2020-21 Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion

[Andrew M]

I just had an email from Mills and Reeve to do the Watson Glaser. They are doing it a bit differently this year, only applicants which meet the benchmark will have their applications reviewed. Bit annoying for anybody who doesn't meet the benchmark really! I spent a solid week working on my application and it might not even get looked at...

 

[MZ]

I've not experienced CMS' AC but generally the case studies can be quite time pressured if you have to read a handful before you present/answer questions. So for now I'd advise on practicing your ability to digest information quickly by maybe reading articles and quickly summarising them in structured manner in however minutes you would have during the assessment.

The format is always dependent on the firm but most start with a mini presentation and then they will probe you further on whatever you've picked out. My advice would be to listen to their questions carefully because I've messed up before where I misheard something and answered something completely different. And they didn't correct me either!

Finally, don't panic before/during the AC! You've made it this far, it'd really be a shame to fall at the final hurdle because of something like this (having said that, it does happen so don't think you're alone). Think of it as an amazing opportunity to either massively learn from or to obviously get a scheme - both are fab!! good luck!!!

Thank you!! That definitely helps

 

[Staples]

I just had an email from Mills and Reeve to do the Watson Glaser. They are doing it a bit differently this year, only applicants which meet the benchmark will have their applications reviewed. Bit annoying for anybody who doesn't meet the benchmark really! I spent a solid week working on my application and it might not even get looked at...

Gosh yes that sounds annoying - thanks for the heads up!

 

[SouffléSouffléSoufflé]

This morning I received an invite to take part in Taylor Wessing's behavioural- based assessment. I've never done this form of testing before, does anyone have any general advice?

(Sorry if there is an answer to this question that I have missed- I've been moving house this week so I've not been active on here ).

 

[SouffléSouffléSoufflé]

Just received an email regarding an update for those that applied for the last cycle for Forsters:

"Your application for the 2022 training contract will still be considered for the 2022 intake, but if you would like to apply for a vacation scheme next year, you should make another application online to be considered for a vacation scheme place in 2021".

Hope this helps!

 

[Florawilliams]

Has anyone had any experience with the Weil WG test? thanks guys

 

[Manifesting]

Received an SST invite for Reed Smith this afternoon! (I submitted my app closely after their second Open Day.) If anyone has any tips, I'd love to hear. So far none of my apps with situational components progressed, so I'm slightly panicked about the SST.

 

[Florawilliams]

Congrats on the WG test invite! May I ask when did you apply?

29th October for the Spring VS x

 

[Phoebe]

CMS VI invite - does anyone have any tips?

In the email, the deadline is stated as the 12th but the portal says it's the 14th? Does anyone know which one it would be? Im hoping the latter!

 

[OB]

CMS VI invite - does anyone have any tips?

In the email, the deadline is stated as the 12th but the portal says it's the 14th? Does anyone know which one it would be? Im hoping the latter!

I would follow the earlier deadline, mine also showed a later date in the portal but the VI emails clearly state the earlier one is correct and the link will timeout after that date passes

 

[Phoebe]

I would follow the earlier deadline, mine also showed a later date in the portal but the VI emails clearly state the earlier one is correct and the link will timeout after that date passes

Yeah better to be safe than sorry! Thanks

 

[Florawilliams]

Thank you very much for your reply. Wishing you the very best of luck with your test x I think they have a practice test on their website!

welcome! thanks so much

 

[Florawilliams]

Following from my earlier question, does anyone know how long the Weil WG test takes? I'm working so try and factor it into my day

 

[M1999]

Has anyone got any advice about taking a break from application season? I feel overwhelming pressure for this to be my year because I am self funding the GDL. My mental health has been so bad recently because I just feel like a failure after putting in so much effort with applications, interviews & not successful. I’m not a positive person at all and I’m really questioning why I am putting myself through all of this

 

[Helpme12345]

I would follow the earlier deadline, mine also showed a later date in the portal but the VI emails clearly state the earlier one is correct and the link will timeout after that date passes

Were the questions a mix of competency/situational judgement/motivational like previous years?

 

[OB]

Were the questions a mix of competency/situational judgement/motivational like previous years?

Yes they were!

 

[Helpme12345]

Yes they were!

Thank you!

 

[NadineBusty]

Were the questions a mix of competency/situational judgement/motivational like previous years?

I have an upcoming VI with CMS.

What is the difference between competency and motivational Q?

Or are motivational Q a different term for strength based Q?

 

[p9b]

I have previously done a vacation scheme with a regional firm, however I was unsuccessful in securing a TC after. Will future firms ask me the outcome of this vac scheme at interviews? If so, doesn't it reflect badly that I did not secure a TC - why would a larger city firm employ me when when a smaller regional firm did not?

 

[AH97]

I have previously done a vacation scheme with a regional firm, however I was unsuccessful in securing a TC after. Will future firms ask me the outcome of this vac scheme at interviews? If so, doesn't it reflect badly that I did not secure a TC - why would a larger city firm employ me when when a smaller regional firm did not?

In my opinion, it won't reflect badly! It's amazing that you managed to secure a VS, and the fact that you didn't secure a TC from it could actually be viewed positively by a larger city firm (i.e. you may be more suited to a larger city firm as opposed to a smaller regional one)