TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2023-24

[Sunshinepink]

Has anyone taken the CRS VI yet? I would please like some tips

 

[s2203]

Hi, I did a written assessment for Ashurst last October and there were 2 BAD typos in my assessment - to the point where I had accepted I was not progressing - and I still got invited to interview.

haha, that makes me feel so much better!! Thank you for the reassurance

 

[s2203]

anyone complete the SPB digital assessment? How did you find it? I'm not sure how to feel about it

 

[lonelycruise]

What's the etiquette on handshakes at assessment centres? Should we initiate handshakes with interviewers or assume not unless they do?

 

[DKLaw]

How realistic is it to get a VS or TC offer if you haven't had many conventional jobs in general? There is usually an emphasis on how non-legal work experience is equally as important, but what if you don't have much work experience at all? I am 23, and graduating this year (with a 2:1 most likely), and I have really struggled to go past the application stage, and only progressed to the second stage for 2 firms (apart from an AC for the GLD last year). I know I haven't submitted enough applications, but please be real, how common is it to get a TC with a few jobs on your CV like takeaway worker, delivery driving, while having most of your experience in online gigs like content creation and freelance?

 

[Therugbylawyer]

SPB interview invite 🥳

Have you completed ?

 

[Carrington Lane]

What's the etiquette on handshakes at assessment centres? Should we initiative handshakes with interviewers or assume not unless they do?

To me, all impressions count so I would definitely initiate a handshake before my interviewers have a chance to do so. It really shows (and boosts) your confidence as it will put you in the 'I'm in control' mentality from the first minute.

 

[saj2002]

If anyone was wondering, I was able to get my Mcquaig score from Trowers.

 

[aspiringlawyer47]

Have you completed ?

Not yet!

 

[aspiringlawyer47]

If anyone was wondering, I was able to get my Mcquaig score from Trowers.

What was the general feedback or takeaway?

 

[Deleted member 31263]

Has anyone heard from Mayer Brown after their automated test?

 

[futurelawyer10]

Anyone doing the freshfields AC tomorrow?

How did you find it?

 

[futurelawyer10]

Hi first time poster here, I have a Freshfields AC on thursday and was wondering if anyone had last minute tips?
I was also wondering if vac scheme ACs are as strict/comprehensive as TC ACs or are they generally more relaxed about it?

How did you find your AC? Any tips?

 

[Sunshinepink]

Does anyone know if CRS VI questions are mainly competency based?

Are they?

 

[aspiringlawyer47]

To me, all impressions count so I would definitely initiate a handshake before my interviewers have a chance to do so. It really shows (and boosts) your confidence as it will put you in the 'I'm in control' mentality from the first minute.

I agree with this so much! Post covid though, I try to lead with “is everyone good with handshakes” in case someone happens to be a germophobe or clinically vulnerable

 

[UnKnOwN5678]

I feel a HL rejection coming on because I haven't had a response from them yet and others have got ACs...

 

[saj2002]

What was the general feedback or takeaway?

They didn't say much more than my score, but after researching it, some websites say I was on the higher end of the average.

 

[saj2002]

Does anyone know what a firm is looking for in questions about challenging experiences (i.e. describe a challenging experience and what you learned from it)?

Could this be mental health-related or does it have to be a 'substantial' challenge, as in something that happened at work or during studies?

 

[cattlawapps324]

I've got an AC coming up soon and honestly I am super underprepared, genuinely do not know much commercial wise, and don't really have much time to prep due to long hour work commitments, will it look bad on me if I pull out, just in case I re-apply? Or should I just endure the sh*tshow that it will be? Nobody to blame but myself here tbh

when is it?

 

[axelbeugre]

How can I perhaps best answer these questions:

1.What will you offer us at ** - why should we hire what you have to offer?
2. How will you contribute to our business to make the most of the opportunity a TC offers?

@axelbeugre @Jessica Booker

1. I think that here I would talk about my skills and link them back to my experiences and explain how I developed them and how they would help me become a successful trainee at the firm.
2. In this answer it is important for you to highlight the sectors and the factors that pushed you to apply to the training contract and how you could use these and contribute to the firm. This could be by joining a seat you are interested in and using your abilities to grow the practice, especially if it is not a big one.

The questions are quite similar so it is difficult to differentiate the answers. I would try to talk about different skills, experiences and characteristics of the firm and its training contract for each answer.