2020-21 Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion

[Dheepa]

Received first invite for VS interview! are there any threads on here with tips for virtual presentations + no visual aids?

Congrats on your AC invite! I had to do something similar at an AC last year and was a complete nervous wreck but my best advice would be to rehearse as much as possible. This is not something I'd typically advise for interviews but I think for a presentation you want to come across as really well prepared. Practice giving your presentation out loud beforehand as well because if you've prepared a script and rely solely on that, you might whiz through your points too quickly. Also, make sure you start by setting out the structure of your presentation clearly and use clear pointers throughout so your interviewers are able to follow your thoughts.

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

It’s a generic question on what issues have impacted the legal industry, so I thought it may be an interesting point/different perspective to raise considering that the Big 4 seem to always be at the centre of discussion for this topic - do you think this is appropriate?

As long as it focuses on recent developments, then yes but it will depend on which firm this is for too. People have been talking about the Big 4 since 2008/09 at least and saying they will revolutionise the sector. That hasn’t really been seen in the way many people predicted, and to many firms has had little impact at all.

 

[justanotherlawstudent]

Does anyone have any tips/ advice/ insight for a HL AC? Thank you so much!

 

[Dheepa]

How does everyone deal with being put on the spot during the interview?I feel like for me the biggest fear is having a brain freeze and not being able to answer a question that I am unprepared for, which is ultimately the source of my anxiety for interviews, would appreciate any tips!

I think this is generally almost everyone's greatest source of anxiety for interviews! Interviews often seem like an exam because you are after all being assessed but I always tried to remind myself that interviews are also very unlike exams because there never is a right or wrong answer to a question.

If you do get a question you are unprepared for (particularly if it's a commercial awareness question), then sometimes the best thing you can do is admit that you don't exactly know the answer yourself. So saying something like "I'm not too sure myself on this point, but from what I do know about X...." Lawyers often do this themselves and it's actually far worse to pretend you know what you're talking about than to humbly admit you may not have all the necessary information yourself.

If it's a motivational or competency question that has you stuck, then taking a sip of water while trying to work out an answer has always worked wonders for me. Otherwise if you anticipate that you would actually need more time than the glass of water will give you, again it's okay to admit that you're slightly stumped. Saying something like "Hmm, that's a tough question, can I have a few moments to think about it?" is perfectly acceptable!

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

Is it unheard of for a firm to allow an applicant to complete part of their vacation scheme? (e.g. one week instead of two because of other commitments)

Not unheard of, but highly unlikely for most firms.

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

Do you happen to know how they are with taking a day or two off for LPC exam(s)?

I’d personally focus on your LPC exams entirely rather than try to balance a vacation scheme around them.

 

[I.Like.UFOs.Not.PFOs]

As long as it focuses on recent developments, then yes but it will depend on which firm this is for too. People have been talking about the Big 4 since 2008/09 at least and saying they will revolutionise the sector. That hasn’t really been seen in the way many people predicted, and to many firms has had little impact at all.

That’s a good point- I think I will do a little more research to see its relevance to the firm itself then, before I start drafting anything. Thank you for your insight!

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

That’s a good point- I think I will do a little more research to see its relevance to the firm itself then, before I start drafting anything. Thank you for your insight!

There are some ways in which the Big 4 are making strides, so an answer like this just needs to be as specific as possible, rather than just stating that they are generally making the market more competitive.

 

[I.Like.UFOs.Not.PFOs]

There are some ways in which the Big 4 are making strides, so an answer like this just needs to be as specific as possible, rather than just stating that they are generally making the market more competitive.

I’ll bear that in mind during my research, and hopefully I’ll be able to narrow it down to some specific and relevant points! Again thank you, I really appreciate your insight

 

[ZaraB]

I think this is generally almost everyone's greatest source of anxiety for interviews! Interviews often seem like an exam because you are after all being assessed but I always tried to remind myself that interviews are also very unlike exams because there never is a right or wrong answer to a question.

If you do get a question you are unprepared for (particularly if it's a commercial awareness question), then sometimes the best thing you can do is admit that you don't exactly know the answer yourself. So saying something like "I'm not too sure myself on this point, but from what I do know about X...." Lawyers often do this themselves and it's actually far worse to pretend you know what you're talking about than to humbly admit you may not have all the necessary information yourself.

If it's a motivational or competency question that has you stuck, then taking a sip of water while trying to work out an answer has always worked wonders for me. Otherwise if you anticipate that you would actually need more time than the glass of water will give you, again it's okay to admit that you're slightly stumped. Saying something like "Hmm, that's a tough question, can I have a few moments to think about it?" is perfectly acceptable!

Thank you so much Dheepa, this is extremely helpful!!!

 

[M0723]

Shearman PFO post-app !!!

I'm so sorry to hear that. May I ask when you submitted the app?

 

[Us416]

Hi all, I have an interview for a VS but after reading over my application, I have realised my phone number is incorrect by one digit.

It is really stressing me out. I can't stop thinking that as soon as I mention it, that's my chance of securing the VS out the window... why would they give someone a VS if their attention to detail is so poor they can't enter their own phone number correctly???

What would any of you advise me do? The only contact details I have with the firm is the HR partner who is conducting my interview

 

[Ricky]

Hi all, I have an interview for a VS but after reading over my application, I have realised my phone number is incorrect by one digit.

It is really stressing me out. I can't stop thinking that as soon as I mention it, that's my chance of securing the VS out the window... why would they give someone a VS if their attention to detail is so poor they can't enter their own phone number correctly???

What would any of you advise me do? The only contact details I have with the firm is the HR partner who is conducting my interview

Update it through the portal or just email them and update it. Really is not a big deal.

 

[M0723]

Hogan Lovells AC invite last Thursday!

Congratulations! Is this for the summer VS?

 

[Us416]

Update it through the portal or just email them and update it. Really is not a big deal.

Portal has closed, can't update anything. Would this already reflect badly on me, just trying to figure out when is the best time to say it!

 

[M1999]

Portal has closed, can't update anything. Would this already reflect badly on me, just trying to figure out when is the best time to say it!

Can’t you just say you got a new number and want to update it? And then just send your correct number in when they let you

 

[MLA]

Has anyone heard from Mishcon de Reya post case-study?

Hi - I will have mine on the 26th. Would you be so kind to share a bit from your experience and things to look out for? I am quite nervous.

I hope all goes well with yours!

 

[Ricky]

Portal has closed, can't update anything. Would this already reflect badly on me, just trying to figure out when is the best time to say it!

Nope and soon as poss.

 

[Us416]

Can’t you just say you got a new number and want to update it? And then just send your correct number in when they let you

I don't feel comfortable with lying about it... besides my number would be the same apart from one digit.
Not sure if I'm just over thinking the whole situation haha

 

[Jason S]

I don't feel comfortable with lying about it... besides my number would be the same apart from one digit.
Not sure if I'm just over thinking the whole situation haha

You wouldn’t have to lie. Just ask to update your mobile number. Even if they did realise I’m sure they wouldn’t think twice about it