TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2022-23
- Thread starter Jessica Booker
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I had 2 rejections post AC's this year as well so can definitely relate to how you feel.
I initially felt like I must be doing something wrong and i was disappointed that I was 'throwing' away these opportunities. Honestly, its important to reflect and think personally about where you felt you were weaker in the tasks- Take a long moment to reflect and think about where you can improve and draw up a plan about how you will fix that.
Secondly, remember that these things are so competitive, for the most part people miss out on a place very marginally, and a huge element of luck plays a role- were you able to build a rapport with the interviewer/did you fit the interviewers vibe. If circumstances were slightly different, you may have gotten a place. So to take away, remember that you were SO close and are SO close to getting a vacation scheme. Just a little more work, and you're sure to be successful in your next.
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In terms of building rapport with interviewers that was probably my weakest point, I felt that some of my answers didn't do enough to impress and I did notice an eye roll when I mentioned that I like studying law 'generally'. I am not sure if I would get these opportunities again as you say they are super competitive and now I'm in a position where I would likely have no vac scheme which doesn't help my odds at all. I believe Training Contract applications are even more competitive as people would have more legal experience possibly on vac schemes or as paralegals.
The whole process just builds your hopes up just to crush them at the last stage.
You will get these opportunities again- if you made it to AC stage for 2 highly competitive law firms, both you and your applications are strong, and more opportunities will come your way for sure!
All you have to do is just stay optimistic and resilient and keep going- you got this!! Interviews and AC's largely take place in Feb so it's not over this cycle AT ALL!
I've always said the initial stage of getting past the application stage is the hardest stage in that after you reach a certain point, it's impossible to really improve the application much. But how you present yourself in video interviews, and your commercial accumen can improve SO much and can really be worked on, so really you have an easy job to do- to improve and work on the place where you can actually improve a lot. The AC stage is the stage you have most control over, so just keep going and keep developing your understanding of the business world and commercial law
You’ll get a chance again! Even if it’s next year, it’ll happen. I thought I’d blown my chances last year by failing 2 ACs and also failing to convert my VS. Now, I have had multiple AC invites this year, and many more apps at different stages in the process. Ofc I’ve had many rejections too (at different stages), but realistically basically everyone who applies is good enough (otherwise they wouldn’t bother applying!!), so we just have to accept that this process is competitive and that our time will come when it comes ☺️
you can ask for an earlier feedback!
I told them I have an upcoming AC and hope to gain some feedback to improve and they offered an earlier timeslot
Does anyone have any pointers for VIs? I’ve done 9 this cycle, I’ve been invited to 3 more VIs and don’t feel like I have any luck in passing any atm. If feels pretty heartbreaking, didn’t realise it would be such an obstacle for me.
if anyone can give tips, just generic tips, please do! Feeling so drained from this cycle
if anyone can give tips, just generic tips, please do! Feeling so drained from this cycle
Thanks, I'll make sure to request an earlier date.you can ask for an earlier feedback!
I told them I have an upcoming AC and hope to gain some feedback to improve and they offered an earlier timeslot
You ALREADY have the luck. The fact that you made it past the application stage means they like what they see in you and would love to have you on your team. I got to the virtual interview stage at my favourite firm last year and it was the lack of confidence in believing in myself that they had already chosen me that knocked me out during that interview. I didn't see why they chose me. Find peace in knowing that THEY CHOSE YOU.Does anyone have any pointers for VIs? I’ve done 9 this cycle, I’ve been invited to 3 more VIs and don’t feel like I have any luck in passing any atm. If feels pretty heartbreaking, didn’t realise it would be such an obstacle for me.
if anyone can give tips, just generic tips, please do! Feeling so drained from this cycle
And practice practice practice! Stand in front of a mirror, and ask someone to help you but put in a lot of practice in the type of questions they are going to ask. I did every research imaginable for that interview but didn't practice my answers a single time and that made me blank a lot of the research I had done. The pressure really does get to you in that moment.Does anyone have any pointers for VIs? I’ve done 9 this cycle, I’ve been invited to 3 more VIs and don’t feel like I have any luck in passing any atm. If feels pretty heartbreaking, didn’t realise it would be such an obstacle for me.
if anyone can give tips, just generic tips, please do! Feeling so drained from this cycle
I got an email from Fieldfisher on 23rd Jan after taking the test on 14th Jan saying that my application is now for review with one of their team members and they will contact me in 10-14 working days. I haven't heard anything new yet. Hope this helps! (direct TC application)
Very happy to take this up in PMDoes anyone have any pointers for VIs? I’ve done 9 this cycle, I’ve been invited to 3 more VIs and don’t feel like I have any luck in passing any atm. If feels pretty heartbreaking, didn’t realise it would be such an obstacle for me.
if anyone can give tips, just generic tips, please do! Feeling so drained from this cycle
Anyone heard from Debevoise by chance?👀
Does anyone have any pointers for VIs? I’ve done 9 this cycle, I’ve been invited to 3 more VIs and don’t feel like I have any luck in passing any atm. If feels pretty heartbreaking, didn’t realise it would be such an obstacle for me.
if anyone can give tips, just generic tips, please do! Feeling so drained from this cycle
Some great tips have already been given, but here are a few more:
Nail your why law and why x firm points by drawing on what you wrote in your application, but broaden each point with more details. (as @Autotunedbird mentioned, take time to practice so you can get it under the set time).
For each question, try to focus on saying a few points well with clear examples/depth rather than trying to squeeze too much info into a few minutes. This will help if you get easily flustered or lose your train of thought - a few points are much easier to remember. Concluding your points also helps - this can be just a very simple conclusion at the end of your answer.
Also, remember to smile - the pressure of a vi can seem immense, but you've gotten this far, so believe in yourself and try your best!
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