General Discussion Thread 2020-21

[Jessica Booker]

I got rejected today for BCLP's Brand Ambassador position. I did not hear back yet for the TC, nor do I know anyone who has. I did apply pretty late in the app, their app was open in April and I applied after my exams were finished months later. (Not sure if the BA position has impacted the TC app haha). Also with BCLP, I had the opportunity to apply for both the BA and TC at the same time, which makes me think the processes are reviewed separately, since I have not heard back for the TC. Good luck!

Definitely will be looked at separately - what they look for in a BA will be very different to what they look for in a trainee

 

[EA]

Rejected post assessment centre for mid market/upper mid market firm. Sucks that I can’t put down the vacation scheme on my CV because it got cancelled. Guess it’s back to square one with applications. Is there any way I could put it down on an application that I did get a vacation scheme and it was cancelled or will it look weird?

I did just as Jessica suggested.

I got a spring legal work experience with an American Law firm and it was cancelled due to the pandemic. In my apps for TC under work experience, I wrote the name of the firm and in the section for the details of the work experience, I wrote 'cancelled due to the COVID 19'

 

[Andre]

Anyone heard from Dentons post-1st interview? Did mine in March...

 

[cw]

Just heard that I got the BCLP virtual AC, does anyone have any tips? Thanks

 

[futuretraineecity]

Hi everyone! I'm just preparing for competency Qs for a video interview and am getting stuck on how I would approach "Tell us about a time when you had to change the mode of communication". Does this mean changing from my normal mode or changing my mode within a particular situation? I'm struggling to think of an example as I don't quite know what they want from this any help would be amazing!

 

[Jessica Booker]

Hi everyone! I'm just preparing for competency Qs for a video interview and am getting stuck on how I would approach "Tell us about a time when you had to change the mode of communication". Does this mean changing from my normal mode or changing my mode within a particular situation? I'm struggling to think of an example as I don't quite know what they want from this any help would be amazing!

either is fine - it’s just about you adapting your style/method to ensure success

 

[JKs]

Just heard that I got the BCLP virtual AC, does anyone have any tips? Thanks

Congrats! Can I ask when you submitted your application?

 

[cw]

Congrats! Can I ask when you submitted your application?

Thank you! I submitted in late June

 

[Alice G]

Hi everyone! I'm just preparing for competency Qs for a video interview and am getting stuck on how I would approach "Tell us about a time when you had to change the mode of communication". Does this mean changing from my normal mode or changing my mode within a particular situation? I'm struggling to think of an example as I don't quite know what they want from this any help would be amazing!

So for something like this, have you ever taught someone something you know really well which has required you to simplify your language/speak less in jargon-heavy terms? Or, have you ever been speaking to someone who is very senior and a specialist in their field and you have had to match their complexity and communication style?

It could also be as nuanced as speaking to customers who have different communication styles in a job and you have had to alter your style so as to mirror theirs slightly.

These are my immediate thoughts with something like this.

Hope this helps!

 

[Alice G]

Rejected from Slaughters!

I am truly sorry to read this.

You're a fantastic candidate - don't doubt it for a moment. You've got this!

 

[tractor12]

I am truly sorry to read this.

You're a fantastic candidate - don't doubt it for a moment. You've got this!

Ah thank you Alice! That's very nice.

 

[tractor12]

@Jessica Booker I was wondering how it works in terms of when our applications are read? Why is it an application submitted on the deadline can be read and reviewed before one submitted much earlier? Is it just because different members of the GR team will read apps from different time periods? Just interested in the logistics of it all!

 

[Asmee DC]

I can't believe I'm writing this, because at some points, I really didn't think this day would come but I'm so excited to share that I have accepted a training contract with Eversheds Sutherland starting September 2022! As an international student from Toronto, Canada I slowly realised that it was in fact one of my strengths. It's what made me different and what made me stand out. I stopped thinking that I was at a disadvantage, and I was determined to begin my legal career in the UK.

Some key things that I have learned throughout the way:

1. Don't be afraid to ask for help- Securing employment is not easy! Asking for help doesn't mean that you can't do it yourself. I was honestly surprised as to the number of people who were so willing to help me. Whether I reached out to people from my university, or complete strangers on LinkedIn and this forum, there was always at least one person who would take the time to help me out.
2. Be confident- This is something I've really had to work on throughout this process. I'm guilty of comparing myself to others, downplaying my accomplishments, and just believing that I wasn't good enough for a firm to take me on. However, I changed my mindset and stopped focusing on others. Everyone has a different timeline and that is okay. By focusing on myself I was naturally better able to put my best self forward without worrying about what others were doing.
3. Never give up- I doubted my abilities and skills to the point where I began to think that maybe this profession isn't for me. Maybe it was too difficult for me to secure something as an international student, and I was debating even moving back to Canada after graduating. But I decided to keep on trying and I'm so happy my mindset changed about that. The rejections I received only made me a better candidate. If you truly believe this is the profession for you, then keep on going. You will get there and everything will be worth it in the end. Becoming a solicitor isn't easy but all good things are worth waiting for.

I'm so grateful for this forum specifically because everyone has been so supportive and uplifting. Instead of viewing everyone as competition, each individual on this platform has chosen to stay positive and help each other. I would not be where I am today without being a part of this forum. Please do not hesitate to reach out to me to ask for help. I am more than happy to help out in any capacity I can. My fingers are crossed for you guys, and I hope nothing but the best for you all! Keep on going!!

 

[Jessica Booker]

@Jessica Booker I was wondering how it works in terms of when our applications are read? Why is it an application submitted on the deadline can be read and reviewed before one submitted much earlier? Is it just because different members of the GR team will read apps from different time periods? Just interested in the logistics of it all!

no set answer to this unfortunately. It will depend on the firm and even just the circumstances of the time and your application. Just some reasons though:

- applications are split across different people and some people screen quicker than others

- applications are ranked and prioritised on some basis (sometimes this is done through AI, sometimes it is done through previous assessments like your online psychometric tests, sometimes it is done via a quick screen/review)

- some applications are put in a “hold” category and not processed until they understand how many people accept invitations to the next stage/what their acceptance rate is, so it can seem you have been told later than others but you’ve actually been screened at the same time

- just luck - I have known applications to be printed off to be reviewed and someone’s will just be at the bottom of the pile depending on how they are printed

- sometimes firms request references before inviting you to the final interview stage and so they may be waiting on your reference

- sometimes you need a second opinion on an application and so you are waiting to for a second person to review it

 

[Jessica Booker]

I can't believe I'm writing this, because at some points, I really didn't think this day would come but I'm so excited to share that I have accepted a training contract with Eversheds Sutherland starting September 2022!

Congratulations!!

 

[tractor12]

no set answer to this unfortunately. It will depend on the firm and even just the circumstances of the time and your application. Just some reasons though:

- applications are split across different people and some people screen quicker than others

- applications are ranked and prioritised on some basis (sometimes this is done through AI, sometimes it is done through previous assessments like your online psychometric tests, sometimes it is done via a quick screen/review)

- some applications are put in a “hold” category and not processed until they understand how many people accept invitations to the next stage/what their acceptance rate is, so it can seem you have been told later than others but you’ve actually been screened at the same time

- just luck - I have known applications to be printed off to be reviewed and someone’s will just be at the bottom of the pile depending on how they are printed

- sometimes firms request references before inviting you to the final interview stage and so they may be waiting on your reference

- sometimes you need a second opinion on an application and so you are waiting to for a second person to review it

Thanks Jess - this is really interesting!

And congratulations @Asmee!

 

[JayB]

no set answer to this unfortunately. It will depend on the firm and even just the circumstances of the time and your application. Just some reasons though:

- applications are split across different people and some people screen quicker than others

- applications are ranked and prioritised on some basis (sometimes this is done through AI, sometimes it is done through previous assessments like your online psychometric tests, sometimes it is done via a quick screen/review)

- some applications are put in a “hold” category and not processed until they understand how many people accept invitations to the next stage/what their acceptance rate is, so it can seem you have been told later than others but you’ve actually been screened at the same time

- just luck - I have known applications to be printed off to be reviewed and someone’s will just be at the bottom of the pile depending on how they are printed

- sometimes firms request references before inviting you to the final interview stage and so they may be waiting on your reference

- sometimes you need a second opinion on an application and so you are waiting to for a second person to review it

Will both people follow the same criteria, or can the screening be sometimes subjective based on their “liking” of the application?

 

[JayB]

Very recently actually - on the deadline day

Thanks for getting back to me mate. I wish you all the best with your remaining applications, I’m sure you’ll hear great news very soon

 

[jan28]

I have accepted a training contract with Eversheds Sutherland starting September 2022!

So happy for you, congratulations!!!!

 

[Jessica Booker]

Will both people follow the same criteria, or can the screening be sometimes subjective based on their “liking” of the application?

Yes, there is typically criteria applied and sometimes a scoring system applied. However a lot of recruitment is subjective unfortunately - it’s the nature of recruiting people. How someone may perceive your application could be different to someone else (eg someone might read it as arrogant, whilst someone else doesn’t).

Even if one person is reviewing applications, how they will perceive your application and “like” it or not can very much depend on their mentality at the time. For instance studies have shown if someone is hungry they are more likely to be perceive things with a more critical eye.