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2020-21 Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion
- Thread starter Jaysen
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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!
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!).
Yeah very true! Clearly worked as well haha, didn't end up applying in the end
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!
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
Jessica Booker
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To make sure only the truly motivated apply usually.
HorsesForCoursesNeighNeighNeigh
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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...
is anyone still waiting to hear from S&M for direct TC 2023 (law)?
Jessica Booker
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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.
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