pre employment checks for VS/TC

[Wls1507]

Usually when you start the process you have to provide more details on whether the role was paid etc. They will make a decision as whether to seek a reference or not based on their experiences - they literally request these types of references day in day out and so know what is likely to be obtained and what won't. They will speak to you if they have any concerns or want you to provide any further information instead.

In all honesty, yes it is slightly weird to ask this. You are not going to lose a TC for an honest mistake that can be explained.

Okay that’s reassuring - thank you!

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

@Jessica Booker I have some questions about pre-TC screening. I have a TC with a MC firm. I am just doing my SQE now. I happened to look back at my application form for the VS at the firm (i got offered the TC after this) as I am providing advice to a friend, and noticed that I had made some errors.

First, I put the wrong months in for some very informal part-time work I did at a bar during university. I worked there for a couple of shifts in June 2021, but Instead of putting 6-6 I put 4-6. Also, I was an assistant ball chair for my college ball, but in title I just said "ball chair" without mentioning my partner that I did it with.

Should I contact the firm to correct the errors? I am terrified that they will rescind my tc.

Was the bar work only presented as one month, just the wrong month (April instead of June)? Or was it presented like you worked there for three months when you only worked there for one?

The extracurriculars won't be checked as it is not employment.

 

[TC seeker]

@Jessica Booker Hi Jessica! Will the law firms try to verify self-employed work experience and volunteering experience? If so, what type of information should people provide?

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

@Jessica Booker Hi Jessica! Will the law firms try to verify self-employed work experience and volunteering experience? If so, what type of information should people provide?

Self-employment: yes, you will typically need to provide some form of evidence of self-employment. This can include a summary of your accounts or tax returns, a reference from a client or someone like an accountant, or proof of sales.

Volunteering - in most instances, no this won't be requested as it is not employment. If it is something you have done for a long time and without other forms of employment, then a reference may be requested. This would be the same as an employment reference where they would need verification you had worked for the period of time outlined in your application and your job title (even if that is just "volunteer"). Reference checks can often ask for a character reference, but ultimately most employers these days just confirm employment dates and job titles, unless there has been a disciplinary issue.

 

[TC seeker]

Self-employment: yes, you will typically need to provide some form of evidence of self-employment. This can include a summary of your accounts or tax returns, a reference from a client or someone like an accountant, or proof of sales.

Volunteering - in most instances, no this won't be requested as it is not employment. If it is something you have done for a long time and without other forms of employment, then a reference may be requested. This would be the same as an employment reference where they would need verification you had worked for the period of time outlined in your application and your job title (even if that is just "volunteer"). Reference checks can often ask for a character reference, but ultimately most employers these days just confirm employment dates and job titles, unless there has been a disciplinary issue.

Thank you Jessica! In addition, if I mentioned some extra-activities in my work experience section, would law firms check about that? like university societies' committee etc.

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

Thank you Jessica! In addition, if I mentioned some extra-activities in my work experience section, would law firms check about that? like university societies' committee etc.

Extracurriculars are not work experience and won’t be seen as such, so references won’t be requested. If you have put it in a work experience section and it’s described in a way that makes it look like employment, you may need to explain it was actually extracurriculars rather than employment, but if it’s clear it’s a student society or sports club, they are not going to ask for references.