TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2021-22 (#1)

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Palilegal

Well-Known Member
  • Jan 22, 2022
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    When it comes to putting in someone's name (that you know or have a relationship with at the firm) on an application, what is this typically used for by graduate recruitment? Especially when describing their relationship to you?

    Does anyone know the weight/ impact this holds?

    @Jessica Booker
     

    Jessica Booker

    Legendary Member
    TCLA Moderator
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    Graduate Recruitment
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    Aug 1, 2019
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    When it comes to putting in someone's name (that you know or have a relationship with at the firm) on an application, what is this typically used for by graduate recruitment? Especially when describing their relationship to you?

    Does anyone know the weight/ impact this holds?

    @Jessica Booker
    No weight - usually just a way of keeping internal people up to date with the status of your application (if you approve that they can be told). It’s usually just about managing people internally rather than anything to do with your application.
     
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    Lilz

    Esteemed Member
    Dec 16, 2020
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    Hi,

    Does anyone know how AC’s are scored?

    is the structure for the scoring system quite rigid? I.e. so many points for each exercise and then they calculate everyone’s score at the end?

    Do you have any idea @Jessica Booker please?

    Thankyou!!!
     

    Jessica Booker

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    Hi,

    Does anyone know how AC’s are scored?

    is the structure for the scoring system quite rigid? I.e. so many points for each exercise and then they calculate everyone’s score at the end?

    Do you have any idea @Jessica Booker please?

    Thankyou!!!
    There is no one approach to this unfortunately.

    How it typically works is a scoring system by competencies/strengths, and that each exercise will have multiple competencies/strengths.

    Sometimes there is cross over and competencies will be assessed more than one across exercises in the recruitment process.

    Sometimes you will need to have a minimum score in each competency to pass the assessment centre (that doesn’t necessarily mean you are offered though).

    Sometimes you will need to have a minimum score in each exercise (that doesn’t mean you are offered though).

    Sometimes the highest scoring candidates overall are those who are offered. In other instances, you Just have to meet a minimum benchmark and then other factors are weighed up.
     

    ofm

    Distinguished Member
  • Jan 14, 2021
    71
    188
    If an interview is CV-blind, does that mean your interviewers have your cover letter or have nothing at all (i.e. no CV but have your cover letter, or no CV and no cover letter)? Thank you!
     
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    Lilz

    Esteemed Member
    Dec 16, 2020
    97
    96
    There is no one approach to this unfortunately.

    How it typically works is a scoring system by competencies/strengths, and that each exercise will have multiple competencies/strengths.

    Sometimes there is cross over and competencies will be assessed more than one across exercises in the recruitment process.

    Sometimes you will need to have a minimum score in each competency to pass the assessment centre (that doesn’t necessarily mean you are offered though).

    Sometimes you will need to have a minimum score in each exercise (that doesn’t mean you are offered though).

    Sometimes the highest scoring candidates overall are those who are offered. In other instances, you Just have to meet a minimum benchmark and then other factors are weighed up.
    Ah okay that makes sense!!! Thankyou very much Jessica!
     

    Asil Ahmad

    Legendary Member
    Premium Member
    Forum Winner
  • Mar 29, 2020
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    Is it weird that I have not received a rejection from Akin Gump or received an interview invite since doing Watson Glaser in January like 21st January. Should I email them about the application update or wait for a while.
     

    M&Amakesmyday

    Star Member
    Oct 30, 2021
    45
    81
    I'm really in a bit of a tight spot right now and I'm a little worried. I got offered a vacation scheme with one firm that ends on a Tuesday and there's another vacation scheme I want that begins that same week, but Monday. There's basically an overlap of two days. I really want to attend both schemes but that would mean missing the Monday and Tuesday of the first firm's scheme.

    Long story short: is there any way a firm would be willing to allow me to miss the last two days of their scheme because it overlaps with another scheme? Or will I have to reject one firm?
     

    bibss

    Legendary Member
    Premium Member
    Nov 28, 2020
    463
    861
    I have secured a paralegal interview with an elite US firm, despite having no prior paralegal experience. I’m worried I won’t get it exactly because I don’t have experience (it has already happened to me once…). I think this is a major problem for me because it prevents me from coming across as a confident candidate.

    Does anyone have any advice on how to ‘sell myself’ better? Especially on how I can walk into the interview feeling confident instead of worthless?

    Thanks in advance to anyone willing to share their advice🙏🏻
     
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    Jessica Booker

    Legendary Member
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    Graduate Recruitment
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    Forum Team
    Aug 1, 2019
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    I'm really in a bit of a tight spot right now and I'm a little worried. I got offered a vacation scheme with one firm that ends on a Tuesday and there's another vacation scheme I want that begins that same week, but Monday. There's basically an overlap of two days. I really want to attend both schemes but that would mean missing the Monday and Tuesday of the first firm's scheme.

    Long story short: is there any way a firm would be willing to allow me to miss the last two days of their scheme because it overlaps with another scheme? Or will I have to reject one firm?
    This happens a lot each cycle so although it is frustrating, it is something a lot of candidates have to deal with.

    You’ll need to speak with either or both firms to see if there is any flexibility with their scheme dates. For instance, can they offer you alternative dates or could they move the start/end date?

    If neither firm can, then you will have to decline/renege an offer of one of the two firms, but when you do, see if there are any alternatives available. For instance, can you be considered for a direct TC opportunity instead?
     
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    M&Amakesmyday

    Star Member
    Oct 30, 2021
    45
    81
    This happens a lot each cycle so although it is frustrating, it is something a lot of candidates have to deal with.

    You’ll need to speak with either or both firms to see if there is any flexibility with their scheme dates. For instance, can they offer you alternative dates or could they move the start/end date?

    If neither firm can, then you will have to decline/renege an offer of one of the two firms, but when you do, see if there are any alternatives available. For instance, can you be considered for a direct TC opportunity instead?
    Thanks so much for the quick response and for your help! That's really helpful - I didn't think about the direct TC route. I'm going to email them both and ask.
     

    lawcurious

    Distinguished Member
    Nov 23, 2021
    68
    72
    I think it’ll be a couple of weeks till we hear back. The deadline was only yesterday midnight
    oh what? last i checked the deadline was 4th of feb and a few people did TI's in the last couple of weeks. maybe they extended it!

    edit: just checked and the website still says the deadline is 4th of feb - am i getting something wrong here? 😅
     
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