Gowling WLG Interview 2019 - 2020

Jaysen

Founder, TCLA
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Gold Member
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  • Feb 17, 2018
    4,692
    8,565
    Please state the month/year you interviewed at the firm.

    January 2020

    Please specify what the interview was for.

    Spring Vacation Scheme

    Please give an overview of the day with approximate timings.

    9.15 am- arrival.
    9.30am- introduction from Graduate Recruitment and all assessment day attendees introduce themselves.
    10.15am- writing task.
    11.30am- group task.
    12.00pm- 12.45pm- lunch/interviews with HR/meet trainee.

    Please provide a summary of each assessment on the day with approximate timings.

    Writing task- this was the first task for which we had an hour and consisted in writing an email detailing how a week of work experience at the firm should be structured for students from less privileged backgrounds. We were provided with a few documents that detailed certain commitments that needed to be adhered to and the sort of things the week long experience should include. It was up to us based on this information to write an email detailing how to structure the week.

    Group task- This task was related to the task at hand in the case study. We first had five minutes to individually consider some questions including:

    - How could partner involvement in the scheme be ensured?
    - How would we keep in contact with those involved in the scheme and receive feedback from them?
    - What strategies would be implemented to ensure a long term relationship can be sustained with the scheme attendees?

    We then spent about 25 minutes discussing our ideas in or group of 4, and coming to final decisions. We were being watched by 2 assessors, who were monitoring our communication and recording their thoughts.

    Interviews with HR/meet the trainee- during the last 45 minutes or so, we were all able to sit in a room where we could have an informal chat with a trainee and ask any questions. During this time each of us (there were 7 of us in total) were called out for a 10 minute HR Interview where we were asked 3 different questions. From discussion with other attendees at the end of the day, it seemed like we were all asked different questions.

    Please list any interview questions you were asked.

    - How do you deal with constructive criticism?
    - When have you had to manage a large amount of information/data?

    What is your best advice for each aspect of the assessment on the day? Please break this down for each assessment. This can include advice for preparation, as well as tips for the day.

    The HR interview is very very short- only 3 questions. As long as you have a few examples prepared that demonstrate different competencies, you will be fine. For the writing task, you have plenty of time so I would say focus on structuring your email well- clear division between different points, subheadings etc. The main advice for the group task I would say is to make sure you involve everyone. Naturally, some may be quieter than others, so perhaps without sounding pushy or patronising ask the quieter people about their thoughts. Also never speak over anybody!

    Were you successful?

    Yes
     

    Jaysen

    Founder, TCLA
    Staff member
    TCLA Moderator
    Gold Member
    Premium Member
    M&A Bootcamp
  • Feb 17, 2018
    4,692
    8,565
    Please state the month/year you interviewed at the firm.

    January 2020

    Please specify what the interview was for.

    Spring Vacation Scheme 2020

    Please give an overview of the day with approximate timings.

    Half day Assessment Centre with 6 candidates in total.

    Please provide a summary of each assessment on the day with approximate timings.

    A drafting exercise - We were each given a laptop which had a number of emails in the inbox. These emails referred to the [redacted] initiatives at the firm.
    The task required us to draft an email providing ideas and activities for a [redacted] initiative for underrepresented students from local schools in order to improve their access to the legal profession. This is a great opportunity to get creative and think outside of the box.

    A ‘team meeting’ (group exercise) - Using the brief from the drafting exercise, the group went into a discussion of how we would get Partners from the firm to get involved in the [redacted] initiative, whilst being mindful of cost and logistics and how we would keep in contact with the students and use their experiences to monitor and promote the event going forward.

    Question and answer session with trainees - Informal question and answer session.

    'Careers discussion' - This was essentially a HR interview which consisted of 4 competency based questions based around the firm's core values. I was then given the opportunity to ask any questions about the Vacation Scheme.

    Please list any interview questions you were asked.

    When have you analysed large amounts of information and provided recommendations?

    What is your best advice for each aspect of the assessment on the day? Please break this down for each assessment. This can include advice for preparation, as well as tips for the day.

    - During the team exercise address all the issues of the brief, bring in new ideas, question other people's ideas and stay engaged with the group.
    - Generally on the day make friends with the other candidates as there are only a few people.
    - Your conversations are heard by GR throughout the day so remain professional and polite.

    Were you successful?

    No
     

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