the kind of environment BCLP offers (e.g. collaboration, adaptability, etc.), while still remaining genuine. The goal is to show that your strengths would translate well into how trainees at BCLP actually work day to day, and that you are motivated to work in the kind of environment that BCLP has.
I hope that assists, and wishing you the best of luck with your interview - I'm sure you'll do great!
I just did the Macfarlanes stiumulate assessment. During the written task grammerly kept coming up even when I turned it off. Could that impact my ability to pass or could they see that as Using external tools?
Don't worry Cappfinity won't marked you, unless it's another strict platform
Are you sure? Sorry I’m just panicking because i Thought I disabled it before going in and then it kept correcting spelling
Written assessment / University-styled essay. have two weeks or so to complete. it gets sent of for external scoring
Interesting I’ve never seen such a stage in an application before. I wonder what the topic would be like and if it’s the same for all the applicants
Wiggin PFO 1 out of 4 potential AC's gone 3 more potential AC's. Fingers crossed but lets see.
Loool I am waiting for HFW, K&L and RPC. i have no confidence at this point - also rejected by Wiggin
Last edited:
kingsley napley final interview - has anyone had any experience with them at this stage? help a girl out pls!
Anyone heard from RS..? 
Similar threads
- Locked
- Sticky
Latest posts
-
-
Contract drafting tips for celebrities and talent management agencies?
- Latest: Abbie Whitlock
-
TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2026-27
- Latest: Abbie Whitlock
-
Top Members
Posts
-
Abbie Whitlock
- +0
- 11
Non Billable
- +3
- 9
Jaysen
- +26
- 3
lucky2
-
New
- 3
-
Abbie Whitlock
- +92
- 88
Jaysen
- +92
- 25
Non Billable
-
New
- 22
-
Abbie Whitlock
- +3
- 697
Novaa
- +289
- 410
Jessica Pearson - Managing Partner
- +550
- 365