Hi @DarrenB my main tip for the competency interview would be to come very prepared to be challenged and questioned on your motivations and experiences. Firstly, you need to be able to discuss any point in your CV in depth, and particularly any educational point. Be ready to explain every grade in university and to be asked why you have not performed very well in certain modules - particularly if any of them have links with commercial law. Secondly, you should have a watertight motivation for why commercial law and to be able to explain your preference for over your other passions and potential careers. It will likely not suffice to state some of the commonly met reasons as you will likely get a number of follow up questions. Thirdly, you should have a very good understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of the firm's model, particularly when compared to the other Magic Circle firms.
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What if you get rejected after an interview or an assessment center? I contacted graduate recruitment to ask about reapplying, and they said there is no strict policy against it. However, they mentioned that my previous application and performance would still be considered, and they seemed somewhat hesitant over the phone.
Firms have different policies for reconsidering applications post-AC rejection. I know some that have absolutely no issue with it and I know others that will not do it under any circumstances. If you were told the firm has no policy against it, I think it is worth a shot. Perhaps it will be somewhat of an upclimb because of the prior rejection, but you also know that the firm has liked you enough before to progress you out of a huge pool, so I think overall the odds are worth it. I also have heard of several candidates who secured a TC with a firm after they were rejected post AC in the previous cycle, so it is not a very uncommon situation.
Thank you so much @Andrei Radu!! Great advice as always!!Hi @DarrenB my main tip for the competency interview would be to come very prepared to be challenged and questioned on your motivations and experiences. Firstly, you need to be able to discuss any point in your CV in depth, and particularly any educational point. Be ready to explain every grade in university and to be asked why you have not performed very well in certain modules - particularly if any of them have links with commercial law. Secondly, you should have a watertight motivation for why commercial law and to be able to explain your preference for over your other passions and potential careers. It will likely not suffice to state some of the commonly met reasons as you will likely get a number of follow up questions. Thirdly, you should have a very good understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of the firm's model, particularly when compared to the other Magic Circle firms.
For the article discussion, as you prepare you should think of different arguments to support potential views about the subject matter, as you may be asked to defend positions you do not necessarily agree with. You should also expect to be challenged a lot here, as partners want to test your resilience and advocacy. Be flexible and willing to integrate their points into a synthesis view, but stand your ground and do your best to justify your core claim despite their pushback.
Best of luck
