2020-21 Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion

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Andrew M

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Jan 7, 2020
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Anyone else just feeling hopeless. I’m a first class law student from a top Russell group university and my entire life I’ve tried so hard to do well and I just keep getting rejections. All my friends seem to know what they are doing next year and I’m stumped. I feel like I’m simply unemployable.
I felt this way last year. I got rejected at the application stage for all but two firms (made one AC and one interview). I beat myself up *so* badly! But after reaching out to people and receiving some feedback on my applications - I made the slightest of tweaks - I've been invited to the AC and/or final stage interview at 6 of the 7 firms I applied to, and have thus far received one VS offer (with 5 still outstanding). If I can do it then so can you :)
 

p9b

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Dec 29, 2019
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I felt this way last year. I got rejected at the application stage for all but two firms (made one AC and one interview). I beat myself up *so* badly! But after reaching out to people and receiving some feedback on my applications - I made the slightest of tweaks - I've been invited to the AC and/or final stage interview at 6 of the 7 firms I applied to, and have thus far received one VS offer (with 5 still outstanding). If I can do it then so can you :)
Do you mind me asking, what were some of the tweaks you made? Im in a similar position and would love to know how to improve my apps!
 

abab

Standard Member
  • Apr 10, 2020
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    Anyone else just feeling hopeless. I’m a first class law student from a top Russell group university and my entire life I’ve tried so hard to do well and I just keep getting rejections. All my friends seem to know what they are doing next year and I’m stumped. I feel like I’m simply unemployable.
    You aren't alone with this mindset, I have felt like this too! Remember to focus on yourself and your own lane..direction over speed :)
     
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    Andrew M

    Legendary Member
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    Jan 7, 2020
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    Do you mind me asking, what were some of the tweaks you made? Im in a similar position and would love to know how to improve my apps!
    I held back a lot, both in terms of selling myself and my motivations for applying to X or Y firm. So this year I made a point when reading my application back to consider a) do my answers reflect what I can offer the firm? b) are my motivations clear, convincing and personal to me (e.g. not generic)? and c) do I show a good level of knowledge of how the firm operates?

    Happy to look over an application and offer some thoughts if you like :) sometimes all you need is a fresh pair of eyes.
     

    Jacob Miller

    Legendary Member
    Future Trainee
    Forum Team
  • Feb 15, 2020
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    Does anyone know if competency / value based interviews can involve situational questions?
    Yes, they definitely can - they're quite a common feature of interviews I've attended.

    I cover situational questions in my Interviews Article accessible via my signature in case you're looking to read up on them a bit :)
     
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