2020-21 Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion

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Kelly_

Distinguished Member
Nov 9, 2020
68
195
Hi all! I am just finishing writing my TLT application but I'm struggling a bit with this question:
Please choose a sector.

What can the legal industry learn from this sector and in particular, what can TLT learn?


Do they want me to pick a sector that they already operate in, and state what they can learn further/if they can develop any specialisms or is it really a free range in which case it's a very broad question.

Many thanks!
 

Jessica Booker

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Graduate Recruitment
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Aug 1, 2019
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Hi all! I am just finishing writing my TLT application but I'm struggling a bit with this question:
Please choose a sector.

What can the legal industry learn from this sector and in particular, what can TLT learn?


Do they want me to pick a sector that they already operate in, and state what they can learn further/if they can develop any specialisms or is it really a free range in which case it's a very broad question.

Many thanks!
No it doesn’t need to be a sector they operate in. It’s a much broader question, asking you to just think about what other industries are doing that as a firm they can learn from. I answered a very similar question here:

 
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Kelly_

Distinguished Member
Nov 9, 2020
68
195
No it doesn’t need to be a sector they operate in. It’s a much broader question, asking you to just think about what other industries are doing that as a firm they can learn from. I answered a very similar question here:

That's really helpful, thank you so much Jessica!
 

Elle W

Valued Member
Jan 12, 2021
102
249
just did the ashurst test and feel so deflated. after spending so long on the app, getting it reviewed and getting good feedback etc. to feel like that was all a waste : (
It seems like they place way more emphasis on the application than the scores, so I really wouldn't worry! I did well on the tests (I think 86 & 91) and was pleased with my application, but I didn't get through to the AC for the VS and I saw people with much lower scores progress. It sounds like your application is very strong so you still have every chance! Good luck :)
 

whisperingrock

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  • Sep 12, 2020
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    just did the ashurst test and feel so deflated. after spending so long on the app, getting it reviewed and getting good feedback etc. to feel like that was all a waste : (
    To add to what Elle W already said, you also have no idea how well you did. I almost quit part way through the games because I thought I was doing terribly and ended up with really high scores in the end. Chin up :)
     

    jan28

    Legendary Member
    Future Trainee
    M&A Bootcamp
    Sep 12, 2019
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    It seems like they place way more emphasis on the application than the scores, so I really wouldn't worry! I did well on the tests (I think 86 & 91) and was pleased with my application, but I didn't get through to the AC for the VS and I saw people with much lower scores progress. It sounds like your application is very strong so you still have every chance! Good luck :)

    To add to what Elle W already said, you also have no idea how well you did. I almost quit part way through the games because I thought I was doing terribly and ended up with really high scores in the end. Chin up :)
    🥺🥺 thanks guys x

    i'll cling on to that every last piece of hope to stop myself from feeling like the dumbest person in the world.
     

    whisperingrock

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  • Sep 12, 2020
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    🥺🥺 thanks guys x

    i'll cling on to that every last piece of hope to stop myself from feeling like the dumbest person in the world.
    Don't measure your worth and intelligence by how well you can fit shapes into other shapes in 10 second intervals.

    I'm sure someone is going to tell me that there is a lot of empirical evidence about how mobile games a great way to recruit blah blah blah, but I think it's weird and stupid and makes an already stressful process even worse for applicants.
     
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    Anon 11031

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    Don't measure your worth and intelligence by how well you can fit shapes into other shapes in 10 second intervals.

    I'm sure someone is going to tell me that there is a lot of empirical evidence about how mobile games a great way to recruit blah blah blah, but I think it's weird and stupid and makes an already stressful process even worse for applicants.
    Honestly, I agree with this. It's the same reason that I think IQ tests are absolute BS.

    There's always someone coming up with an alternative way to assess your ability to be a critical thinker and what not, and most of them are so far removed from real life that it's ridiculous. I'm awful at most of these, especially the maths ones (and I work in an analytical tax position), so I don't think they're a great measure of who you are as a candidate and that's why they're used to measure you alongside your application.

    Please don't let something like this make you feel less than, @R19 , I'm sure you're a wonderful person with many talents and @whisperingrock hit the nail on the head with their comment.
     
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    Jessica Booker

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    Aug 1, 2019
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    just did the ashurst test and feel so deflated. after spending so long on the app, getting it reviewed and getting good feedback etc. to feel like that was all a waste : (
    As others have said, I wouldn't make the assumption it is automatically the decision you think it is. People are usually their own worst critic and will often assume the worst. The likilhood is that it is isn't as bad as you currently expect.
     
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    Asil Ahmad

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  • Mar 29, 2020
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    Take your mind of it, send off more apps and enjoy your Bank Holiday weekend. Stuff like this is out of your hands and you're only gonna make yourself sick with worry by waiting for updates
    Yh I know I got a busy weekend and plus the champions league final is on this weekend no hint on who I support but am hoping the weather in London is nice also.
     
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    Mea

    Star Member
    Apr 5, 2019
    37
    107
    Is there a specific structure to answer this question? 'Shoosmiths people are collaborative and frequently work together to provide the best solutions and service to clients. Tell us about the best team you have ever been part of. In your answer you should include details about your role in the team and the other team members, how you fostered strong working relationships and what you achieved together.'

    It seems like a relatively straightforward and genuine question, but any advice would be appreciated.

    @Jessica Booker I am sure you would have some good insight into how I could approach this question? 😊
     

    Jessica Booker

    Legendary Member
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    Gold Member
    Graduate Recruitment
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    Forum Team
    Aug 1, 2019
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    Is there a specific structure to answer this question? 'Shoosmiths people are collaborative and frequently work together to provide the best solutions and service to clients. Tell us about the best team you have ever been part of. In your answer you should include details about your role in the team and the other team members, how you fostered strong working relationships and what you achieved together.'

    It seems like a relatively straightforward and genuine question, but any advice would be appreciated.

    @Jessica Booker I am sure you would have some good insight into how I could approach this question? 😊
    My advice is to focus much more on the team dynamics than the output. Often people choose the "impressive" answer in terms of responsibility or outcomes, rather than really talking about the BEST team they have EVER worked in. There is going to need to be something pretty great about the team (that means you and the other people in it!) for you to label it the best one, and I think it is important for you to explain why you think it is the best.
     

    Mea

    Star Member
    Apr 5, 2019
    37
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    My advice is to focus much more on the team dynamics than the output. Often people choose the "impressive" answer in terms of responsibility or outcomes, rather than really talking about the BEST team they have EVER worked in. There is going to need to be something pretty great about the team (that means you and the other people in it!) for you to label it the best one, and I think it is important for you to explain why you think it is the best.
    Amazing, thank you for your quick response. That makes sense!
     
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    Anon 11031

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    My advice is to focus much more on the team dynamics than the output. Often people choose the "impressive" answer in terms of responsibility or outcomes, rather than really talking about the BEST team they have EVER worked in. There is going to need to be something pretty great about the team (that means you and the other people in it!) for you to label it the best one, and I think it is important for you to explain why you think it is the best.
    Sorry for following up, but I'm in the midst of this too. Because it asks you about the best team, do you have to come up with a specific example of what you achieved.

    For example, I'm using being the president of the law soc as mine, as the committee was great. But should I give a specific example, like planning a ball or just a general overview or achievements?
     
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