2020-21 Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion

[GK8997]

Dechert VI invite! (summer scheme). If anyone has any tips would be greatly appreciated very little information on the email...

I would say just prep the typical competency/ commercial/ motivational questions you would for a normal interview! There's nothing particularly 'out there' in the interview!

 

[33c]

Dechert VI

 

[AA99]

Anybody that has done the Mcquaig mental agility test, were you able to access full test papers for free? I can only find one free full test online and the paid ones are not cheap at all... Thanks!

 

[kr253]

Has anyone heard from Bates Wells lately?

Got my PFO this morning (post app)

 

[Andrew M]

When people say they hear back over the phone - is that just for final TC offers? I've only ever had emails for VS offers. If I'm rejected at the final TC stage, should I be expecting a phone call or an email? Or is this something that completely varies between firms?

Mine have been mixed. My first two AC's were rejections via a phone call. It isn't too pleasant but at least you can ask for feedback without chasing somebody up or booking a time. Of the three offers I received this cycle, two were sent in an email and one was over the phone.

 

[GK8997]

When people say they hear back over the phone - is that just for final TC offers? I've only ever had emails for VS offers. If I'm rejected at the final TC stage, should I be expecting a phone call or an email? Or is this something that completely varies between firms?

I think it depends, both of my offers so far have been over the phone and any rejections have been via email but think it varies by firm!

 

[Bakers Junior Lawyer]

I interviewed on Thursday and he told me I'd hear back in a week.

The wait is the worse part of the whole process, I hope you get a positive outcome!

 

[jan28]

Dechert VI

sorry to be THAT person but when did you apply?

 

[els124]

Some firms call back regarding TC offers whether you’re successful or unsuccessful. That way you don’t have to chase them for feedback if you’re unsuccessful because they give it to you when they tell you the outcome. Some firms just email if you’re successful for a VS rather than calling

Could we maybe make a communal spreadsheet showing which firms do what?
I have a tendency to miss calls so would be really helpful to know if a particular firm is going to contact me via email or not

 

[whisperingrock]

Could we maybe make a communal spreadsheet showing which firms do what?
I have a tendency to miss calls so would be really helpful to know if a particular firm is going to contact me via email or not

It's not consistent. I know for my firm several people got emailed with their VS offer while others got called instead.

 

[josemourinho]

When people say they hear back over the phone - is that just for final TC offers? I've only ever had emails for VS offers. If I'm rejected at the final TC stage, should I be expecting a phone call or an email? Or is this something that completely varies between firms?

One firm explicitly told us at the AC for the VS that if it was a phone call, you had been successful and if it was an email you were unsuccessful. Very blunt and made it terrifying to check your emails but it was very helpful to have the transparency.

 

[liverpoollawyer]

Hi guys just wanted some ideas. How would you approach the question: “Do you find there are enough hours in the day to complete your to-do list?”

Are they looking for honesty here, like admitting sometimes there may not be and what you do to help that ie making sure th left over tasks are prioritised the next day etc? Thanks!

 

[Kubed]

Arghh waiting for an interview outcome and just had a call.....
It was a spam call from 'HM Revenue & Customs'

 

[LegalNim]

Hi guys just wanted some ideas. How would you approach the question: “Do you find there are enough hours in the day to complete your to-do list?”

Are they looking for honesty here, like admitting sometimes there may not be and what you do to help that ie making sure th left over tasks are prioritised the next day etc? Thanks!

I said no when asked this question. I'm ambitious - if I've achieved everything that I want to achieve then I've set my expectations too low. There's always more to do - always. I assume it's a "there's no right answer" question here but, from my perspective, if you're always completing your to-do list then it's probably because your list is too short rather than anything you're doing right.

 

[els124]

Hi guys just wanted some ideas. How would you approach the question: “Do you find there are enough hours in the day to complete your to-do list?”

Are they looking for honesty here, like admitting sometimes there may not be and what you do to help that ie making sure th left over tasks are prioritised the next day etc? Thanks!

I definitely wouldn't answer with a straight "yes", because I don't think they'd buy it.
I'd talk about the importance of time management and organisation and give an example of a time when you had a lot to do and were very structured in your approach and it paid off

 

[thirdtimelucky]

Usually phone calls are only for good news, I think it would be pretty cruel of them to call you to tell you they don't want you lol. But whether it's a phone call or email, that's dependent on the firm.

I was rejected for a VS via phone so it does happen!

 

[Andrew M]

I said no when asked this question. I'm ambitious - if I've achieved everything that I want to achieve then I've set my expectations too low. There's always more to do - always. I assume it's a "there's no right answer" question here but, from my perspective, if you're always completing your to-do list then it's probably because your list is too short rather than anything you're doing right.

Not to say that your approach isn't a good way of answering but it isn't how I personally would answer. While being ambitious is a good thing, stretching yourself too thin isn't. There's a skill in knowing how to balance your workload. If you just say yes to every task put your way then there's a danger that your productivity and quality of work will inevitably become compromised.

 

[liverpoollawyer]

I said no when asked this question. I'm ambitious - if I've achieved everything that I want to achieve then I've set my expectations too low. There's always more to do - always. I assume it's a "there's no right answer" question here but, from my perspective, if you're always completing your to-do list then it's probably because your list is too short rather than anything you're doing right.

I definitely wouldn't answer with a straight "yes", because I don't think they'd buy it.
I'd talk about the importance of time management and organisation and give an example of a time when you had a lot to do and were very structured in your approach and it paid off

Not to say that your approach isn't a good way of answering but it isn't how I personally would answer. While being ambitious is a good thing, stretching yourself too thin isn't. There's a skill in knowing how to balance your workload. If you just say yes to every task put your way then there's a danger that your productivity and quality of work will inevitably become compromised.

Some really interesting points here, thank you!

 

[Penelope]

Is anyone else still waiting to hear from Edwin Coe (post-app)? Does anyone know when the interviews are?

 

[Kubed]

I said no when asked this question. I'm ambitious - if I've achieved everything that I want to achieve then I've set my expectations too low. There's always more to do - always. I assume it's a "there's no right answer" question here but, from my perspective, if you're always completing your to-do list then it's probably because your list is too short rather than anything you're doing right.

My personal take is that it's more nuanced than this. While I'm ambitious, I would answer the question by stating that I would want to strike a balance between completing everything on the list and doing everything on it to a good/excellent standard. Yes, high expectations can be set but there's also got to be some realism & flexibility in there as to what can feasibly be achieved.