TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25
- Thread starter Jessica Booker
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Very good question and honestly, it depends on my mood. Some days I feel super optimistic and other days I feel a bit down and question my abilities.
I think the key thing for me is celebrating the little wins. This is my 2nd cycle and for a few applications I managed to progress to the next stage as opposed to 100% rejections post app from my first cycle. I can see I am improving and that is giving me the motivation to keep going and I will get better and eventually land a VS/TC.. although I’d like it sooner rather than later.. like everyone else!
Also being part of this forum has helped me a lot as I don’t know anyone in “real life” going through the same process as me so it’s lovely to be part of a community on the same journey and helping each other out.
On a practical level, I set myself weekly targets as in “I’ll do 2 applications this week after I finish work and complete the reading for uni” and that’s kept me on track with the applications. I really need to do some more though as there’s only a couple of firms I’m waiting to hear back from so need to get back into it. Thinking about everything at once is so overwhelming, and I’m a massive overthinker so I try to keep it as simple as I can (mentally) for myself!
There’s a reason why we’re doing this, and we should not stop until we achieve our dreams! I’ve seen so many people on this forum receiving their dream offers after years of trying and that keeps me going.. if they can do it then so can we!
Quick question for @Amma Usman @Andrei Radu @Ram Sabaratnam and anyone else:
Which firms do not use at least one of the following in their screening:
- Watson Glaser
- SJT/Arctic Shores/other behavioural test
- Video Interview
I vaguely recall that Slaughters(?) doesn't use any of the above, instead just relying on CVs for invites to ACs. Are there any other similarly streamlined application processes? I'm guessing the corollary of not having the above is a stricter focus on grades and/or written 'why X' questions.
Thank you!
Which firms do not use at least one of the following in their screening:
- Watson Glaser
- SJT/Arctic Shores/other behavioural test
- Video Interview
I vaguely recall that Slaughters(?) doesn't use any of the above, instead just relying on CVs for invites to ACs. Are there any other similarly streamlined application processes? I'm guessing the corollary of not having the above is a stricter focus on grades and/or written 'why X' questions.
Thank you!
From what I've seen, it can be anywhere between 2 days to 2 weeks, haha. So, don't lose hope if it's been a while!
goodwin pfo post-VI
knew it was coming but still hurt
I just wish i’d known they were introducing VIs this year bc then I wouldn’t have even applied
knew it was coming but still hurt
I just wish i’d known they were introducing VIs this year bc then I wouldn’t have even applied
Quick question for @Amma Usman @Andrei Radu @Ram Sabaratnam and anyone else:
Which firms do not use at least one of the following in their screening:
- Watson Glaser
- SJT/Arctic Shores/other behavioural test
- Video Interview
I vaguely recall that Slaughters(?) doesn't use any of the above, instead just relying on CVs for invites to ACs. Are there any other similarly streamlined application processes? I'm guessing the corollary of not having the above is a stricter focus on grades and/or written 'why X' questions.
Thank you!
By video interview (VI), do you mean like a pre-recorded style VI, or any kind of VI? I think Travers Smith have a similar process to Slaughter and May, except the partner interviews are conducted virtually. People who pass that interview get the VS offer, and do the AC during the VS. I think I read somewhere once that Sidley Austin have a similar process but idk if it’s changed for this cycle.
The last day of the virtual ACs was friday so give it some time
More so the pre-recorded ones (especially those without preparation time/no opportunity to re-record - looking at you, Bakers + A&O Shearman!)
An interview with a human being online is hopefully alright with me
Thank you 🫶
BCLP rejection post-(hour-long) interview 🥂 🥳
Do you think Paul Weiss will send out a third round of invites ? As few received today should I just loose hope for PW? My scores were 21/36 and my answers were above average.
They were having virtual ACs until the end of last week so wouldn't assume PFO at all. I think they are still reviewing decisions.
Thank you so much! this is very insightful
My honest opinion on VIs [please feel free to dispute this] is that they don't measure the actual substance of your answers to the same extent as your ability to manage your time well, think on the spot, structure your answers and perform under pressure. I see VIs not as a time to show off general interview answers, but to show I can craft clean, coherent and balanced answers under time pressure in an uncomfortable environment. When I made that switch, I instantly started passing. [2 rejections, switched my focus, 3 passes]Goodwin post-VI rejection at 09:45, 41 days later 😔 This one was important to me, so I shall indulge in a small morsel of a rant.
I could've sworn I nailed it, but now, it feels like I wasn't worth speaking with a real person. I don't even get told why. I went to a world-class business school and understand high-innovation clients like the back of my hand. I have four years of legal experience and a plethora of activities demonstrating commitment to the field. I go out of my way to speak with those at all levels, from lawyers and their clients to literal presidents. I get it's competitive, but if I could just talk with those hiring over a coffee instead of having to play these games - I'd make light work of a real conversation. I even had some practice with a former recruiter. Ah, well. I'll get over it soon enough.
Does anyone have advice for those struggling to get past the VI/TI stage? Especially when you think you'd perform well in a proper back-and-forth interview. What is that trying to tell me? Man, it's so hard to decrypt everything. Maybe I also need to just keep playing the numbers game as this was only my third VI, plus one TI. Is this stage even worth giving myself any credit? I did improve upon last year's post-app rejection, though... unless that was just because they fabricated a new stage this year 😭
Most of us who got invited to interview scored between 20-24 on the SJT. I think scoring anything above 20 will be fine. However, since Paul, Weiss assess test scores alongside written application, I think it would also depend on the quality of the application as well. I’m sure you’ll hear back positively soon! Best of luck. 🤞
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Genuinely, look dead in the camera, smile, say "really interesting question or I love this question", speak clearly with structure and you'll pass (mainly because people are scared of talking to a camera so likely crumble in the moment, so by doing the aforementioned you immediately look better)
Thank you for your optimism even after getting your interview!! Fingers crossed for the rest of us 🤞🏻
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