Approaching "commercial issue" application questions

[Joshcty99]

For a vacation scheme application question entitled "please describe a commercial issue that has interested you" is it a fitting answer to discuss investment trends (such as increased investment in a certain sector) so long as you provide analysis on how this affects clients and law firms?

Further, is it essential to link the answer back to the firm specifically, even if the question does not ask for this?

 

[Jessica Booker]

For a vacation scheme application question entitled "please describe a commercial issue that has interested you" is it a fitting answer to discuss investment trends (such as increased investment in a certain sector) so long as you provide analysis on how this affects clients and law firms?

Be mindful you only have to analyse how it impacts clients and law firms if the question asks you to. Many questions don't ask this, so you wouldn't need to cover that if not asked.

But yes, investment trends would be something to potentially to talk about, especially if there has been a significant change or development in investment opportunities/trends.

 

[Joshcty99]

Many thanks for your tireless provision of advice! This was very helpful

 

[Joshcty99]

Be mindful you only have to analyse how it impacts clients and law firms if the question asks you to. Many questions don't ask this, so you wouldn't need to cover that if not asked.

But yes, investment trends would be something to potentially to talk about, especially if there has been a significant change or development in investment opportunities/trends.

As a follow-up, is it advisable to discuss how this issue pertains to the firm you're applying to even if the question does not ask you to?

 

[Jessica Booker]

As a follow-up, is it advisable to discuss how this issue pertains to the firm you're applying to even if the question does not ask you to?

I would ensure the majority of the answer sticks to what you are being asked. Sometimes people over anticipate questions or think that they should include things that may show their knowledge, but there is a risk that you don’t answer the question posed.

For instance, I have seen plenty of answers that will go into detail as to why it’s important for firms and/or clients but completely fails to address the “why it interests you” part, which is really what the firm is more interested in finding out.

You can include brief references to how the story might impact the firm, but make sure you answer the question first.

 

[Joshcty99]

Noted - that makes a lot of sense!