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TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26
- Thread starter Ram Sabaratnam
- Start date
Interviews are definitely my downfall. I know this and I've had coaching, mock sessions, listened to feedback and still keep getting rejected.
I am neurodivergent (ADHD) and am beginning to wonder if it is a little more to do with this. I can ramble a lot, struggle to remember things on the spot etc. I've done a lot of work on this, lots of practice for interviews etc. It's something I've only recently been diagnosed with though and so I'm still navigating what it all means. If anyone else also has ADHD and is willing to share techniques that have helped them or accomodations they've been able to ask for I would be really appreciative.
I am neurodivergent (ADHD) and am beginning to wonder if it is a little more to do with this. I can ramble a lot, struggle to remember things on the spot etc. I've done a lot of work on this, lots of practice for interviews etc. It's something I've only recently been diagnosed with though and so I'm still navigating what it all means. If anyone else also has ADHD and is willing to share techniques that have helped them or accomodations they've been able to ask for I would be really appreciative.
Is anyone still waiting for Reed Smith’s test for DTC following the application? I applied nearly 2 weeks ago it seems most people on here seem to be getting it within a week. Is anyone in the same boat as me?
Did you get invited to AC? Still haven’t heard back so guess I got rejected.If someone has attended an assessment centre at foot Anstey in previous cycles or attended a spring vac scheme with them this cycle, please could you pm me, I’d be super grateful and would be very happy to share insights regarding other firms!
Honestly, the best advice I ever received was to take a sip of water before answering so that I could gather my thoughts. I think it has helped a lot. Also, as soon as I catch myself rambling, I just finish my sentence and basically tie it back to the original question.
As someone who got through to AC stage for Reed Smith for the vac scheme at least, I got 3/9 for one pillar. And while I don't know exactly how it works, I was told in a virtual event with they kind of separately assess the VI, and they have a different weighting for VI and test. So a good test can offset a bad VI, and vice versa.
So far from this forum it seems people invited to the VI/TI submitted their applications around the deadline, please correct me if I am wrong!
I submitted my app 24 April and completed the SJT 25 April. I got to the final interview for the spring VS last year so really hoping they are sending VIs in batches…
I submitted my app 24 April and completed the SJT 25 April. I got to the final interview for the spring VS last year so really hoping they are sending VIs in batches…
Hi, hearing a lot about how the W&C VI is quite difficult. I applied on the deadline but haven’t heard back yet, but in the meantime, can those who gave it/ advanced to the next stage give any insight or advice into the VI and how to best prep for it? Did it contain any curveball questions?
I am doing a vac scheme with them. My ac is at the end of the scheme. I don’t think DTC people have heard back.
Hey!
Welcome back! Thank you for sharing this so openly, and I'm sorry to hear that this cycle has ended this way for you. I'm the first in my family to go to university, and I went to a non-Russell Group university too, so I completely understand how disheartening it can be when it feels like you get so close at the AC stage after making it past the first few rounds.
Submitting 30 applications and making it to multiple video interviews and assessment centres is no easy feat and shows that you had a strong cycle overall, even if the end result doesn't feel like it. It shows that your applications are working to a point and you are clearly competitive enough to get through those early stages.
I'd definitely avoid viewing it as a "0 offers = no progress" situation - like you've said, you will have developed a lot of this cycle and built lots of experience. The jump from getting interviews/ACs to converting them is often the hardest part, but very learnable and coachable and this was definitely the bit I struggled with last cycle too!
In terms of next steps, I'd probably try not to see this as a reset to zero situation! You've now got a much clearer idea of which stages are tripping you up most, which is incredibly useful for targeted improvement next cycle. It might be worth getting very specific feedback where possible and then focusing your prep around those areas, rather than just broadly reapplying in the same way again. I'd also give yourself some space from it if you can - these application cycles can be really draining, and stepping back briefly can help you come back more motivated next time.
Wishing you the best of luck, and let us know if we can help at all!
Hi!
As someone who also struggled a lot with interviews, I really feel for you as it sounds like you have put a huge amount of work into improving, which can make repeated interview rejections especially frustrating.
I'm also neurodivergent, and I do think it can play role in interviews, particularly with things like rambling, struggling to structure thoughts quickly under pressure, interrupting slightly when nervous (I've done this more times than I'd like to admit!), or finding it difficult to retrieve examples on the spot. Interviews can be such an artificial environment and they often reward concise and highly structured communication under time pressure, which does not always align naturally with how our brains process information.
One thing I would say though is the fact that you are getting interviews/ACs in the first place is a strong sign that firms already see potential in you. Therefore, it is likely more of a technique or presentation issue rather than a capability issue (although I appreciate that may not be super reassuring).
I also think it is definitely worth exploring accommodations rather than feeling like you have to force yourself through the "standard process". I totally understand being nervous about asking for accommodations, and it made me feel slightly uncomfortable last cycle, but graduate recruitment teams have always been super receptive and it is worth it to give yourself the best shot. Depending on the firm, adjustments like receiving written instructions, extra processing time, rest breaks, or flexibility in assessment formats can sometimes be available, so I'd definitely enquire with the firm about what they can offer.
In terms of practical things that helped me personally, I found it really useful to massively simplify my answer structures. I would almost force myself to start with a headline/signposting sentence like "There are two main reasons for that..." because otherwise I could end up going down too many tangents, and it would keep me on track. I also found that having a few very well-practised examples for the core competencies helped reduce the "mind going blank" feeling as I was not trying to think of something completely now on the spot.
You also mentioned that your diagnosis is recent, and I think that is important to keep in mind too. I found that there was a period of learning how your brain works best and which coping strategies genuinely help you, rather than just trying to mask everything.
You are clearly reflective and resilient, and I think that the fact you are reaching these later stages show that you are more than capable of securing an offer. I hope you are able to find what works best for you!
White & Case VI! If anyone has insights, please PM - I have Freshfields VI, Mishcon de Reya VI + SJT, and Linklaters Pathfinders interview insights. Also I'm quite worried seeing people write about short prep time when the email says prep is 2 mins...
Thank you so much Abbie. This is really helpful and reassuringHi!
As someone who also struggled a lot with interviews, I really feel for you as it sounds like you have put a huge amount of work into improving, which can make repeated interview rejections especially frustrating.
I'm also neurodivergent, and I do think it can play role in interviews, particularly with things like rambling, struggling to structure thoughts quickly under pressure, interrupting slightly when nervous (I've done this more times than I'd like to admit!), or finding it difficult to retrieve examples on the spot. Interviews can be such an artificial environment and they often reward concise and highly structured communication under time pressure, which does not always align naturally with how our brains process information.
One thing I would say though is the fact that you are getting interviews/ACs in the first place is a strong sign that firms already see potential in you. Therefore, it is likely more of a technique or presentation issue rather than a capability issue (although I appreciate that may not be super reassuring).
I also think it is definitely worth exploring accommodations rather than feeling like you have to force yourself through the "standard process". I totally understand being nervous about asking for accommodations, and it made me feel slightly uncomfortable last cycle, but graduate recruitment teams have always been super receptive and it is worth it to give yourself the best shot. Depending on the firm, adjustments like receiving written instructions, extra processing time, rest breaks, or flexibility in assessment formats can sometimes be available, so I'd definitely enquire with the firm about what they can offer.
In terms of practical things that helped me personally, I found it really useful to massively simplify my answer structures. I would almost force myself to start with a headline/signposting sentence like "There are two main reasons for that..." because otherwise I could end up going down too many tangents, and it would keep me on track. I also found that having a few very well-practised examples for the core competencies helped reduce the "mind going blank" feeling as I was not trying to think of something completely now on the spot.
You also mentioned that your diagnosis is recent, and I think that is important to keep in mind too. I found that there was a period of learning how your brain works best and which coping strategies genuinely help you, rather than just trying to mask everything.
You are clearly reflective and resilient, and I think that the fact you are reaching these later stages show that you are more than capable of securing an offer. I hope you are able to find what works best for you!
The wording in the email is misleading. They mean to say that the 2 minutes includes BOTH the prep and answer time, rather than 2 minutes for each part.
Thanks! I was afraid I might be rejected, it felt really good after Shoosmiths pfo today.
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