General Discussion Thread 2020-21

[Velikilawyer123]

Generally they are no different to when you are in person, it’s just delivered virtually/online

But wouldn't not being in person make a significant difference here? You can't really read body language, facial expressions may be difficult to discern (especially if someone has poor video quality), and even with the best internet speed there's always a slight delay which makes it much more difficult to have a conversation with multiple people.

My understanding was that many / most firms will be avoiding group exercises via video for this reason. Does anyone have any insight on this?

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

That’s interesting. At the MC firm my child has been offered a TC with - it was the Partner who phoned. Not Grad Recruitment.

Yes - that used to be the case at the three MC firms I worked for. Grad Rec used to do the calls the partners couldn’t - which considering you could be making up to 60 offers the same day, were often a significant number for Grad Rec. Especially if the 1st September fell on a Saturday or Sunday

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

Oh yes.... at least you know you made the right decision then. I’ll need to track down my “HR diatribe” response I once had... let me see if I can find it.

found it....,from 2015. This was after I had given them feedback post application when we didn’t normally give it but they kept contacting everyone in the firm and we felt it was easier to just give them the feedback and respond to some of their other “criticisms” they had put into writing....

Dear Jess

I am not disappointed at all and in fact I do not understand what your letters are doing in my inbox.

If the purpose of your 'responses' to annoy and frustrate then could you please stop writing your insulting HR diatribe to me? I have done and still doing more extra-curricular activities than most law graduates do and have given well reasoned answers to all the questions on your application form.

Your response that you spend your week-ends considering graduates' applications is pathetic and no reasonable person will believe you.

Regards

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

But wouldn't not being in person make a significant difference here? You can't really read body language, facial expressions may be difficult to discern (especially if someone has poor video quality), and even with the best internet speed there's always a slight delay which makes it much more difficult to have a conversation with multiple people.

My understanding was that many / most firms will be avoiding group exercises via video for this reason. Does anyone have any insight on this?

Some firms have stopped doing group exercises for the reasons you have suggested.

However, with everyone feeling like Zoom/Teams video calls are here to stay for a long time, many firms are deciding to keep group exercises in their virtual/online assessment centres and have been finding that if anything it can be better for candidates (eg you can see everyone’s faces on one screen rather than facing certain people more than others). I think some firms are also taking it as an opportunity to see how candidates respond to digital technology and how they adapt to it. Having assessed some group exercises in the last four months, I have actually been surprised how well they run.

Employers are tending to make the exercises slightly longer or with contingency timings for things like technical issues. I haven’t experienced any issues with quality of video/sound, but that might be where the employers have been doing checks with candidates ahead of the assessments and ensuring everyone is set up well.

 

[CarinaH]

But wouldn't not being in person make a significant difference here? You can't really read body language, facial expressions may be difficult to discern (especially if someone has poor video quality), and even with the best internet speed there's always a slight delay which makes it much more difficult to have a conversation with multiple people.

My understanding was that many / most firms will be avoiding group exercises via video for this reason. Does anyone have any insight on this?

our group exercise was done via video platform. We all had the room open so we could talk to each other when things needed to be discussed and other than that turned our cameras off and did our research. It honestly wasn’t much different to doing it in person. The actual presenting bit was a bit more tricky, but we managed to plan it quite well beforehand, so in the end it was not too bad. I was so worried about the group exercise and in the end I think if you plan it well and work together, it’s not different to doing it in person. You still see everyone on camera, so it isn’t as difficult as you might think

 

[Velikilawyer123]

Some firms have stopped doing group exercises for the reasons you have suggested.

However, with everyone feeling like Zoom/Teams video calls are here to stay for a long time, many firms are deciding to keep group exercises in their virtual/online assessment centres and have been finding that if anything it can be better for candidates (eg you can see everyone’s faces on one screen rather than facing certain people more than others). I think some firms are also taking it as an opportunity to see how candidates respond to digital technology and how they adapt to it. Having assessed some group exercises in the last four months, I have actually been surprised how well they run.

Employers are tending to make the exercises slightly longer or with contingency timings for things like technical issues. I haven’t experienced any issues with quality of video/sound, but that might be where the employers have been doing checks with candidates ahead of the assessments and ensuring everyone is set up well.

our group exercise was done via video platform. We all had the room open so we could talk to each other when things needed to be discussed and other than that turned our cameras off and did our research. It honestly wasn’t much different to doing it in person. The actual presenting bit was a bit more tricky, but we managed to plan it quite well beforehand, so in the end it was not too bad. I was so worried about the group exercise and in the end I think if you plan it well and work together, it’s not different to doing it in person. You still see everyone on camera, so it isn’t as difficult as you might think

Ah I see, yeah all of that makes sense actually. Thanks!

 

[WMA]

Has anyone ever applied for something and were genuinely dumbfounded that they got it whether it be TC, VS or otherwise?

Just last week I was offered a Training Contract with a large national firm with opportunities internationally. I had completely resigned myself from the idea of getting a TC there as I thought I completely tanked the final interview and told all my family and friends that this year unfortunately won't be the year I get a TC. I then got the call and couldn't even think of anything to say. They even want me to start before 2022!
Weirdly enough, I was much more confident in other applications which I didn't progress in so it just goes to show, you never know!
Also whilst I'm here, my cycle this year has been much more successful thanks to everyone on this forum! The commercial awareness pages helped me in numerous interviews and everyone's positive attitude also. Best of luck everyone!

 

[W]

Just last week I was offered a Training Contract with a large national firm with opportunities internationally. I had completely resigned myself from the idea of getting a TC there as I thought I completely tanked the final interview and told all my family and friends that this year unfortunately won't be the year I get a TC. I then got the call and couldn't even think of anything to say. They even want me to start before 2022!
Weirdly enough, I was much more confident in other applications which I didn't progress in so it just goes to show, you never know!
Also whilst I'm here, my cycle this year has been much more successful thanks to everyone on this forum! The commercial awareness pages helped me in numerous interviews and everyone's positive attitude also. Best of luck everyone!

Love inspo stories like this!

 

[Alice G]

Just last week I was offered a Training Contract with a large national firm with opportunities internationally. I had completely resigned myself from the idea of getting a TC there as I thought I completely tanked the final interview and told all my family and friends that this year unfortunately won't be the year I get a TC. I then got the call and couldn't even think of anything to say. They even want me to start before 2022!
Weirdly enough, I was much more confident in other applications which I didn't progress in so it just goes to show, you never know!
Also whilst I'm here, my cycle this year has been much more successful thanks to everyone on this forum! The commercial awareness pages helped me in numerous interviews and everyone's positive attitude also. Best of luck everyone!

Congratulations!!!

 

[Daniel Boden]

Just last week I was offered a Training Contract with a large national firm with opportunities internationally. I had completely resigned myself from the idea of getting a TC there as I thought I completely tanked the final interview and told all my family and friends that this year unfortunately won't be the year I get a TC. I then got the call and couldn't even think of anything to say. They even want me to start before 2022!
Weirdly enough, I was much more confident in other applications which I didn't progress in so it just goes to show, you never know!
Also whilst I'm here, my cycle this year has been much more successful thanks to everyone on this forum! The commercial awareness pages helped me in numerous interviews and everyone's positive attitude also. Best of luck everyone!

Huge congrats!

 

[D]

Just last week I was offered a Training Contract with a large national firm with opportunities internationally. I had completely resigned myself from the idea of getting a TC there as I thought I completely tanked the final interview and told all my family and friends that this year unfortunately won't be the year I get a TC. I then got the call and couldn't even think of anything to say. They even want me to start before 2022!
Weirdly enough, I was much more confident in other applications which I didn't progress in so it just goes to show, you never know!
Also whilst I'm here, my cycle this year has been much more successful thanks to everyone on this forum! The commercial awareness pages helped me in numerous interviews and everyone's positive attitude also. Best of luck everyone!

Congrats!

 

[E.A]

Anyone heard from Orrick?

I emailed them and they told me they will start reviewing applications in Oct/ Nov

 

[champ591]

has anyone heard from White & Case?

 

[sp50]

Has anyone done the Withers virtual AC yet? Do you have any tips on what to expect? Thank you in advance!

 

[Emily K]

Just received a rejection from BCLP for direct TC, in case anyone is still waiting to hear!

 

[Deleted member 5185]

Just received a rejection from BCLP for direct TC, in case anyone is still waiting to hear!

I’m yet to receive mine but thanks so much for the update, and sorry to hear have you applied anywhere else ?

 

[Emily K]

I’m yet to receive mine but thanks so much for the update, and sorry to hear have you applied anywhere else ?

Best of luck if you're still waiting, hopefully it will be a positive outcome I've also applied to Links and White & Case, but still waiting for a response!

 

[Zoo]

Just last week I was offered a Training Contract with a large national firm with opportunities internationally. I had completely resigned myself from the idea of getting a TC there as I thought I completely tanked the final interview and told all my family and friends that this year unfortunately won't be the year I get a TC. I then got the call and couldn't even think of anything to say. They even want me to start before 2022!
Weirdly enough, I was much more confident in other applications which I didn't progress in so it just goes to show, you never know!
Also whilst I'm here, my cycle this year has been much more successful thanks to everyone on this forum! The commercial awareness pages helped me in numerous interviews and everyone's positive attitude also. Best of luck everyone!

Congratulations!!

 

[Pallatablelawyer]

Just received a rejection from BCLP for direct TC, in case anyone is still waiting to hear!

so sorry when did you apply

 

[Emily K]

so sorry when did you apply

I applied in June, quite close to the deadline!