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Telephone interview for Dentons for Direct TC
A good one I like to ask recruiters if the firm has done a number of lateral hires over recent years is 'how do you ensure that the firm's culture is maintained and not perhaps diluted with new lawyers coming into the firm?' or words to that effect.Anyone have a list of a few good questions to ask grad rec at the end of an interview? I was going to ask about secondment opportunities and firm's next strategy but I assume they won't be pleased and would expect us to already know about secondments which is on their website.
it's always good to try to pay as much attention as possible when the people interviewing you introduce themselves (easier said than done when nervous so try to consciously do so) and try to ask them genuine questions you wish to know about their practice areas or their careers. Maybe they moved laterally and, if so, do not ask them about why they left their other firm (would definitely avoid this!) but you could ask them what attracted them to the firm you are interviewing at and what has made them stay. This can often segway into other interesting questions about the firm which you can organically ask on the spot. I also think you can show commercial awareness with this. I had a funds lawyer in one interview and just that morning the news reported a development in the Neil Woodford case and I was able to ask a bit about that. If you are choosing to take the commercial awareness route, ensure you have actually got a decent idea of the news story or subject and don't ask overly complex stuff. It can be easy to fall into a trap of using complex language and ideas and your interviewer not then understanding what you are asking. You could also get caught up in a relatively complex discussion which you might feel out of your depth in. If you feel like you can do this and do it well, then absolutely do have the confidence toAnyone have a list of a few good questions to ask grad rec at the end of an interview? I was going to ask about secondment opportunities and firm's next strategy but I assume they won't be pleased and would expect us to already know about secondments which is on their website.
I have felt a little bit like this, yeah. However, @Jessica Booker really reassured me and I am trying to keep in mind how the markets are cyclical and can be turbulent in their nature. Whilst the pandemic was unexpected and is devastating and has affected the markets in a way that could not be foreseen, a market downturn and a recession was anticipated so I hope that firms are maybe just seeing more counter-cyclical work at this time and maybe were better prepared than the 2008 crash. Sorry I cannot be anymore reassuring than that because, like I say, I share your worries and concerns.I know this is slightly hysterical. But are any future trainees concerned about their training contracts? Is it reasonable to be worried?
All this talk of the pending recession being worse than 2008 has me going a little cray
I know this is slightly hysterical. But are any future trainees concerned about their training contracts? Is it reasonable to be worried?
All this talk of the pending recession being worse than 2008 has me going a little cray
Anyone have a list of a few good questions to ask grad rec at the end of an interview? I was going to ask about secondment opportunities and firm's next strategy but I assume they won't be pleased and would expect us to already know about secondments which is on their website.
I know this is slightly hysterical. But are any future trainees concerned about their training contracts? Is it reasonable to be worried?
All this talk of the pending recession being worse than 2008 has me going a little cray
if you have done the two previous vac schemes, then just say you have been able to consolidate your decision that this is the best career path for you and if you attended an event at the firm, just say you got a great sense for the firm and culture at the event so didn't feel the need to undertake a vac. I have never been asked this and honestly doubt they would do but tbh I think giving a frank and honest answer is absolutely fine. I did two vac schemes before applying for direct TCs and always went to events with firms before applying to gain a sense of their culture so this would be my honest responseAt a direct TC interview, is it likely for them to ask ‘why didn’t you apply to our vac scheme?’ If so, does anyone have any suggestions on how to answer?
The real reason is they’re quite a prestigious firm I didn’t think theyd take a second look at me for lack of experience/some dodgy GDL grades but after securing 2 vac schemes at competitor firms I gained a bit of confidence and essentially thought why not!!
Thanks so much!if you have done the two previous vac schemes, then just say you have been able to consolidate your decision that this is the best career path for you and if you attended an event at the firm, just say you got a great sense for the firm and culture at the event so didn't feel the need to undertake a vac. I have never been asked this and honestly doubt they would do but tbh I think giving a frank and honest answer is absolutely fine. I did two vac schemes before applying for direct TCs and always went to events with firms before applying to gain a sense of their culture so this would be my honest response
To stay true to your answer you could just say the vac scheme experiences have also given you greater confidence in your ability to make a great trainee and think you can more confidently apply for direct TCs now?
I think honesty is the best way to answer but you can leverage that honesty and work it in a way that can be a really strong answer and actually give some insight into you, your character, and what makes you unique
Would be September 2021when is your TC due to start?
At a direct TC interview, is it likely for them to ask ‘why didn’t you apply to our vac scheme?’ If so, does anyone have any suggestions on how to answer?
The real reason is they’re quite a prestigious firm I didn’t think theyd take a second look at me for lack of experience/some dodgy GDL grades but after securing 2 vac schemes at competitor firms I gained a bit of confidence and essentially thought why not!!
Would be September 2021
Yes - if you don't apply, you can't be recruited - its as simple as that.
There is no one size fits all approach to whats happening.
Plenty of firms are looking at applications (if they are still recruiting for those vacancies). Some will hold off and will look at applications later in the cycle (but many would do that anyway!!)
There is absolutely no logic in ignoring a backlog of applications and only accepting new ones. If anything the better logic would just be to close applications and focus on the ones you have.
I think that if you have the time to make an application then I would probably advise you to do so. I know that there is uncertainty but firms do still have to hire and people are still getting online AC invites so I think many HR teams are trying to continue as normal as best as they can.
Though I have never worked in grad rec or HR, I can confidently say that I do not believe that firms would cast aside applications in favour of new ones coming in when things have calmed down. Like I say, I imagine business is continuing as best as possible and things are more than likely ticking over behind the scenes in terms of app reviews and it may just mean that ACs and interviews are postponed or held online until circumstances become more certain. I have also seen many law firms share on Instagram that they are using video conferencing to keep in touch which is another slight reinforcement that teams are still working as usual, but just from home for the time being.
You have to watch Dare Me on Netflix! It’s so good! Think: Skins mixed with 13 Reasons Why!Exactly...I am going to take Thursday afternoon off. After my work..I am going to cook a lovely dinner and binge watch Netflix!!
I want to watch the new show with Octavia spencer..but suggestions are welcome!!!