Question for the Application Form

[SarahB3]

Hi All. I have a quick urgent question.

If I connected with a lawyer or a partner at the firm I am applying to via LinkedIn and established a rapport with them via the platform or in a virtual meeting. What is the best way to describe my relationship with them pls?

This is to answer a question on the application form which says: 'State the name of your contact(s) and your relationship'?

 

[TC fiend]

I don’t know if this is just my own misinterpretation but I’m not sure whether a virtual introduction is considered to be a contact at the firm. At least in my own head I’ve always interpreted it as meaning a friend / family member / other intimate acquaintances at the firm. Basically anyone who may favor you and therefore shouldn’t be involved in your application.

But happy to hear if I’ve misunderstood

 

[OB]

Hi All. I have a quick urgent question.

If I connected with a lawyer or a partner at the firm I am applying to via LinkedIn and established a rapport with them via the platform or in a virtual meeting. What is the best way to describe my relationship with them pls?

This is to answer a question on the application form which says: 'State the name of your contact(s) and your relationship'?

I agree with @FS - for example I used this section for my line manager in this case.

 

[SarahB3]

I don’t know if this is just my own misinterpretation but I’m not sure whether a virtual introduction is considered to be a contact at the firm. At least in my own head I’ve always interpreted it as meaning a friend / family member / other intimate acquaintances at the firm. Basically anyone who may favor you and therefore shouldn’t be involved in your application.

But happy to hear if I’ve misunderstood

Oh snap, in that case I have misinterpreted the question. I genuinely thought they wanted to see who we knew at the firm and it was an opportunity to demonstrate our connections to the firm etc lol. Thanks

 

[TC fiend]

Oh snap, in that case I have misinterpreted the question. I genuinely thought they wanted to see who we knew at the firm and it was an opportunity to demonstrate our connections to the firm etc lol. Thanks

No worries, I understand the confusion. I guess a good rule is whether that person really has any idea who you are, and whether they might 'vouch' for you in a sense. For example, I would put down any colleagues at my own firm, or friends who are at other firms. As HR / associates / partners are involved in the hiring process, they just want to avoid any nepotism or other unfair advantages over other candidates.

 

[SaulGoodman]

No worries, I understand the confusion. I guess a good rule is whether that person really has any idea who you are, and whether they might 'vouch' for you in a sense. For example, I would put down any colleagues at my own firm, or friends who are at other firms. As HR / associates / partners are involved in the hiring process, they just want to avoid any nepotism or other unfair advantages over other candidates.

I disagree that they want to avoid any nepotism or other unfair advantages as in my experience those with a connection (friend, family, former colleague etc.) have a much higher chance of success of reaching interview.