Ask A Graduate Recruiter Anything!

[R203]

Hi Jessica,

I was wondering for this particular question;

How is Ashurst different from other firms you’ve applied to? (250 words)

Would you recommend if I link my answer to how the unique areas of Ashurst interests me? Or would 250 words be dedicated to just describing the firm and how it is unique?

Thank you so much!

 

[Jessica Booker]

Hi Jessica,

I was wondering for this particular question;

How is Ashurst different from other firms you’ve applied to? (250 words)

Would you recommend if I link my answer to how the unique areas of Ashurst interests me? Or would 250 words be dedicated to just describing the firm and how it is unique?

Thank you so much!

I’d focus on the latter. You can then say “the specific uniqueness of x and Y was particularly drove me to apply” if appropriate

(obviously not those exact words, but to give you a sense of how briefly that can be referenced).

 

[Samar]

Hi @Jessica Booker , I am sure someone’s probably asked this before but couldn’t find it - where do you recommend writing about law firm events you’ve been to? I struggle with knowing which section to include this in. Should I just do one work experience section called “Events” and list it there?

 

[Jessica Booker]

Hi @Jessica Booker , I am sure someone’s probably asked this before but couldn’t find it - where do you recommend writing about law firm events you’ve been to? I struggle with knowing which section to include this in. Should I just do one work experience section called “Events” and list it there?

I wouldn’t put it in work experience - it isn’t work experience.

They could be referenced in any motivational question sections, or in the “any further information you want to provide” if you think that is suitable.

 

[gricole]

Further to the previous question, how should we list the Open Days we've been to in application forms. Is a bullet pointed list enough or should I go into detail about each open day?

 

[Jessica Booker]

Further to the previous question, how should we list the Open Days we've been to in application forms. Is a bullet pointed list enough or should I go into detail about each open day?

depends on the rest of the format of your answer. Bullet points should suffice or listing them like the following may also work

Open Days 2018-19: Freshfields, Hogan Lovells, White & Case, and Clifford Chance

 

[Jai C.]

Hi Jess, I just wanted to ask my deadline for video interview as stated in the email is “The deadline for this interview is 2 December 2019 (GMT+00:00).”

Do I have the whole of 2nd December to submit before midnight or does this mean that as soon 1st December ends on 00:00 and becomes 2nd December my deadline expires

 

[Jessica Booker]

Hi Jess, I just wanted to ask my deadline for video interview as stated in the email is “The deadline for this interview is 2 December 2019 (GMT+00:00).”

Do I have the whole of 2nd December to submit before midnight or does this mean that as soon 1st December ends on 00:00 and becomes 2nd December my deadline expires

These are always worded slightly incorrectly, especially if it is one of the main interview platform providers (name escapes me right now). It will be 23.59 on the 2 December.

I would stress that this means the interview might not submit even if you start it before 23.59 - but its pretty stupid to leave it that late anyway. I would always try to do it before close of business (e.g. 5pm on a work day) just in case you experience any technical issues

 

[R203]

Hi Jessica,

Quick question - would I have to capitalise the "p" in principal? Like "I worked with my principal to complete..."

Thank you so much!

 

[Jessica Booker]

Hi Jessica,

Quick question - would I have to capitalise the "p" in principal? Like "I worked with my principal to complete..."

Thank you so much!

For all my knowledge of grammar (thanks to learning from the likes of Ben Staveley), this is one I still get confused with....

But the answer depends on the context of the word within the sentence:

Here are some links that explains the differences:

https://english.stackexchange.com/questions/1393/should-project-manager-be-capitalized

https://grammar.yourdictionary.com/capitalization/capitalization-of-job-titles.html

But in all honesty, no one is really looking at this level of detail on an application form.

 

[Plum]

Hi Jessica,

I have to complete a test ‘within 5 days’ of an email which came at lunchtime today. What do you think that makes the deadline? Does this include the weekend/the half day today?

I need as much time as possible to practice...

Thanks!

 

[Jessica Booker]

Hi Jessica,

I have to complete a test ‘within 5 days’ of an email which came at lunchtime today. What do you think that makes the deadline? Does this include the weekend/the half day today?

I need as much time as possible to practice...

Thanks!

I'd take it as 120 hours from the point the email was set. It may be the case it doesn't time out until 23.59 on Sunday, but I wouldn't take that risk of leaving it that late anyway.

Don't practice lots - it won't have a big impact in your ability.

What kind of assessment is it?

 

[Jessica Booker]

Sorry to get a little political on here, but please if you are eligible and haven’t done so already, please ensure you register to vote by 23.59 today.

It takes no time at all:

https://www.gov.uk/register-to-vote

normal service will now resume

 

[Plum]

I'd take it as 120 hours from the point the email was set. It may be the case it doesn't time out until 23.59 on Sunday, but I wouldn't take that risk of leaving it that late anyway.

Don't practice lots - it won't have a big impact in your ability.

What kind of assessment is it?

Ah thank you!
It’s some sort of game-based assessment, called SkyriseCity City (developed by Arctic Shores). Apparently it’s pretty weird so trying to gather intel...

 

[Jessica Booker]

Ah thank you!
It’s some sort of game-based assessment, called SkyriseCity City (developed by Arctic Shores). Apparently it’s pretty weird so trying to gather intel...

you can’t practice for it at all - I know the assessment well. Just do it at a time that you are fresh and alert.

 

[Shaz]

Hi Jessica,

For firms that ask for AAB as a requirement, is it a waste of time applying if I have A*BB or would that be equivalent to it?

Thank you!

 

[R203]

For all my knowledge of grammar (thanks to learning from the likes of Ben Staveley), this is one I still get confused with....

But the answer depends on the context of the word within the sentence:

Here are some links that explains the differences:

https://english.stackexchange.com/questions/1393/should-project-manager-be-capitalized

https://grammar.yourdictionary.com/capitalization/capitalization-of-job-titles.html

But in all honesty, no one is really looking at this level of detail on an application form.

Thank you so much!

 

[R203]

Hi Jessica,

Would you recommend that I provide my address and the firm's address when writing cover letters on the application portal? Or could I jump straight into it by writing Dear XYZ... ?

Thank you so much!

 

[Camilla]

Hi Jessica. I just realised that I made a mistake on an application form and accidentally over inflated my land law grade by 6% - should I email grad rec and correct the grade, or wait to see whether I progress to interview stage and then let grad rec know?

 

[Jessica Booker]

Hi Jessica,

For firms that ask for AAB as a requirement, is it a waste of time applying if I have A*BB or would that be equivalent to it?

Thank you!

That's an equivalent - you are fine to apply.