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

[TcApp97]

Anyone heard anything from White & Case Spring?

I just got an email saying they will be getting back in the New Year

 

[Nicole15]

Yes, I agree that you should include as much as possible even if it dates back considerably, @Nicole15 .

My advice is:

- Does it show something different about you - then include it
- Does it show you managed your time effectively with other commitments (especially your school/college studies) - then include it
- If you committed to it for a long time - then include it
- If it was something outside of the ordinary (e.g. maybe working abroad or a really unique role, especially if done when you were "young") - then include it

When to consider not including it:
- If it was a very short period of time
- If it has been superseded by other, more modern experiences that are very similar

Thank you very much, Jessica - your advice has been super useful and has made me reconsider some of my experiences.. I definitely need to "big" myself up a bit more.

 

[Veep9]

Just finished my NRF telephone interview and I have no idea how I've done. We started a little late because of some logistical issues and that meant that my first answer needed to be compressed a bit and she had to ask me to wrap up. Is that fatal?

 

[SCN]

Just finished my NRF telephone interview and I have no idea how I've done. We started a little late because of some logistical issues and that meant that my first answer needed to be compressed a bit and she had to ask me to wrap up. Is that fatal?

If it's logistical issues then they would understand why the answer was cut short. She probably asked you to wrap up because they're doing back to back interviews and running a tight schedule, don't worry about it

 

[vacschemeapss]

Hey- Freshfields requires a personal statement in their given format. They have a separate block for name and a separate block for personal statement. Does this mean I dont have to start with stuff like "Dear Graduate Team... I am interested in applying for ABC" or end with "Yours faithfully, XYZ"- given that it's not a cover letter!? Also confused whether I can do divisions like Why Law, Why Firm, Why Me sections as I do in cover letters. @Jessica Booker would you have any insight on this?

 

[Nicole15]

Just finished my NRF telephone interview and I have no idea how I've done. We started a little late because of some logistical issues and that meant that my first answer needed to be compressed a bit and she had to ask me to wrap up. Is that fatal?

I don't think it is fatal at all. I presume that the interviewer had other candidates to call after you and was sticking to a time frame but of course this is me just presuming. Well done on getting so far into the recruitment process and wish you all the best of luck! I know it's hard, but try not to overthink too much about it.

 

[OB]

Hey- Freshfields requires a personal statement in their given format. They have a separate block for name and a separate block for personal statement. Does this mean I dont have to start with stuff like "Dear Graduate Team... I am interested in applying for ABC" or end with "Yours faithfully, XYZ"- given that it's not a cover letter!? Also confused whether I can do divisions like Why Law, Why Firm, Why Me sections as I do in cover letters. @Jessica Booker would you have any insight on this?

Do why you, why the firm, why law but no formalities required as it is not a cover letter

 

[Nicole15]

This isn't a question but just wanted to remind people to be kind to yourselves over the festive period. With application deadlines looming and upcoming assessments, it can feel like a really stressful time. I like to say that if you don't rest, your body will do it for you. Try and create space for downtime, if you're able to. I hope someone finds this encouraging (this is also a message to myself!).

 

[m.n]

HSF AC

 

[M1999]

Just finished my NRF telephone interview and I have no idea how I've done. We started a little late because of some logistical issues and that meant that my first answer needed to be compressed a bit and she had to ask me to wrap up. Is that fatal?

My nrf interview went perfectly and I still got rejected so honestly you cannot predict these things

 

[applyingfortc]

HSF AC

Hi! Which scheme is this for?

 

[m.n]

Hi! Which scheme is this for?

Hi! For the Spring VS

 

[Commerciallaw]

My nrf interview went perfectly and I still got rejected so honestly you cannot predict these things

I am so sorry that you got rejected - hopefully better news is forthcoming If you do not mind mentioning, did they give you comments after your NRF interview about why they did not give you the AC?

 

[BM99]

Mayer Brown Job Simulation invite Any advice for this stage will be great!

 

[NW Law]

Could I ask whether it's still worth applying to CMS as it's so near the deadline?

It definitely is still worth applying for, yes! They may have given some out some AC invitations already - but there will still be plenty left. Rolling firms accept that a huge number of applications tend to come in the final days of the application process - so there will be plenty of invitations left which, even those who applied near the deadline, could be given one. From my understanding a lot of their core decisions will be made around the week commencing the 3rd of January - so even applying by the deadline still gives you a chance to get into an AC. So go for it if you're interested in CMS!

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

Just finished my NRF telephone interview and I have no idea how I've done. We started a little late because of some logistical issues and that meant that my first answer needed to be compressed a bit and she had to ask me to wrap up. Is that fatal?

No - this won't be fatal at all.

These things happen a lot and recruiters take logistical issues into consideration.

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

Hey- Freshfields requires a personal statement in their given format. They have a separate block for name and a separate block for personal statement. Does this mean I dont have to start with stuff like "Dear Graduate Team... I am interested in applying for ABC" or end with "Yours faithfully, XYZ"- given that it's not a cover letter!? Also confused whether I can do divisions like Why Law, Why Firm, Why Me sections as I do in cover letters. @Jessica Booker would you have any insight on this?

There is no need to format it as a cover letter. Think of it more as a UCAS application statement format (assuming people still have to do these!).

You need to include anything you think is relevant in this statement. Some people do use the traditional "why law, why the firm, why me" structures for their FBD PS, but many others do not. It is really for you to put your individual stamp on in terms of structure/layout/content.

 

[elizabeth_98]

A&O direct tc assessment day invite - nearly fainted when I seen the email

 

[S87]

A&O direct tc assessment day invite - nearly fainted when I seen the email

Congrats, may I kindly ask you when did you apply?

 

[elizabeth_98]

Congrats, may I kindly ask you when did you apply?

Thank you! I applied on the 6th of December