Remote assessment centre prep

C

Esteemed Member
M&A Bootcamp
Nov 7, 2019
81
122
Hello,

I have an online AC coming up and would greatly appreciate insight on what to expect.

I've been told the AC will consist of a written exercise, a presentation exercise and a Watson Glaser test. Can anyone shed light on what types of tasks the written and presentation exercises are likely to entail (e.g. a commercial case study / email to a client etc), and how to do well / prepare for them? Any other tips regarding assessment centres and Partner interviews would be great too!

Thank you
 

Adam Gilchrist

Esteemed Member
Future Trainee
2020 Community Winner
Highest Rated Member
May 4, 2020
98
172
Since you haven’t named the firm in question, no one will be able to give you anything more than the most basic, perfunctory advice.

Firms vary hugely in terms of their AC written exercises/presentation content, so if you don’t want to name the firm (which is fine!), then I’d suggest checking out the interview experiences section of the forum for the firm in question: https://www.thecorporatelawacademy.com/forum/forums/interview-experiences-2019-2020-cycle.83/

In terms of general case study advice/preparation, I used the two practice TCLA case studies (https://www.thecorporatelawacademy....ies-interviews-and-vacation-scheme-resources/) and found the Oxford advice to be quite useful (https://www.careers.ox.ac.uk/legal-case-study-interviews). Always, always budget your time so you can check your work for typos etc at the end!

Oh, and good luck!
 

C

Esteemed Member
M&A Bootcamp
Nov 7, 2019
81
122
Since you haven’t named the firm in question, no one will be able to give you anything more than the most basic, perfunctory advice.

Firms vary hugely in terms of their AC written exercises/presentation content, so if you don’t want to name the firm (which is fine!), then I’d suggest checking out the interview experiences section of the forum for the firm in question: https://www.thecorporatelawacademy.com/forum/forums/interview-experiences-2019-2020-cycle.83/

In terms of general case study advice/preparation, I used the two practice TCLA case studies (https://www.thecorporatelawacademy....ies-interviews-and-vacation-scheme-resources/) and found the Oxford advice to be quite useful (https://www.careers.ox.ac.uk/legal-case-study-interviews). Always, always budget your time so you can check your work for typos etc at the end!

Oh, and good luck!


Ahhh thank you so much! I appreciate it :) oh and my bad I forgot to mention, the firm is Burges Salmon
 
Last edited:

Karin

Legendary Member
Future Trainee
Junior Lawyer
  • Aug 25, 2019
    167
    383
    From more practical point of view..

    During in-person assessment day, you wouldn't be going through your notes until last minute as you would be talking to other applicants, listening to GR, and so on. Therefore, I recommend calling a friend to take your mind off the assessment for a little bit, or listening to music, or whatever calms your nerves before the AC starts.

    I also recommend having some water on your table - you are normally given this in the interview room, and it is really useful to have a sip of water when you need to take a moment to think. It is of course fine to take a moment to think without drinking water, but I always felt that this was a bit more natural and did not show how stressed I was :D. And pen and paper, of course!
     
    • Like
    Reactions: Cho, C and Adam Gilchrist

    Adam Gilchrist

    Esteemed Member
    Future Trainee
    2020 Community Winner
    Highest Rated Member
    May 4, 2020
    98
    172
    https://www.thecorporatelawacademy.com/forum/threads/burges-salmon-assessment-day-2019.1800/

    To add on to what @Karin said - make sure your desk is free of obstructions and distractions. You may want to use a couple of books underneath your computer so that the camera is roughly at eye level.

    Obviously make sure your internet is working, you’ve closed all other tabs/windows/programmes, and so on.

    Most important tip I ever got in terms of interviews was to pause before speaking.
    Think what you’re being asked, and what they want to hear from you. Only then start speaking. I get there’s a natural urge to speak as soon as the interviewer has closed their mouth, but resist it. Structure your answer in advance rather than rambling on instantly.
     

    C

    Esteemed Member
    M&A Bootcamp
    Nov 7, 2019
    81
    122
    https://www.thecorporatelawacademy.com/forum/threads/burges-salmon-assessment-day-2019.1800/

    To add on to what @Karin said - make sure your desk is free of obstructions and distractions. You may want to use a couple of books underneath your computer so that the camera is roughly at eye level.

    Obviously make sure your internet is working, you’ve closed all other tabs/windows/programmes, and so on.

    Most important tip I ever got in terms of interviews was to pause before speaking.
    Think what you’re being asked, and what they want to hear from you. Only then start speaking. I get there’s a natural urge to speak as soon as the interviewer has closed their mouth, but resist it. Structure your answer in advance rather than rambling on instantly.
    Thank you for the tip + link!!
     

    C

    Esteemed Member
    M&A Bootcamp
    Nov 7, 2019
    81
    122
    From more practical point of view..

    During in-person assessment day, you wouldn't be going through your notes until last minute as you would be talking to other applicants, listening to GR, and so on. Therefore, I recommend calling a friend to take your mind off the assessment for a little bit, or listening to music, or whatever calms your nerves before the AC starts.

    I also recommend having some water on your table - you are normally given this in the interview room, and it is really useful to have a sip of water when you need to take a moment to think. It is of course fine to take a moment to think without drinking water, but I always felt that this was a bit more natural and did not show how stressed I was :D. And pen and paper, of course!
    makes sense! thank you so much :)
     

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