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TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5

abc124

Standard Member
Aug 9, 2025
7
4
I got the Stephenson Harwood online assessment invite and I'm a bit conflicted as they seem to be genuinely encouraging to take your time - here's what I found on their website:

'There is no time limit for the assessment, so spend time considering each answer and revisit the assessment at a later time if you would like to.
After the assessment you will be asked to take part in a video interview. You can choose to complete this straight away or, if you are not in a suitable environment, then close the test and come back to it when you are ready. There is no time limit to prepare your answer once you have seen each question, so take your time to consider the information you would like to convey. We want to get to know you so try to relax and be yourself!'

The email I got also emphasised that the assessment is untimed - without even specifying their suggested completion time - which I thought was usually standard practice. It's my first TC cycle so I'm unfamiliar with the 'informal' rules on this sort of stuff - I was thinking completion time could be relevant in borderline cases but I'm also tempted to take my time to submit answers I'd be genuinely happy with. Could anyone more experienced please offer their views on what to do in this situation? Would really appreciate it!
 

BillSikes

Legendary Member
Premium Member
Feb 16, 2024
315
363
I got the Stephenson Harwood online assessment invite and I'm a bit conflicted as they seem to be genuinely encouraging to take your time - here's what I found on their website:

'There is no time limit for the assessment, so spend time considering each answer and revisit the assessment at a later time if you would like to.
After the assessment you will be asked to take part in a video interview. You can choose to complete this straight away or, if you are not in a suitable environment, then close the test and come back to it when you are ready. There is no time limit to prepare your answer once you have seen each question, so take your time to consider the information you would like to convey. We want to get to know you so try to relax and be yourself!'

The email I got also emphasised that the assessment is untimed - without even specifying their suggested completion time - which I thought was usually standard practice. It's my first TC cycle so I'm unfamiliar with the 'informal' rules on this sort of stuff - I was thinking completion time could be relevant in borderline cases but I'm also tempted to take my time to submit answers I'd be genuinely happy with. Could anyone more experienced please offer their views on what to do in this situation? Would really appreciate it!
They have also sent a reminder e-mail today stating the deadline is Friday - instead of Monday as first claimed. Idk if this is a mistake or they have actually moved the deadline. Really annoying, I need to plan the test around my work.
 

shays

Star Member
Jun 2, 2024
43
59
They have also sent a reminder e-mail today stating the deadline is Friday - instead of Monday as first claimed. Idk if this is a mistake or they have actually moved the deadline. Really annoying, I need to plan the test around my work.
right that confuses me because it doesn't make sense for the deadline to be next Friday if the AC is 25 & 26, there needs to be a week between invitation to the AC and they need some time to progress people?
 
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abc124

Standard Member
Aug 9, 2025
7
4
They have also sent a reminder e-mail today stating the deadline is Friday - instead of Monday as first claimed. Idk if this is a mistake or they have actually moved the deadline. Really annoying, I need to plan the test around my work.
I assumed it was a glitch, if our deadline was Friday 5pm they’d likely start reviewing our VIs on Monday giving them less than a week (in terms of working days) before AC starts. And I think they need to provide notice of AC (a few days I’d guess?). So reviewing + proper notice would be pretty much impossible if our deadline was 15 August. Unless we’re a tiny final batch…
 
I assumed it was a glitch, if our deadline was Friday 5pm they’d likely start reviewing our VIs on Monday giving them less than a week (in terms of working days) before AC starts. And I think they need to provide notice of AC (a few days I’d guess?). So reviewing + proper notice would be pretty much impossible if our deadline was 15 August. Unless we’re a tiny final batch…
Lol I rescheduled things because of the Monday deadline
 
I got the Stephenson Harwood online assessment invite and I'm a bit conflicted as they seem to be genuinely encouraging to take your time - here's what I found on their website:

'There is no time limit for the assessment, so spend time considering each answer and revisit the assessment at a later time if you would like to.
After the assessment you will be asked to take part in a video interview. You can choose to complete this straight away or, if you are not in a suitable environment, then close the test and come back to it when you are ready. There is no time limit to prepare your answer once you have seen each question, so take your time to consider the information you would like to convey. We want to get to know you so try to relax and be yourself!'

The email I got also emphasised that the assessment is untimed - without even specifying their suggested completion time - which I thought was usually standard practice. It's my first TC cycle so I'm unfamiliar with the 'informal' rules on this sort of stuff - I was thinking completion time could be relevant in borderline cases but I'm also tempted to take my time to submit answers I'd be genuinely happy with. Could anyone more experienced please offer their views on what to do in this situation? Would really appreciate it!
I’ve always taken my time and have come out of and re-entered the Amberjack untimed tests for applications with other firms. Managed to progress for a few firms so don’t think it’s a problem.
 
I assumed it was a glitch, if our deadline was Friday 5pm they’d likely start reviewing our VIs on Monday giving them less than a week (in terms of working days) before AC starts. And I think they need to provide notice of AC (a few days I’d guess?). So reviewing + proper notice would be pretty much impossible if our deadline was 15 August. Unless we’re a tiny final batch…
Please give me at least a week's notice 😭
 
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amrita6399

Legendary Member
Premium Member
  • Jul 13, 2023
    157
    120
    I’m not sure if this is the right thread for this, but I wanted to share what I’ve been feeling lately. As someone on a visa, I have a limited window to find a new role, and it’s been weighing heavily on me. Every time I open LinkedIn, I see my peers getting promoted, receiving new offers, or moving on to exciting opportunities, and I can’t help but feel like I’m falling behind. I'm feeling extremely confused and overwhelmed.
     

    adrian_nlh

    Distinguished Member
    Feb 22, 2023
    52
    111
    I’m not sure if this is the right thread for this, but I wanted to share what I’ve been feeling lately. As someone on a visa, I have a limited window to find a new role, and it’s been weighing heavily on me. Every time I open LinkedIn, I see my peers getting promoted, receiving new offers, or moving on to exciting opportunities, and I can’t help but feel like I’m falling behind. I'm feeling extremely confused and overwhelmed.
    I know how you feel. I would honestly recommend getting off LinkedIn for a while. I only go on it for the job section and nothing more as it was making me feel extremely inadequate.

    Comparison is very much the thief of joy, and social media is a manicured, perfected version of things which are rough and imperfect. I believe you will get there in the end.
     

    amrita6399

    Legendary Member
    Premium Member
  • Jul 13, 2023
    157
    120
    I know how you feel. I would honestly recommend getting off LinkedIn for a while. I only go on it for the job section and nothing more as it was making me feel extremely inadequate.

    Comparison is very much the thief of joy, and social media is a manicured, perfected version of things which are rough and imperfect. I believe you will get there in the end.
    Thank you so much for these supportive words! 🙏
     
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