Advice on Approaching Application Question - Recent Headline

[nmurphy44]

Hi all,

I am currently completing a training contract application and I could really use some help with the approach to this question!

"Think of a headline you've read in the past six months. What potential longer-term impact (between three and five years) might this have on a client that we act for? 250 words"

By "a client," is the firm asking me to pick a specific client they are known to act for, or do they mean their clients in general?

In addition, I was wondering if I should I take this structure:

1. Discuss headline
2. Discuss long-term impact on the client

or this structure:

1. Discuss headline
2. Discuss long-term impact on the client
3. Discuss the firm's strengths in dealing with this impact and/or what more they could do

Thank you! I just want to make sure that I am approaching this correctly.

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hi all,

I am currently completing a training contract application and I could really use some help with the approach to this question!

"Think of a headline you've read in the past six months. What potential longer-term impact (between three and five years) might this have on a client that we act for? 250 words"

By "a client," is the firm asking me to pick a specific client they are known to act for, or do they mean their clients in general?

In addition, I was wondering if I should I take this structure:

1. Discuss headline
2. Discuss long-term impact on the client

or this structure:

1. Discuss headline
2. Discuss long-term impact on the client
3. Discuss the firm's strengths in dealing with this impact and/or what more they could do

Thank you! I just want to make sure that I am approaching this correctly.

Hello!

Happy to share my thoughts on your questions!

You don't need to pick a named client. Firms will know that you won't necessarily have access to their client list, so they're expecting you to choose a typical client profile they act for - e.g. a multinational corporation, a bank, a private equity fund, a tech company, etc. Just make sure it's consistent with the firm's core practice areas.

The important part is showing that you understand how wider events create commercial consequences for the sort of businesses the firm advises. If you select a headline from an area they're strong in (e.g. technology, energy, litigation, etc.) you can stay grounded in their work without needing to name an actual company.

As for structure, I would say that your first option is the most suitable for 250 words:

1. Briefly outline the headline - what happened and why it matters
2. Explain the long-term impact on the chosen type of client - focus on the risks and opportunities, such as the regulatory, financial, operational, or strategic consequences

Adding a third section about the firm's strengths can still work, but I would try to keep it brief. If you do include it, the aim is to demonstrate that you've thought through how the firm could help the client navigate the issue - make sure it doesn't feel bolted on or take away from your commercial insight.

The main things that the graduate recruitment team are testing with this question are:

1. Can you pick a commercially relevant headline?
2. Do you understand the broader implications?
3. Can you explain it concisely and logically?

Ultimately, aim for a concise explanation that shows you understand both the commercial issue and how it affects the client's business.

I hope that helps, and best of luck with your application!