2020-21 Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion

[CJCH]

Does anyone know the % of trainees being hired via direct TC apps at RPC London office? Just thinking that they don't have a particular large intake and not sure if it's worth trying...

 

[Amy_22]

Nope! When did you apply and do the WG?

I applied on 30 Jan, completed the WG on 6 Feb and received confirmation that I had passed and that my application was being reviewed on 8 Feb (I emailed Grad Rec for my WG score).

 

[AlRJ]

I applied on 30 Jan, completed the WG on 6 Feb and received confirmation that I had passed and that my application was being reviewed on 8 Feb (I emailed Grad Rec for my WG score).

If you don't mind clarifying, did you automatically receive confirmation that you passed the WG and your app was being reviewed or did you email the firm? Thanks!

 

[Georgina Evans]

Does anyone have any tips for the Kennedys VI?

 

[LeilaScott]

I really don’t get why firms ask you to write a long cover letter and then ask to write answers to an additional 3/4 250-300 word questions. It takes forever and you just end up repeating yourself!!

Yeah surely just makes grad recs job harder as well? Had a similar thing w Irwin Mitchell last year, clicked next and got a whole load of other questions so I just gave up lmfao cba

 

[LeilaScott]

Anyone heard back after submitting BM’s TC application? They said we should start hearing from March regarding the WG and VI, but I’m just curious if anyone has heard anything

Nothing, applied a week or so from the open date!

 

[Anon08]

Yeah surely just makes grad recs job harder as well? Had a similar thing w Irwin Mitchell last year, clicked next and got a whole load of other questions so I just gave up lmfao cba

Having completed applications like this, I know how brutal and unfair it can seem.

At the risk of sounding antiquated, back in 2014, I spoke to a QC at an SC firm who explained that the application process can be really lengthy or convoluted in order to put individuals off applying. Whilst this seems counter-intuitive, he explained that their firm receives thousands of applications, and so they need to use the entire recruitment process to streamline the candidates they take for final interview/training.

The sheer volume of questions/steps you have to go through is intentionally off-putting in order to dissuade candidates who 'kind of' care about the firm from applying. It is true that this might dissuade the best candidates from applying, but they do not just want the best candidates, but those who are really passionate about the firm in question. Hence, the candidates who are willing to tough out such an onerous application process are the ones who (supposedly) really care about the firm, and the firm would like to hire.

I know that this can be really painful when you are a candidate (the number of cover letters I have drafted that are now in my recycling bin is rather distressing!), but I hope that explains why they might do it (on top of GR getting lots of important information about you/your ability/your motivations!).

 

[LeilaScott]

Having completed applications like this, I know how brutal and unfair it can seem.

At the risk of sounding antiquated, back in 2014, I spoke to a QC at an SC firm who explained that the application process can be really lengthy or convoluted in order to put individuals off applying. Whilst this seems counter-intuitive, he explained that their firm receives thousands of applications, and so they need to use the entire recruitment process to streamline the candidates they take for final interview/training.

The sheer volume of questions/steps you have to go through is intentionally off-putting in order to dissuade candidates who 'kind of' care about the firm from applying. It is true that this might dissuade the best candidates from applying, but they do not just want the best candidates, but those who are really passionate about the firm in question. Hence, the candidates who are willing to tough out such an onerous application process are the ones who (supposedly) really care about the firm, and the firm would like to hire.

I know that this can be really painful when you are a candidate (the number of cover letters I have drafted that are now in my recycling bin is rather distressing!), but I hope that explains why they might do it (on top of GR getting lots of important information about you/your ability/your motivations!).

Yeah very true! Clearly worked as well haha, didn't end up applying in the end

 

[Amy_22]

If you don't mind clarifying, did you automatically receive confirmation that you passed the WG and your app was being reviewed or did you email the firm? Thanks!

I emailed Grad Rec for my WG score and they sent me my report, confirmed I had passed and that my app was being reviewed!

 

[AlRJ]

I emailed Grad Rec for my WG score and they sent me my report, confirmed I had passed and that my app was being reviewed!

That's great- thank you! Good luck

 

[PaddyRusk]

No

Me neither, checking my emails every day 😅

 

[Jessica Booker]

I really don’t get why firms ask you to write a long cover letter and then ask to write answers to an additional 3/4 250-300 word questions. It takes forever and you just end up repeating yourself!!

To make sure only the truly motivated apply usually.

 

[HorsesForCoursesNeighNeighNeigh]

To make sure only the truly motivated apply usually.

I had actually wondered before—is there a massive difference in numbers applying for the firms that have really long applications? In my case I didn’t complete the Irwin Mitchell one because of that...

 

[bzheng]

is anyone still waiting to hear from S&M for direct TC 2023 (law)?

 

[Jessica Booker]

I had actually wondered before—is there a massive difference in numbers applying for the firms that have really long applications? In my case I didn’t complete the Irwin Mitchell one because of that...

It can make a significant difference not just in application numbers, but quality too.

Can have some awful side effects though, like diversity of applicant.

You have to be confident that application length, types of questions asked and your full recruitment process has a balance of what will help you fulfill your recruitment objectives.

 

[FlapJack3000]

is anyone still waiting to hear from S&M for direct TC 2023 (law)?

I thought Slaughter and May opened for direct TC 2023 only in June?

 

[bzheng]

I thought Slaughter and May opened for direct TC 2023 only in June?

For finalists and grads it opened in Oct i believe!

 

[CJCH]

Hi, does anyone know if Ashurst reviews Direct TC apps on rolling basis or not?

 

[LeilaScott]

For finalists and grads it opened in Oct i believe!

Oh? is it still open?!

 

[WannabeSolicitor24]

Hi, does anyone know if Ashurst reviews Direct TC apps on rolling basis or not?

They start reviewing in early June I think