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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

BobThebIlly

Legendary Member
Premium Member
Dec 6, 2024
227
394
Guys I’m really stressed right now. I’ve just finished Gowling’s video interview and I actually felt good about my answers. But when it came to recording, I didn’t realise there was a delay while it fully loaded, so around 10–20 seconds of a couple of my responses got cut off. I’m visually impaired, which made it harder to tell when recording had properly started. Grad recruitment seem really kind, but I’m worried this might have affected my performance and I don’t know what to do.
 

Afraz Akhtar

Legendary Member
Staff member
Premium Member
  • Dec 22, 2025
    127
    287
    Guys I’m really stressed right now. I’ve just finished Gowling’s video interview and I actually felt good about my answers. But when it came to recording, I didn’t realise there was a delay while it fully loaded, so around 10–20 seconds of a couple of my responses got cut off. I’m visually impaired, which made it harder to tell when recording had properly started. Grad recruitment seem really kind, but I’m worried this might have affected my performance and I don’t know what to do.
    @BobThebIlly sorry to hear this, I can imagine how annoying it is.

    If the delay wasn’t your fault and was more of a technical issue than anything else, I would urge you to get in touch with graduate recruitment who should be able to allow you a second chance to complete the test.

    If however the delay wasn’t technical, and was more to do with your visual impairment as you suggest, I would still reach out to graduate recruitment but explain your situation so that together you can find a workaround with the test.

    Hopefully they’re able to accommodate your request!
     

    Novaa

    Valued Member
    Dec 2, 2022
    108
    411
    Guys I’m really stressed right now. I’ve just finished Gowling’s video interview and I actually felt good about my answers. But when it came to recording, I didn’t realise there was a delay while it fully loaded, so around 10–20 seconds of a couple of my responses got cut off. I’m visually impaired, which made it harder to tell when recording had properly started. Grad recruitment seem really kind, but I’m worried this might have affected my performance and I don’t know what to do.
    Hey, I’m sure it will be okay.

    I’m assuming you informed the firms of any reasonable adjustments. I would possibly follow up to just confirm you received the adjustment and then just flag the issue with it not flagging when the recording had actually started.

    I dont think they would dock you points for this. Especially as this seems to be an accessibility issue rather than you taking too long / not planning your response. :)
     

    BobThebIlly

    Legendary Member
    Premium Member
    Dec 6, 2024
    227
    394
    Hey, I’m sure it will be okay.

    I’m assuming you informed the firms of any reasonable adjustments. I would possibly follow up to just confirm you received the adjustment and then just flag the issue with it not flagging when the recording had actually started.

    I dont think they would dock you points for this. Especially as this seems to be an accessibility issue rather than you taking too long / not planning your response. :)
    thank you! it was only the last question when i noticed that it had a loading screen lol. I was wondering why my 90 sec answer was only 60 secs for q2 :((((
     
    • 🤝
    Reactions: Novaa

    Afraz Akhtar

    Legendary Member
    Staff member
    Premium Member
  • Dec 22, 2025
    127
    287
    Genuine question as to how everyone stays sane in the midst of it all? Me and the refresh button have become alarmingly inseparable in recent times…..
    @Ijustwanttobealawyer this is a feeling most on here, and many in the legal industry will understand - so know that you’re not alone.

    Many will have their own ways of dealing with this feeling and it would probably be useful for everyone to pitch in, but for me, it personally worked to simply understand the fact that it wasn’t a race - and I would eventually get to where I needed to be, whether that’s this year, or the next, or the year after.

    All of a sudden, I stopped taking the rejections personally, and instead started framing my mindset in a “their loss” kind of way. Of course, I know none of the firms cared, but the delusion within me required at least a little ego.

    I’m not going to lie, it was hard to reframe my anxiety, but with that little power trip (made easier with a killer playlist, and daydreaming) I started focusing on the positives, and kept telling myself okay - well I don’t have any TC which means all options for any firm are still within my grasp, so I’m not pigeonholed by one particular firm so I could realistically aim higher.

    Aside from that little ego boost (which was essential btw because of how much confidence is knocked during this entire journey) what was most important, was learning to take a break. Whether that be a few days, or a few weeks, it was critical to making sure that mentally I stayed happy. So, I didn’t say no to any socials or I didn’t lock myself way trying to do more and more applications. I simply took a break, recharged, and came back when I felt ready.

    You’ll find your own way to deal with this, it really is a journey you’ll look back on and laugh about one day.
     

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