2020-21 Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion

[Dheepa]

Hey guys!

I'm feeling a little deflated and wondering if anyone had any advice or tips. I'm currently I'm my last semester of uni (full time), working full time (42 hours a week but I'm salaried so some days more) and also trying to get the motivation to complete TC applications. I can't really do VS apps because of work commitments and I just don't have the time.

Does anyone have any tips on motivation? Or how many firms to apply for in these circumstances? I just feel like I'm not doing enough - you know? I've picked maybe 6-8 firms to apply for but I'm worried that not being able to complete like 20 applications is seriously hurting my chances.

Sorry if this is a bit of a ramble, I just feel lost and drained!

Hey! For what it's worth I'm super amazed/impressed that you're managing a full time job + uni + applications. I feel like my measly part-time job took up so much of my time at uni, so I can only imagine what you're going through. Honestly shout out to you for doing it all, because not many people can.

You're most definitely doing enough by sticking to 6-8 apps. My first app cycle I only did 10 and I think that's the average number most students (who generally don't have your commitments) manage to do anyway, so you're more than okay with the 6-8 apps. As someone else has said, quality > quantity. I also think application writing is best done in chunks, i.e breaking up your time across several days a week. So I'd suggest trying to build a small reasonable schedule for yourself on how many hours in across a number of days you can spend researching and writing and perhaps that will make you feel less overwhelmed.

There's also this amazing post by a forum user with more detailed advice. The whole thread is worth reading actually. I really hope it helps. Best of luck with your TC apps, I've got my fingers crossed for you!

 

[Dheepa]

I fear that because my chances are slim and i do apply and get rejected, I’d have reapplied too soon without much changing in my app and “missed my chance” with that firm :/

While your app does need to have been updated/changed if you're re-applying, remember that it doesn't mean you need completely new and different experiences from when you last applied. Often times changing your app to get it past the app stage has more to do with selling your existing experiences better, demonstrating more in-depth research into the firm and articulating your motivations more strongly. Basically, you don't have to change the substance of your app entirely, just start by thinking about where you can provide more examples and highlight your experiences better. Don't let the fear of not having enough of a changed app alone put you off from applying!

 

[HorsesForCoursesNeighNeighNeigh]

Hey guys!

I'm feeling a little deflated and wondering if anyone had any advice or tips. I'm currently I'm my last semester of uni (full time), working full time (42 hours a week but I'm salaried so some days more) and also trying to get the motivation to complete TC applications. I can't really do VS apps because of work commitments and I just don't have the time.

Does anyone have any tips on motivation? Or how many firms to apply for in these circumstances? I just feel like I'm not doing enough - you know? I've picked maybe 6-8 firms to apply for but I'm worried that not being able to complete like 20 applications is seriously hurting my chances.

Sorry if this is a bit of a ramble, I just feel lost and drained!

If you're really short on time but want to up your application numbers, one thing you could do is sign up for lots of different firms to see their questions, and identify ones where you have already answered the majority of Qs before? So for e.g. if you only had to redraft 2 out of 5 questions for a firm that was on your longlist you might be able to get some more off quickly? You might be able to locate 3 or 4 firms you could apply for now with a smaller resource requirement.

But it sounds like you have already done loads and have plans to do loads, so no need to push yourself harder. Especially if it will impact your grades--ultimately you are in a way better position if you graduate now with a great degree, even if it means doing applications in winter.

As someone who has also done the study-work nightmare, I don't think my approach was healthy but basically: sugar free red bull, really aggressive club music playlists, live and die by your spreadsheets that itemise your life!

 

[JayB]

Has Baker McKenzie started to dish out WG invites?

 

[Asil Ahmad]

Baker McKenzie rejection.

 

[HorsesForCoursesNeighNeighNeigh]

Baker McKenzie rejection.

Shoot I'm so sorry

 

[Asil Ahmad]

Shoot I'm so sorry

It is what it is. What annoys me is that I know my application was really strong and had it checked by 2 trainees even a BM trainee who said my application was really strong and my grades are excellent I dunno why and how it really annoyed me.

 

[to law or not to law?]

Hi does anyone have tips on how to improve a rejected vac scheme application to apply for a direct TC at the same firm in the same cycle? I have gotten extra experience since the rejection but not sure what else to do, especially regarding my answers to the application questions

 

[John Travoni]

Baker McKenzie rejection.

If you don’t mind me asking, when did you apply exactly ??

 

[Asil Ahmad]

If you don’t mind me asking, when did you apply exactly ??

28th February it is weird that only I received a rejection.

 

[letsee]

Good luck to everyone hearing back from Bristows today! Je suis shitting my pantalones

 

[Tcapplicant]

28th February it is weird that only I received a rejection.

It’s a little strange! Do you know if anyone else has heard back?

 

[Asil Ahmad]

It’s a little strange! Do you know if anyone else has heard back?

It is strange and not that I know of and this is the second time this has happened to me like for Macfarlanes direct TC also only I received a rejection. Do law firms, not like me.

 

[LeilaScott]

It’s a little strange! Do you know if anyone else has heard back?

I haven't heard yet - I applied around the same time as @Asil Ahmad I think, 23rd Feb so maybe it is odd that they have sent a random outcome but not to anyone else?

 

[northernlawstud]

I haven't heard yet - I applied around the same time as @Asil Ahmad I think, 23rd Feb so maybe it is odd that they have sent a random outcome but not to anyone else?

I applied on the 5th of Feb and heard nothing. Does everyone's application say nothing in the status section?

 

[LeilaScott]

I applied on the 5th of Feb and heard nothing. Does everyone's application say nothing in the status section?

Yeah its blank for me, and ive checked junk and the cv mail messenger, not sure how they are doing it

 

[jan28]

It is strange and not that I know of and this is the second time this has happened to me like for Macfarlanes direct TC also only I received a rejection. Do law firms, not like me.

There may be others who also got the same as you but are just not on tcla so don’t be too harsh on yourself! Remember how many law students/applicants there are. Good luck for your other apps

 

[Asil Ahmad]

I haven't heard yet - I applied around the same time as @Asil Ahmad I think, 23rd Feb so maybe it is odd that they have sent a random outcome but not to anyone else?

I dunno why only I got the rejection it is really annoying.

 

[Asil Ahmad]

There may be others who also got the same as you but are just not on tcla so don’t be too harsh on yourself! Remember how many law students/applicants there are. Good luck for your other apps

It is the second time this has happened to me so who knows.

 

[tractor12]

It is the second time this has happened to me so who knows.

I also got rejected for Bakers so I wouldn't worry that its just you! Keep on going