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

[21wajsz]

Does anyone know whether BCLP's test has any questions where you answer with a video or is it just a normal SJT?

It’s a normal one! No video answers require.

 

[em311]

It’s a normal one! No video answers require.

Thank you so much!

 

[rose0904]

Is there a reason they ask if you take care of someone at home (un-paid)? Do they use this against you e.g., assume you wont have enough time to commit to work properly?

I could be wrong but I'm pretty sure this is a contextual thing? In the same way that they ask whether you're first gen uni/worked part time in A-Levels etc. I really doubt they'd ever use it against you!

 

[eellla1]

how long does it take for CMS to get back to you post WG?

 

[21wajsz]

how long does it take for CMS to get back to you post WG?

I completed my WG on 28th Nov and got a VI invite on 8th Dec.

 

[mads_g]

how long does it take for CMS to get back to you post WG?

I've been wondering the same thing - I did mine a week ago and haven't heard anything yet.

 

[atrumregina1]

Reed Smith are you in da house?? Nope..ghosted me!

Wondering the same thing. Almost a week after they said they'd contact us with outcomes and nothing 😂 I wonder whether the people who got invited to the VI have been screened yet

 

[hopefullylaw2000]

Wondering the same thing. Almost a week after they said they'd contact us with outcomes and nothing 😂 I wonder whether the people who got invited to the VI have been screened yet

I got invited to VI and havent received the link for that yet!

 

[anon123456789]

I remember on the open day for Reed Smith grad rec saying that all invites for VI will be sent out before Christmas. I don't know if that's still their timeline though as this was back in November.

 

[Lumree]

Has anyone heard back from CMS post VI?

 

[h1]

neither, have emailed grad rec twice and they keep saying just be patient. I am treating it as PFO though

Yeah I'm going to treat it like that too. Such a shame when you put hours into an app to not even be told no so you can move on.

 

[Jessica Booker]

Is there a reason they ask if you take care of someone at home (un-paid)? Do they use this against you e.g., assume you wont have enough time to commit to work properly?

It’s actually the opposite.

Contextualised recruitment questions like this are designed to flag up people who won’t have had the time/financial opportunities to complete other activities like paid work/extra curricular activities due to their circumstances. It allows a recruiter to take into account the restrictions of opportunity one candidate will have over the other to accumulate evidence that is usually looked for in an application.

The information (eg the answer to the question) is never available to the person reading your application though - it only contributes to a score/flag that tells the recruiter they should be more open minded to the opportunities the individual may have had.

 

[Nemo11]

is it still worth applying to CMS now?

 

[AvniD]

HSF PFO did not meet the benchmark.

What even is my life at this point. Last year I did well in tests but my applications were bad. This year I feel like my applications are much better but I fail all tests.

I know failing tests is really frustrating and demotivating but it really is so great that you have improved on your written applications this year 👏 👏 👏 I am including links to some posts with top tips and resources you can use to improve your scores when you feel ready. You've got this! 💪

1. Avni's best tips for WGs- https://www.thecorporatelawacademy.com/forum/threads/watson-glaser-hints-and-tips.4328/#post-91212
2. Dheepa's best tips and links to practice tests for SJTs- https://www.thecorporatelawacademy....ral-discussion-thread-2020-21.2170/post-49068
3. Jessica's insight as a recruiter on SJTs- https://www.thecorporatelawacademy.com/forum/threads/situational-judgement-tests.1729/post-14156
4. Thread on scenario-based assessments- https://www.thecorporatelawacademy.com/forum/threads/scenario-based-assessment.2367/#post-30260
5. Dan's WH Cheat/Hint Sheet- https://www.thecorporatelawacademy.com/forum/threads/watson-glaser-cheat-hint-sheet.3304/
6. Links to WG practice tests- https://www.thecorporatelawacademy.com/forum/threads/linklaters-2019-20-application.1653/post-30573

 

[kmax301]

I got invited to VI and havent received the link for that yet!

Was it for summer or spring?

 

[hannaheshaw04]

For Dentons, it asks for details of work experience but there is no word limit for this - how many words would you suggest and is a description better than bullet points?
Thanks
@Jessica Booker

 

[ZaraB]

OH MY GOD DLA Piper AC I ACTUALLY BURST OUT CRYING MY FIRST AC!!!

 

[John Travoni]

OH MY GOD DLA Piper AC I ACTUALLY BURST OUT CRYING MY FIRST AC!!!

What office did you apply to???

 

[xtinew]

AC DLA Piper Edinburgh! my first AC ever so blessed

BUT it falls on a date where I will be flying to another country to see family. Is there any way to reschedule?
Edit: nvm thankfully I would've landed by then haha panicked a bit

 

[Anoned]

DLA AC here as well!