TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2023-24

Jessica Booker

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TCLA Moderator
Gold Member
Graduate Recruitment
Premium Member
Forum Team
Aug 1, 2019
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Hi, @Jessica Booker,

I trust you are well.

I am completing an application and need to answer this question 'What was a time you weren’t able to deliver on a promise and how did you deal with it?' I am trying to understand what is the question asking and do you think I can use a personal example?
Thank you in advance.
It’s asking because not delivering in a law firm happens from time to time, and they need to hire people who can learn from such experiences, so finding people who have learnt to not over promise/under deliver in the past is a good question to ask.

You can use a personal example for such a question though.
 
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Jessica Booker

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TCLA Moderator
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Graduate Recruitment
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Aug 1, 2019
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Thank you so much to TCLA!!!!!!!! Just accepted a training contract at Skadden. Genuinely could not have gotten here without all of your help and resources.

Best of luck to everyone!
That is fantastic news! Congratulations and a massive well done 🥳

Drag Queen Singing GIF by Paramount+
 

CallumJR

Legendary Member
Premium Member
Jul 16, 2020
128
187
How do people answer „why this firm“ in interviews?

I have had several interviews and always
received the feedback that my answer for „why this firm“ was weak / too superficial.

I usually go with three points:
- deal / practices area that interests me
- technology / innovation
- culture / CRS
 

Jessica Booker

Legendary Member
TCLA Moderator
Gold Member
Graduate Recruitment
Premium Member
Forum Team
Aug 1, 2019
13,555
19,317
How do people answer „why this firm“ in interviews?

I have had several interviews and always
received the feedback that my answer for „why this firm“ was weak / too superficial.

I usually go with three points:
- deal / practices area that interests me
- technology / innovation
- culture / CRS
It might be that there is not enough “you” or “why” in the answer - all of those things could be claimed by many applicants, but they want to get to the reasoning as to why you (as a unique applicant) are interested in these things or why they are important to you.

Alternatively, it may be that there is not enough specifically about the firm. Those are broad topics that apply to lots of firms - so what is it about the specifics of the firm’s CSR initiatives (rather than CSR broadly), what is it about the firm’s innovation that is particularly important or stands out to you, especially as to how it will impact your career and responsibilities as a trainee/junior lawyer?
 
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RonRod13

Esteemed Member
Nov 18, 2023
77
145
Does anyone else feel like HR and partners are after two different things in an interview? What tips do people have for initial first round interviews with grad rec? And what tips do people have for interviews with partners?
 

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