2020-21 Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion

[Lily721]

Would it be viewed as negatively if I used the same experience twice in an application form? I have to answer a bunch of STAR questions and for two of them, I am giving examples that came from the same experience. I am worried about using the same experience twice, but I just cannot come up with other examples that are as relevant.

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

Would it be viewed as negatively if I used the same experience twice in an application form? I have to answer a bunch of STAR questions and for two of them, I am giving examples that came from the same experience. I am worried about using the same experience twice, but I just cannot come up with other examples that are as relevant.

When you say same experience, is it from the same activity (eg the same job but different scenarios) or is it the same scenario?

 

[Lily721]

When you say same experience, is it from the same activity (eg the same job but different scenarios) or is it the same scenario?

Yes, it is from the same activity (work experience). But the two examples/scenarios I am giving are completely different.

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

Yes, it is from the same activity (work experience). But the two examples/scenarios I am giving are completely different.

That is fine.

 

[Lily721]

That is fine.

Thank you!

 

[Hele25]

Just for future interview reference, what are peoples opinions on the question:

Who do you admire most and why?
(Or variations of that question)

Is it appropriate to say a family member, if it’s answered well?

 

[layla rose]

Just for future interview reference, what are peoples opinions on the question:

Who do you admire most and why?
(Or variations of that question)

Is it appropriate to say a family member, if it’s answered well?

definitely, yes! I always talk about my aunt and my interviewers have been really interested whenever it came up. As long as you can justify it I think it's all good

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

Just for future interview reference, what are peoples opinions on the question:

Who do you admire most and why?
(Or variations of that question)

Is it appropriate to say a family member, if it’s answered well?

Yes, perfectly acceptable if there is substance beyond them being a family member.

 

[Matt_96]

Just for future interview reference, what are peoples opinions on the question:

Who do you admire most and why?
(Or variations of that question)

Is it appropriate to say a family member, if it’s answered well?

I think so. In the past, I've talked about a family member who overcame a physical disability to succeed, or, failing that (if the question is more along the lines of who would you invite to dinner etc), I have mentioned my favourite niche sporting hero.

 

[Hele25]

Yes, perfectly acceptable if there is substance beyond them being a family member.

I think so. In the past, I've talked about a family member who overcame a physical disability to succeed, or, failing that (if the question is more along the lines of who would you invite to dinner etc), I have mentioned my favourite niche sporting hero.

definitely, yes! I always talk about my aunt and my interviewers have been really interested whenever it came up. As long as you can justify it I think it's all good

Thanks so much!

 

[Dheepa]

I was wondering how the training contract interviews (at the end of the vac scheme) are different to the usual interviews from your experiences? @Dheepa @Jacob Miller @Daniel Boden and anyone else with experience! Thank you

Hi, I missed this a few days ago but I've linked a really detailed post I made touching on this below. Just going to re-iterate that if your VVS involves doing fixed assessments, there's a much higher chance that your TC interview will be more traditional (competencies, why this firm etc.). If the VVS does involve doing live work and actually interacting with people at the firm more tangibly outside of just talks and presentations, then it's more likely to be more reflective (although I wouldn't say that alone makes it any less rigorous)

2020-21 Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion

Thank you, that's great. The rather unusual, yet somewhat fortunate position I am in is that a firm I applied to for a VS has accelerated my application towards a direct TC interview. So, I've not actually done the VS, nor do I have any other prior work experience that is legally related. In...

www.thecorporatelawacademy.com

 

[John Travoni]

I don’t think this question goes answered last week, but did anyone get an AC for Gateley London office??

 

[AspiringSolicitor]

Anyone know with the WG, if you answer all the questions and then go back to check but don't actually click submit before the timer runs out, does it still save your answers?

 

[MFK]

One of my WBD VI did not save at all! I have equally emailed recruitment and hoping that they will permit us to re-do it.

Hey! the same thing happened with me for the first question and it just said I have run out of time. I've emailed graduate recruitment but they haven't gotten back to me as yet. Did they respond to you?

 

[StudentOfLaw21]

Hey! the same thing happened with me for the first question and it just said I have run out of time. I've emailed graduate recruitment but they haven't gotten back to me as yet. Did they respond to you?

We would not hear back from them today as it's a bank holiday, but hoping those who had tech difficulties will be contacted in the next few days!

Sorry to hear you had the same issue! It's already stressful enough without the tech issue

 

[Matt_96]

Anyone know with the WG, if you answer all the questions and then go back to check but don't actually click submit before the timer runs out, does it still save your answers?

Yes, it does!

 

[ola830]

Guys, would you put non-paid roles under "previous employment" section in an application.
I have done a few non-paid roles e.g. at a legal advice centre, but I don't know if this will be seen as "employment".

 

[Kablahc]

Guys, would you put non-paid roles under "previous employment" section in an application.
I have done a few non-paid roles e.g. at a legal advice centre, but I don't know if this will be seen as "employment".

I usually put any big or long lasting pro bono placements under work history/experience unless they have a section about volunteering!

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

Guys, would you put non-paid roles under "previous employment" section in an application.
I have done a few non-paid roles e.g. at a legal advice centre, but I don't know if this will be seen as "employment".

Yes, you can include these either in employment or if you would prefer, put it in a volunteering section on a CV. Some people choose to put these things in extra curriculars too - it's one.of the grey areas where it could fit into different sections depending on the rest of your experiences and where you think works best

 

[Alex3107]

Anyone know with the WG, if you answer all the questions and then go back to check but don't actually click submit before the timer runs out, does it still save your answers?

yes it does!