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

Status
Not open for further replies.

Nicole15

Valued Member
Gold Member
Premium Member
Forum Winner
  • Aug 22, 2018
    107
    356
    Just got an email from the Reed Smith grad rec team stating that the second SST were sent in error so applicants should only complete once, irrespective of the "1 outstanding request" message.
     
    Last edited:
    • Like
    Reactions: GXA123

    Hele25

    Legendary Member
    Premium Member
    Jan 5, 2021
    180
    608
    Realise this is probably a really stupid question but what are you guys wearing in video interviews? Should I just wear a suit dress/suit. Do I need to wear a jacket? Or is smart causal (like a jumper) okay? Thanks :)
     
    • Like
    Reactions: enjcorps

    George Maxwell

    Administrator
    Gold Member
    Premium Member
    Junior Lawyer 50
    Oct 25, 2021
    552
    1,084
    Thank you so much for the advice Jessica!

    The practice area I'm drawn to the most is a one of the firm's main ones and the way they structure it is different to other firms, so I have a bit to say about why I like this in particular. I am, of course, interested in their other practices but the reasoning isn't as specific and strong, so I wasn't sure whether it was worth adding a few lines in or whether this wouldn't be perceived as a solid enough point.

    Hi @em311,

    As always, I think @Jessica Booker has broken this down really nicely in her post.

    I would just add that as an interviewer, unless a firm's practice in London is extremely narrow and specialised, I would be concerned that, unless an applicant had previous experience of that area, too great a focus on a specific area might seem naive (purely because, from what I have been told, actually practicing and studying/researching an area of law are two very different things). It is important to show that you are open-minded as for the majority of firms you will have at least three other rotations during your TC.

    So my advice would be, for application purposes, you may wish to speak about one area (as with limited word count you can only talk about so much with any development/depth). However, if you progress to interview, be ready for the Partner/your interviewer to probe you about your interest(s) in other areas (along the lines of, "You seem very focused on X in your application. How would you feel if you were sat in Y for 6 months?"). In the vast majority of cases, just be willing to demonstrate that although you may have an inkling of an overarching interest in a particular practice area, this may change and that you are open-minded.

    Hope that is helpful :).
    Realise this is probably a really stupid question but what are you guys wearing in video interviews? Should I just wear a suit dress/suit. Do I need to wear a jacket? Or is smart causal (like a jumper) okay? Thanks :)

    Hi @Hele25,

    Not a stupid question at all! Personally, I always wore a full suit and tie (with smart shoes). I know others on the forum will only dress smartly from the waist upwards, wearing a tracksuit etc. However, I was concerned that I might need to get up in the interview for something unexpected (such as the door swinging open unexpectedly etc.).

    I always wore a tie for both in-person and virtual interviews. Of course, some interviewers will find this unnecessary. However, it is better to be safe than sorry on these things. I had interviewers who were dressed very casually (in a t-shirt, for example), but others who were dressed in a suit and tie. I never wanted to be underdressed for an interview, so I would always dress up to be safe!
     
    • 🤝
    Reactions: Hele25

    em311

    Valued Member
    Premium Member
    Jun 15, 2019
    101
    204
    Hi @em311,

    As always, I think @Jessica Booker has broken this down really nicely in her post.

    I would just add that as an interviewer, unless a firm's practice in London is extremely narrow and specialised, I would be concerned that, unless an applicant had previous experience of that area, too great a focus on a specific area might seem naive (purely because, from what I have been told, actually practicing and studying/researching an area of law are two very different things). It is important to show that you are open-minded as for the majority of firms you will have at least three other rotations during your TC.

    So my advice would be, for application purposes, you may wish to speak about one area (as with limited word count you can only talk about so much with any development/depth). However, if you progress to interview, be ready for the Partner/your interviewer to probe you about your interest(s) in other areas (along the lines of, "You seem very focused on X in your application. How would you feel if you were sat in Y for 6 months?". In the vast majority of cases, just be willing to demonstrate that although you may have an inkling of an overarching interest in a particular practice area, this may change and that you are open-minded.

    Hope that is helpful :).


    Hi @Hele25,

    Not a stupid question at all! Personally, I always wore a full suit and tie (with smart shoes). I know others on the forum will only dress smartly from the waist upwards, wearing a tracksuit etc. However, I was concerned that I might need to get up in the interview for something unexpected (such as the door swinging open unexpectedly etc.).

    I always wore a tie for both in-person and virtual interviews. Of course, some interviewers will find this unnecessary. However, it is better to be safe than sorry on these things. I had interviewers who were dressed very casually (in a t-shirt, for example), but others who were dressed in a suit and tie. I never wanted to be underdressed for an interview, so I would always dress up to be safe!

    I completely agree with you @George Maxwell, I don't want to seem like I am not open to other areas, so I will try to convey my interest in the one area without sounding like this is the only thing I am interested in. Thank you so much for your response, it's very helpful!:)
     
    • Like
    Reactions: George Maxwell

    Jessica Booker

    Legendary Member
    TCLA Moderator
    Gold Member
    Graduate Recruitment
    Premium Member
    Forum Team
    Aug 1, 2019
    13,469
    19,259
    Realise this is probably a really stupid question but what are you guys wearing in video interviews? Should I just wear a suit dress/suit. Do I need to wear a jacket? Or is smart causal (like a jumper) okay? Thanks :)
    You don't have to wear a jacket if it is a video interview where the interviewers aren't there. Just anything smart/casual will be fine.
     
    • Like
    Reactions: Hele25

    lhs444

    Active Member
    Feb 1, 2021
    13
    14
    Hi all, I have been working on my NRF Spring VS for quite some time now and was wondering whether it would be more worth it applying for the winter one instead? Does it make a difference when you apply at the beginning of the application cycle (for winter) or does 2 weeks to deadline (for Spring) still give me a good chance? Thanks!
     

    Phoenix for all

    Distinguished Member
  • Feb 13, 2020
    62
    89
    Hi all, I have been working on my NRF Spring VS for quite some time now and was wondering whether it would be more worth it applying for the winter one instead? Does it make a difference when you apply at the beginning of the application cycle (for winter) or does 2 weeks to deadline (for Spring) still give me a good chance? Thanks!
    Pretty sure the deadline for WVS has passed?
     
    Status
    Not open for further replies.

    About Us

    The Corporate Law Academy (TCLA) was founded in 2018 because we wanted to improve the legal journey. We wanted more transparency and better training. We wanted to form a community of aspiring lawyers who care about becoming the best version of themselves.

    Newsletter

    Discover the most relevant business news, access our law firm analysis, and receive our best advice for aspiring lawyers.