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

[SebKru10]

Are we allowed to take short breaks before answering questions during a telephone interview with a firm or is it better that we answer the questions immediately?

 

[Lumree]

Are we allowed to take short breaks before answering questions during a telephone interview with a firm or is it better that we answer the questions immediately?

Do you mean pausing before answering the question? If so, then yes, pausing can be good because you can get time to gather your thoughts and put together a more convincing answer

 

[y1112]

Not my lowest scoring attribute being resource and work management on Linklaters Capp bye

I got this as my lowest too and was invited to winter AC if that makes you feel better

 

[Niloufar Nateghi]

still haven't heard from Reed Smith, post-situation judgement test and today is the deadline? the last email I got was that the would let me know closer to the deadline. Not sure if I should I contract grad rec?

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

Are we allowed to take short breaks before answering questions during a telephone interview with a firm or is it better that we answer the questions immediately?

Saying something like “can I take a moment to think about that” and then taking a few seconds to structure your thoughts (no more than 12 seconds though) can be done, but I wouldn’t do this for every question, so use it tactically.

You don’t have to answer absolutely immediately after the question has been asked, and a very brief pause before answering is natural (eg under 5 seconds) but if you think you need longer than this, ask for some time to think about it.

If you are really stuck and panicking, you can ask whether you can come back to that question at the end of the interview, but you can typically only use this once in an interview before it gets a bit odd, so again use it tactically.

 

[SebKru10]

Saying something like “can I take a moment to think about that” and then taking a few seconds to structure your thoughts (no more than 12 seconds though) can be done, but I wouldn’t do this for every question, so use it tactically.

You don’t have to answer absolutely immediately after the question has been asked, and a very brief pause before answering is natural (eg under 5 seconds) but if you think you need longer than this, ask for some time to think about it.

If you are really stuck and panicking, you can ask whether you can come back to that question at the end of the interview, but you can typically only use this once in an interview before it gets a bit odd, so again use it tactically.

Amazing, thank you Jessica!

 

[F99]

Just checking we don't have to do Linklaters WG by the deadline tonight, only application form and Capp right?

 

[anon123456789]

I got this as my lowest too and was invited to winter AC if that makes you feel better

That makes me feel a lot better, thank you

 

[GXA123]

anyone's application has been updated for CC TC 2024?

 

[F99]

And apologies if this has already been asked, but for Linklaters does anyone how the Capp assessment is weighted compared with other components e.g. WG?

 

[anon123456789]

And apologies if this has already been asked, but for Linklaters does anyone how the Capp assessment is weighted compared with other components e.g. WG?

I've got a feeling Capp is weighted more heavily than WG, I believe I've seen on here people who have done well on the WG not making it to AC because of Capp but that's just a speculation

 

[F99]

I've got a feeling Capp is weighted more heavily than WG, I believe I've seen on here people who have done well on the WG not making it to AC because of Capp but that's just a speculation

Ok thank you It seems like since stripping down their application form to just basic info (no work exp questions etc) Linklaters have very little to go on before inviting candidates to AC. But I guess that just means they place more emphasis on candidates' performance in these tests!

 

[refy]

Invite to Slaughters summer vac scheme interview Is there no case study this year, as the email didn’t mention it?

 

[anon123456789]

Ok thank you It seems like since stripping down their application form to just basic info (no work exp questions etc) Linklaters have very little to go on before inviting candidates to AC. But I guess that just means they place more emphasis on candidates' performance in these tests!

I agree! I thought not having to input any work experience at all this year would make their lives a lot harder. But they must be looking for a very specific type of candidate that the Capp is well designed to select.

 

[M991]

Hello @Jessica Booker!

Hope you're well.

I wanted to ask how should I approach a VS application question like this: "Please outline your personal achievements, interests and positions of responsibility. How do you think they may be relevant to the pursuit of a career in law."

In my answer, should I be saying that this particular skills is relevant for a "trainee" at that particular firm, a "solicitor" or just a "lawyer". Or it does not matter at all and I am just overthinking?

 

[Legal Chick]

What are some of the strengths people got in the Linklaters Capp to progress to the next step? How are they weighed?

 

[OB]

What are some of the strengths people got in the Linklaters Capp to progress to the next step? How are they weighed?

In previous years I got motivation and resilience and was unsuccessful. This year I got critical thinking and excellence.

 

[Niloufar Nateghi]

In previous years I got motivation and resilience and was unsuccessful. This year I got critical thinking and excellence.

I got motivation and resilience for mine this year

 

[OB]

I got motivation and resilience for mine this year

Honestly I'm not sure what they even look for so might depend on the lowest scoring attributes too and a mix of the WG!

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

Hello @Jessica Booker!

Hope you're well.

I wanted to ask how should I approach a VS application question like this: "Please outline your personal achievements, interests and positions of responsibility. How do you think they may be relevant to the pursuit of a career in law."

In my answer, should I be saying that this particular skills is relevant for a "trainee" at that particular firm, a "solicitor" or just a "lawyer". Or it does not matter at all and I am just overthinking?

As it says a “career in law” it doesn’t need to be specific to a trainee nor the firm, but I would try to apply it to a career as a commercial solicitor.