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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

Abbie Whitlock

Administrator
Staff member
Gold Member
Premium Member
Sep 11, 2025
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Would this question for CMS need any link back to them / their values?
Describe a time where you have shown resilience in a complex situation. How has this affected the way you approach challenges? (200 words)
Hello!

I’d say it’s a good idea to link your answer back to CMS - even if this isn’t necessarily explicitly. The firm will be looking for evidence that your qualities and mindset align with their values and culture, such as collaboration.

You can do this subtly in your reflection. For example:
  1. When describing how you handled the complex situation, highlight behaviours that CMS values beyond resilience (e.g. adaptability, problem-solving, teamwork). Make sure you do discuss resilience, as that is what the question is wanting you to show!
  2. In the reflection (“how this affected the way you approach challenges”), show how you’ve developed traits that fit with CMS’s way of working - such as staying calm under pressure or being open to feedback.
You don’t need to name-drop their values directly, as your answer should be focused on the resilience you have shown, but you can make the connection through the tone of your answer. It can show self-awareness that you have thought about how your traits fit the CMS environment.

I hope that helps! :)
 

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