Ask A Graduate Recruiter Anything!

[chillblue]

Yes, I would contact them for clarity on it. That won’t be a problem at all.

Thanks Jessica!

 

[Lastseasonwonder]

Just hit a major milestone in the TCLA forums - my last post was my 10,000th post in the forums 😲🤯🥳!

 

[Lastseasonwonder]

This won’t happen. Not getting hold of people when you first call them is exceptionally common. Recruiters don’t just give up on good candidates just because they don’t answer their phone. In many cases, the best candidates are often the most busy and so you’d lose out talent if you took this approach.

They have gotten back to me - I have been offered an interview! It is virtual but I would prefer for it to be in-person. Do you think it is worth asking for a change? I feel I can show the best version of myself in-person to be honest.

 

[Jessica Booker]

They have gotten back to me - I have been offered an interview! It is virtual but I would prefer for it to be in-person. Do you think it is worth asking for a change? I feel I can show the best version of myself in-person to be honest.

Many interviews are done virtually these days where many of the interviewers are working from home.

You could ask whether the interview could be done in person (and there is no harm in asking) but just be prepared for them to say that it will have to be conducted virtually for whatever reason.

 

[Lastseasonwonder]

Many interviews are done virtually these days where many of the interviewers are working from home.

You could ask whether the interview could be done in person (and there is no harm in asking) but just be prepared for them to say that it will have to be conducted virtually for whatever reason.

I understand, thank you Jessica.

 

[Jessica Booker]

Hi @Jessica Booker i recently secured a VS and I am currently in the process of sending over academic certificates. Having just dug out my gcse ones, I realised that I mistakenly labelled one subject as an A when it was actually a B. Although an innocent mistake, do you think this could be enough for them to rescind an offer? I obviously have my A level grades and degree transcript which is all accurate but I’m still worrying now!

Highly unlikely that it would be rescinded on this basis, but worthwhile mentioning to them when you send the details through.

 

[Jessica Booker]

@Jessica Booker it is also not one of my main GCSEs and not my highest grade. Do you think I should give them a call tomorrow?

I don’t think a call is necessary. When you send the documents across, mention the inconsistency and explain why the error was made and that should be sufficient.

 

[futuretraineecity]

I don’t think a call is necessary. When you send the documents across, mention the inconsistency and explain why the error was made and that should be sufficient.

Thank you so much!

 

[chillblue]

Hi, I have been successful so far in gaining a place on an open day and an insight evening after an application to both. Just wondered if anyone had any advice , other than the obvious, dress smart, turn up on time with note pad etc. iI am probably more apprehensive with regards to networking, small talk, conversation starters etc etc. Are there any videos to look up to help? your advice and help would be much appreciated. The insight evening is virtual. The open day is in person. Many thanks

 

[WindowsUpdate]

Would really appreciate an opinion on this question: If a vac scheme application has a separate work experience section with 250 words per section, is it better to write a full paragraph or condense the 250 words into bullet points with full sentences? The idea being to keep the reader engaged, but also think it might seem lazy or not utilising the 250 words?

I've seen mixed advice on this, with some saying to be specific e.g. ''I secured a full-time position at XXX, a law firm specialising in A,B and C. My duties included A and B'', while others have advised being straight to the point ''Drafted legal documents such as XXX and XXX''.

 

[Jessica Booker]

Would really appreciate an opinion on this question: If a vac scheme application has a separate work experience section with 250 words per section, is it better to write a full paragraph or condense the 250 words into bullet points with full sentences? The idea being to keep the reader engaged, but also think it might seem lazy or not utilising the 250 words?

I've seen mixed advice on this, with some saying to be specific e.g. ''I secured a full-time position at XXX, a law firm specialising in A,B and C. My duties included A and B'', while others have advised being straight to the point ''Drafted legal documents such as XXX and XXX''.

Hi @Vugar Damirov - my view on this is to write in full sentences and paragraphs in your application unless the application form gives you an option to format your writing with bullet points.

For instance, with these forums, you can format text like you can format it in a word document. If you can do this on the online application, then use the bullet formatting option if there is one. If you can’t, then I’d advise just writing in sentences/paragraphs.

 

[WindowsUpdate]

@Jessica Booker thank you for clarifying that! Just as a quick follow up, if there is no option to format and I write in full paragraphs, should I aim to fill the whole 250 words or should I keep it shorter, maybe around 100 or 150 words per job?

 

[Jessica Booker]

@Jessica Booker thank you for clarifying that! Just as a quick follow up, if there is no option to format and I write in full paragraphs, should I aim to fill the whole 250 words or should I keep it shorter, maybe around 100 or 150 words per job?

It depends on the role. Roles that were either longer in duration or had more varied/complex responsibilities may need more of the word count, while a couple of days work shadowing a solicitor or a role that is quite limited in responsibilities probably doesn’t.

You don’t have to use all of the word count but at the same time it is important to showcase your work experience in the best light possible.

 

[WindowsUpdate]

It depends on the role. Roles that were either longer in duration or had more varied/complex responsibilities may need more of the word count, while a couple of days work shadowing a solicitor or a role that is quite limited in responsibilities probably doesn’t.

You don’t have to use all of the word count but at the same time it is important to showcase your work experience in the best light possible.

Thanks a lot @Jessica Booker , solid advice as always 😁

 

[HopefulFutureTrainee123]

For Clifford Chance’s question, “In no more than 400 words tell us about your extra-curricular activities, positions of responsibility and an achievement of importance which you are most proud of.”, I am a bit stuck on what to talk about for the achievement of importance. Initially, I was thinking to talk about a recent sporting PB; it has been a long time coming, and I have shown dedication, resilience and persistence to achieve it. However, despite this being important to me, I am unsure if CC would see it as an important achievement. I am very proud of the achievement, but I don’t know if this is enough. What might they be looking for with this question? Many thanks in advance!

 

[cls33]

Hi Jessica! Sorry if this has been asked before. In Clifford Chance's TC application it asks "In no more than 250 words, what are your motivations for applying to Clifford Chance?" Would you say this question should focus on just why exactly Clifford Chance or also include your motivations for going into commercial law in general? Struggling a bit to wrap my head around how to answer it and would really appreciate advice.

 

[Lastseasonwonder]

Hi @Jessica Booker,

I hope you are doing well.

When a law firm offers a training contract to a candidate, what determines how much time they give them to accept/reject it?

Is there a way to find out how much time my winter vac scheme firm will give me to accept a TC if they offer me one (without directly asking them)?

 

[Jessica Booker]

Hi @Jessica Booker,

I hope you are doing well.

When a law firm offers a training contract to a candidate, what determines how much time they give them to accept/reject it?

Is there a way to find out how much time my winter vac scheme firm will give me to accept a TC if they offer me one (without directly asking them)?

There can be lots of different factors that means it can vary even within a recruitment cycle for the same firm.

Personally, I’d just wait until you get the offer and then negotiate that period if necessary.

 

[prettyprincess24]

Hi,

I am preparing for interviews for law firms. However, there is a wealth of questions online but I am unsure which ones come up frequently and it makes me feel very anxious and how to prepare for over 200+ questions and memorising everything and anything.

Which questions frequently come up and are most common in commercial law firms apart from the usual ones I can just see which is Why X firm, why pursue commercial career? Please help :'(!!

 

[Casual]

Hi @Jessica Booker !

This year, I am travelling back and forth between the UK and a CIS country.

In the UK I am staying with a friend of mine. I don’t pay rent or bills there so if I get to the VERO screening the only thing I may obtain is his written confirmation that I stayed with him.

On the other hand, I can use my address in another country where I do have the tenancy confirmation. However, I am worried that this may make the firm doubt my commitment to the UK or undermine my application in some other way.

Which address would you recommend indicating on the application form?