Its unlimited time. Its really simple competency style questions tho, I took max 3 second for each. Test takes max 5 mins as per the e-mail.
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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26
- Thread starter Ram Sabaratnam
- Start date
Feel free to message me privately if you want a rant! All I'll say as someone slightly older (mid 20s) working in finance, is that this process is quite frankly ridiculous and it's important to not blame yourself. Being rejected doesn't mean you don't have what it takes, and it doesn't mean you won't have a successful career elsewhere.
My approach so far has been - am I getting fixated on an application outcome? If yes, focus on another app. I also try to have very very very low expectations and recognise that HR isn't some sort of all-knowing deity.
Adding on to some earlier posts, I can't emphasise enough how ridiculous the recruitment process is for most firms. Let me give you an example: I have about a year's experience working in AI risk and regulation in a major investment bank, but I got rejected from the Simmons AI internship (most likely because their SJT said I have bad people skills). Quite frankly, I almost find it funny how ridiculous that outcome was!
This isn't about you or your worth - call out sh**ty HR processes focused on simply cutting volume of applicants as quickly as possible, and realise you have all it takes to be a great lawyer. Now, some people might say "you can't just not take any accountability for a rejected application" and that's a different thing - but sometimes we need to tell ourselves narratives that don't shatter our ego and I find that "they didn't see my potential - let me see how I can improve next time" is much better than "I'm just not good enough".
I also found it quite relaxing and engaging. Wasn’t anything complex but yeah I was trying to go fast through them just in case they actually look at the response time.
I think the easiest way to be motivated is to remind yourself you do not have to stay at that firm for the rest of your career.
Using a firm as a stepping stone to one you're more passionate about is also totally fine so long as the practice areas/sector focus overlap.
That is high key how I have motivated myself with the additional applications I sent for firms I was not as excited about.
I think it’s based on eligibility if you pass the requirements you receive it.
What would the SRA say to such blatant dishonesty? But also she already asked if people can cover, so that ship has sailed lol
Ask to see if you can attend another interview date (if they are even running other dates). Otherwise you just tell you employer straight that you are attending an interview for a role that if successful would basically set you up for life so you can either be supportive or sack me and waste months training up a new employee.
i have a virtual AC tomorrow and i was wondering what’s appropriate to wear? i kind of don’t want to be sat in a suit all day, so i was thinking a white collared shirt under a plain black jumper? or is that not formal enough (i’m a girl btw - not that it makes a difference but might inform some outfit recommendations lol)
It's been so long since I've heard from some firms that I have no idea if I thought I did well or not. Makes it a bit easier in a way
amazing, thank you Abbie this is so helpful!! ❤️Hello!
For situational questions, I'd say that the graduate recruitment team (or the interviewers) are usually looking at how you think, rather than a "perfect" answer - this means that a light structure can really help keep you focused!
In the past, I have approached it through:
- Start by showing you understand the situation and any competing pressures (e.g. clients, deadlines, risk, etc.).
- Then talk the interviewers through how you would prioritise and respond in practice - this could involve gathering the relevant facts, checking any guidance, and communicating with people where needed. It also helps to explain why you're taking those steps, as this helps the interviewers understand your thought process.
Some more general tips:
If you can, you could also reference a previous experience that you have had where you did something similar (e.g. "I've faced something similar in X, so I'd approach it by..."). This can help make your answer feel more authentic - however, it is not necessary, and I would avoid trying to force a link!
- Try not to rush into a solution (and I have been guilty of this in the past!) - it's absolutely okay to pause and think out loud, and talk the interviewers through the steps that you might consider
- Acknowledge any uncertainty or where you would require additional information - you could show that you would ask questions or seek support from others where appropriate
- Link your response to the firm's values - this helps to tailor and personalise your answer to this specific firm
I hope that assists, and best of luck
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