so disappointed. I’m soooo bad at these. It’s weird because I’m usually quite good at interviews and have no problem passing that stage, but I just struggle with VIs so much Hi, I'm sure others would have better advice. For me, I just try to get used to getting hype when speaking to myself on the screen (it was very strange at first but it helps me to sound more engaging). Also, try to memorise only the broader points you're trying to make and avoid thinking too much about how you going to answer a question line-by-line, which would help you sound less scripted. I hope it helpsUgh I sounded SO robotic on my VI. Literally awfully robotic and repeated a lot
I can also relate to the problem of repeating yourself. I literally just had a VI and in the middle of one of my answers, I got lost in my own train of thoughts and just started to repeat myself. Perhaps each time try only to make 2/3 distinct points and try to answer as concisely as possible? And doing some practice beforehand will surely help. It's something that I need to work on as well, so good luck to you and me!Ugh I sounded SO robotic on my VI. Literally awfully robotic and repeated a lot
Thank you
the thing is i know all these tips I just think the questions are always ones I haven’t prepared for it and it throws me off unfortunatelyYou're your own worst critic (have I got this expression right?) I'm sure the VI went a lot smoother than you think! I know what it's like to sound robotic thoughUgh I sounded SO robotic on my VI. Literally awfully robotic and repeated a lot
this is probably tmi, but I have such a stiff poker face that I could be the happiest person in the world and in my mind, I feel like everyone can see my enthusiasm but no, people say I'm deadpan. I always feel like with VIs, you have to overdo it ever so slightly because the energy is a lot different when you're on screen compared to in person. Watch some enthusiastic YouTubers and just see what their facial expressions are like, tone, body language. But also be careful not to overdo it lolI had that! I found sometimes slightly underpreparing yourself is helpful as you can get information overload and panic. Also, not writing any notes in your prep time to distract you. However that’s just me. Also, I find it helpful to prepare for the unexpected, so you can start reacting without being thrown off. Get friends or family or even using any resources that do mock video interviews online to help.Thank you
I did why commercial law, why them, why me and it was around 800 words and I made it through to interviews.
If they have a separate question in their application, I wouldn’t repeat your extra curriculars, however they could be referenced.
Thank you very much for this it is really helpful and that is good congratulations. I asked as some law firms ask for short cover letters some law firms require long cover letters like 900 words so just wanted to ask for guidance.I did why commercial law, why them, why me and it was around 800 words and I made it through to interviews.
Thank you for this and also their extra curriculum activities question does not have a word count so was not going to add it in the cover letter but just wanted to be sure.
The graduate recruitment are testing you - that’s why there is no word count. They said it in their open days. They want to see a strong cover letter as long or short as you think but really make sure there is no “waffle”. So just ask yourself if you REALLY need to write what you had written is what I did.
Mine was around 1000 words (long I know lol) and I made it to interview last year
Also general advice to anyone applying to W&C - at the open day they said they really want to see an interest in the guaranteed international secondment in the cover letter and to think about how this secondment would benefit you/what skills it would give you and how this benefits W&C e.g. knowledge of regulations diff markets and jurisdictions, which would allow you to develop a global mindset which they obvs want in their lawyers. Hope this helps
@Ray00313 @GeorgieW @halfrm congratulations!!! So happy for you
