2020-21 Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion

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glaw23

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  • May 20, 2021
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    So I am writing this personal statement for a firm, and I have done various volunteering over the years from high school (which I wouldn't normally include but it is more to show this is a long standing passion of mine) to the present day for different charities. Do I need to specify how much was raised for each charity? Because I'm not sure I can remember 😂 I barely remember what I did yesterday! 🤣
     

    Jessica Booker

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    So I am writing this personal statement for a firm, and I have done various volunteering over the years from high school (which I wouldn't normally include but it is more to show this is a long standing passion of mine) to the present day for different charities. Do I need to specify how much was raised for each charity? Because I'm not sure I can remember 😂 I barely remember what I did yesterday! 🤣
    Not necessary to provide this detail for each charity. But for instance, you might want to highlight the ones you raised the most money for (an approximation is fine) or the charity fundraising you are most proud of (and explain why, rather than focusing on how much you raised). Specific detail is important - it’s what will make your application form more unique than everyone else who also mentions volunteering on their application. But it doesn’t always have to be the outcome (eg money raised) that makes your individual experiences impressive.
     
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    glaw23

    Distinguished Member
  • May 20, 2021
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    Not necessary to provide this detail for each charity. But for instance, you might want to highlight the ones you raised the most money for (an approximation is fine) or the charity fundraising you are most proud of (and explain why, rather than focusing on how much you raised). Specific detail is important - it’s what will make your application form more unique than everyone else who also mentions volunteering on their application. But it doesn’t always have to be the outcome (eg money raised) that makes your individual experiences impressive.

    The one I raised the most with and I am most proud of is the one during highschool. I am 23 now so I wasn't really wanting to use it for anything more than showing it is something I have enjoyed doing for a long time. Is it still okay to use this one as a specific example? My other one I am especially proud of is that I am a Mind Mental Health Campaigner but I haven't managed to do a whole lot for that as of late due to COVID (I'd normally do bake sales etc which aren't viable right now), so I haven't got as much to write about.
     

    MLF

    Valued Member
  • Mar 15, 2021
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    Further to the lovely end-of-week PFO from Howard Kennedy, I'd like to know a bit more about what is required to succeed during a VI.

    In the 4 I've done so far, I passed 1 and failed 3. I'm not sure what I did wrong during the ones I failed and unfortunately, no feedback was provided. Maybe @Jessica Booker you would have an idea as to what they are after? Thanks
     
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    Jacob Miller

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  • Feb 15, 2020
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    Further to the lovely end-of-week PFO from Howard Kennedy, I'd like to know a bit more about what is required to succeed during a VI.

    In the 4 I've done so far, I passed 1 and failed 3. I'm not sure what I did wrong during the ones I failed and unfortunately, no feedback was provided. Maybe @Jessica Booker you would have an idea as to what they are after? Thanks
    I don't know if you'll already be familiar with it, but this thread is a great resource for looking at VI's and may help you do a retrospective critique.

    I would suggest not to be too discouraged, though - VI's are one of the most brutal filtering stages in my experience, and generally have a rather low success rate given the way they're used with most firms. To that end, the fact that you've had a successful conversion would indicate that you're not miles away from where you need to be.
     
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    MLF

    Valued Member
  • Mar 15, 2021
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    I don't know if you'll already be familiar with it, but this thread is a great resource for looking at VI's and may help you do a retrospective critique.

    I would suggest not to be too discouraged, though - VI's are one of the most brutal filtering stages in my experience, and generally have a rather low success rate given the way they're used with most firms. To that end, the fact that you've had a successful conversion would indicate that you're not miles away from where you need to be.
    Thank you Jacob, I wasn't familiar with the thread but will definitely look at it now!

    What is really discouraging is the lack of feedback if I'm honest - but thank you for the encouragements :)
     
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    Sonia_Kawaii

    Legendary Member
    M&A Bootcamp
  • Jan 12, 2021
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    Further to the lovely end-of-week PFO from Howard Kennedy, I'd like to know a bit more about what is required to succeed during a VI.

    In the 4 I've done so far, I passed 1 and failed 3. I'm not sure what I did wrong during the ones I failed and unfortunately, no feedback was provided. Maybe @Jessica Booker you would have an idea as to what they are after? Thanks
    I really want to know too! I find VI’s extremely unnatural and for some reason they throw me off even if the questions are easy. Not sure how to do well 😭
     
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    Jacob Miller

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  • Feb 15, 2020
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    I've thankfully never had to do a video interview for a VS/ TC, but yes I generally agree that talking to a camera with nobody on the other side is quite an unnatural, unnerving experience where it's hard to really present the best version of yourself! They make you realise just how much we rely on reciprocity of things like tonality and body language in these contexts.
     

    Jessica Booker

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    The one I raised the most with and I am most proud of is the one during highschool. I am 23 now so I wasn't really wanting to use it for anything more than showing it is something I have enjoyed doing for a long time. Is it still okay to use this one as a specific example? My other one I am especially proud of is that I am a Mind Mental Health Campaigner but I haven't managed to do a whole lot for that as of late due to COVID (I'd normally do bake sales etc which aren't viable right now), so I haven't got as much to write about.
    That is fine - lots of law firms like evidence of you sticking to things. We used to call it "stickability" at Freshfields.

    I wouldn't worry about it being an older example as long as you have other more modern evidence elsewhere.
     

    BiancaM

    Distinguished Member
  • Apr 10, 2021
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    hello!! was wondering if anyone has heard back from the following firms? I don't really know what kind of timeframe I'm meant to expect?

    27 Mar - RPC Hong Kong VS app received [automail], but heard back from London TC app online assessment invite yesterday
    24 May - PM App received & under review,
    3 Jun - BCLP App under review after online test

    I don't know if it's appropriate to send another gentle reminder... thanks!
     
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