2020-21 Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion

[InNeedofaTC]

Why would you congratulate someone on a PFO . . . . . .

Probably misread, I hope anyway

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

If you have a VS this summer with a firm, but in the meantime apply for a direct TC with a different firm - is that an odd thing to do? do people usually do this or wait until after the VS?

It is very common - wouldn’t be an odd thing to do. Some people do wait for the vac scheme to happen first, but ultimately many people can’t as their vac scheme might be close or after application deadlines

 

[Matt_96]

Ooh okok, when did you send your application? I assume quite early?
I have no idea how many people got interviews with WS this year.. wish we could know

I applied on the 1st January 2021. Didn't feel that early to me! The app had been open since November 2020.

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

Okay thank you Neville! Should I include the fact I am yet to complete my VS at a different firm in the TC application?

Yes - you can include it on your application. There is just no point explaining it (as you have nothing to explain) - if the application has an extra information section, then I would mention it in there.

 

[tractor12]

Guys I have a question to answer for an app:

Describe a situation when you took a personal risk to share a view that was different or unpopular (in no more than 150 words). For example, working on a group project where you had a different opinion to the majority of the group.​

How can I answer this? Does anyone have any situational examples? I think the 'personal risk' bit is throwing me off

Perhaps the personal risk is that what you are suggesting will be unpopular and will change the way others view you? Or perhaps your suggestion may be a great idea with a lot of risk and it might not pan out the way you want it to

 

[layla rose]

Yes - you can include it on your application. There is just no point explaining it (as you have nothing to explain) - if the application has an extra information section, then I would mention it in there.

brill, thanks very much for the responses Jessica

 

[sam970]

Why would you congratulate someone on a PFO . . . . . .

Oh crap I’m so blind I’m so sorry I read that as you got the VS. Staring at a screen all day isn’t good for my eyes

 

[Mxkry]

Should I assume PFO for Ashurst post app? Saw a few that said they had done all their assessment centres.

 

[G P]

Just had the most awful interview experience. It was my first ever interview, and I just flopped. You know when the words that leave your mouth don't match up to the ones in your head? The interviewers were lovely but I just felt sorry for them to be honest for having to listen to my waffle. Anyone had this experience before? Or any tips to try and forget about it and move on (inevitable PFO pending!)?

 

[manifestingaTC]

Has anyone been rejected by either Travers or W&C re summer scheme? (I appreciate this is not easy to say but would give an insight for those of us waiting to hear back)

Some people have heard back positively and others have not all, so surely in that case, no response still leaves hope.

I’ve seen some people on here with rejections for W&C summer post app

 

[CareerChanger]

Why would you congratulate someone on a PFO . . . . . .

what I actually want to know is why I haven’t been congratulated on all my PFOs?

 

[Jacob Miller]

Just had the most awful interview experience. It was my first ever interview, and I just flopped. You know when the words that leave your mouth don't match up to the ones in your head? The interviewers were lovely but I just felt sorry for them to be honest for having to listen to my waffle. Anyone had this experience before? Or any tips to try and forget about it and move on (inevitable PFO pending!)?

Sorry to hear this! These interviews happen, and I totally relate to the "I-want-the-earth-to-open-up-and-swallow-me-whole-please" feelings. I wrote about my worst ever car crash interview here, hopefully it'll either give you a laugh or make you feel a bit better!

 

[sam970]

Just had the most awful interview experience. It was my first ever interview, and I just flopped. You know when the words that leave your mouth don't match up to the ones in your head? The interviewers were lovely but I just felt sorry for them to be honest for having to listen to my waffle. Anyone had this experience before? Or any tips to try and forget about it and move on (inevitable PFO pending!)?

I wouldn’t worry about it too much. It may have gone much better than you think! And regardless, any experience is good experience! The more interviews you will have the more comfortable and at ease you will feel during them, hopefully it will have taken some of the fear factor away from it. Plus most firms do give good levels of feedback post-interview stage so you’ll definitely get some useful tips for any future interviews even if it isn’t the news you’d like. But above all, never assume the PFO! Have the faith and just wait to hear what they say. Good luck

 

[YFA]

Just had the most awful interview experience. It was my first ever interview, and I just flopped. You know when the words that leave your mouth don't match up to the ones in your head? The interviewers were lovely but I just felt sorry for them to be honest for having to listen to my waffle. Anyone had this experience before? Or any tips to try and forget about it and move on (inevitable PFO pending!)?

Can relate so much, especially on my first interview! But it's all part of the learning process and I think it's normal because it's such a new and unnatural experience. With practice I definitely improved, although I still have interviews that make me cringe everyday for a month after it lol. I just try to see it as a win-win: either it went well and you progress with them or you don't and you learn from it and get better with practice. I would write down what you remember being asked so that you can prepare better for the questions that threw you off for if they ever come up again.

Also remember that they interview so many people that they probably won't remember it - that's what I tell myself at least haha.

 

[SamTam99]

Just had the most awful interview experience. It was my first ever interview, and I just flopped. You know when the words that leave your mouth don't match up to the ones in your head? The interviewers were lovely but I just felt sorry for them to be honest for having to listen to my waffle. Anyone had this experience before? Or any tips to try and forget about it and move on (inevitable PFO pending!)?

We’ve all been there, keep your head up!

My first ever VS interview was absolutely horrific haha, pains me even thinking about it. But, honestly, I learnt so much from it and I’m 100% more confident and calm in my interviews now.

Use it as a learning experience and keep positive, I’m sure you’ll smash your next one when it comes along!!

 

[Dheepa]

Guys I have a question to answer for an app:

Describe a situation when you took a personal risk to share a view that was different or unpopular (in no more than 150 words). For example, working on a group project where you had a different opinion to the majority of the group.​

How can I answer this? Does anyone have any situational examples? I think the 'personal risk' bit is throwing me off

I think personal risk can refer to things like making you less liked in the group or putting your own position or role at risk if it involved challenging someone more senior on their views? To me this sounds like a question that wants to test if you can balance working within a team (handling different opinions) while maintaining your own professional integrity (the unpopular, personal risk factor) when doing so.

 

[M777]

Anyone else waiting on Mayer Brown post-phone interview? I did mine in December. Assuming it's a lost cause?

 

[John Travoni]

Anyone who has done the Trowers McQuaig test, how did you find it? Was it as hard as the practice tests ??

 

[Alex3107]

How long after the Dentons AC did people hear back?

Three days!

 

[cryingoverTCs]

Perhaps the personal risk is that what you are suggesting will be unpopular and will change the way others view you? Or perhaps your suggestion may be a great idea with a lot of risk and it might not pan out the way you want it to

I think personal risk can refer to things like making you less liked in the group or putting your own position or role at risk if it involved challenging someone more senior on their views? To me this sounds like a question that wants to test if you can balance working within a team (handling different opinions) while maintaining your own professional integrity (the unpopular, personal risk factor) when doing so.

Thank you both! These make sense to me!!