General Discussion Thread 2020-21

[Velikilawyer123]

@Jessica Booker Jessica, when adding the formalities to a cover letter (my name, my address, the HR's name (if known), the firm's name, and the firm's address), should we also add a date below our own address?

 

[futureTS2025hopeful]

I attended an event where a Partner said Slaughter and May like the CV to be very factual, as opposed to skills-based.

I think I have some notes somewhere and would be happy to send them - if you want them, drop me a message!

Hi guys,

Silly question but what does it mean for a CV to be more factual, as opposed to skills-based?

 

[Jessica Booker]

@Jessica Booker Jessica, when adding the formalities to a cover letter (my name, my address, the HR's name (if known), the firm's name, and the firm's address), should we also add a date below our own address?

yes, I would.

 

[Jessica Booker]

Hi guys,

Silly question but what does it mean for a CV to be more factual, as opposed to skills-based?

Factual means you just show what you have done, rather than lead with identifying skills and then attaching evidence/experience to those skills. Claiming skills isn’t actually factual - it is an opinion you developed those skill and that they are your strengths. Factual CVs are showing actual experience that can be verified (eg academics, work experience) and focus on what you actually did.

Factual just is another word from a traditional CV.

I don’t really like skills based CVs as it gets much more difficult to work our what you do when and in what order, or if just creates unnecessary repetition as people claim they skills, show evidence and then resort to a factual CV anyway.

 

[futureTS2025hopeful]

Ohh right thanks Jess! I didn't even know skills-based CVs even existed; I've been doing "factual" this whole time

 

[Jessica Booker]

Ohh right thanks Jess! I didn't even know skills-based CVs even existed; I've been doing "factual" this whole time

In some industries they are far more popular, but law isn’t one of them!

 

[Sekani Wraith]

Hi @Jessica Booker I sent off my application for Akin Gump and I stupidly decided to read it again after I submitted it and I noticed one inconsistency in my capitalisation. In my work experience section, I wrote Baker Mckenzie with a lower case 'k' as the employer but then wrote it correctly with a capital 'k' in the details of the work experience. The rest of the app is perfect, probably one of my strongest apps ever, do you know if any firms will just reject your application if they find a mistake?

 

[Daniel Boden]

Hi @Jessica Booker I sent off my application for Akin Gump and I stupidly decided to read it again after I submitted it and I noticed one inconsistency in my capitalisation. In my work experience section, I wrote Baker Mckenzie with a lower case 'k' as the employer but then wrote it correctly with a capital 'k' in the details of the work experience. The rest of the app is perfect, probably one of my strongest apps ever, do you know if any firms will just reject your application if they find a mistake?

Honestly I think you'll be fine - they may not even notice it particularly if it's as minor as that!

 

[cgs97]

Rejection from Jones Day winter vac scheme

 

[Jessica Booker]

Hi @Jessica Booker I sent off my application for Akin Gump and I stupidly decided to read it again after I submitted it and I noticed one inconsistency in my capitalisation. In my work experience section, I wrote Baker Mckenzie with a lower case 'k' as the employer but then wrote it correctly with a capital 'k' in the details of the work experience. The rest of the app is perfect, probably one of my strongest apps ever, do you know if any firms will just reject your application if they find a mistake?

highly unlikely something like this alone will lead to a rejection

 

[Sekani Wraith]

Honestly I think you'll be fine - they may not even notice it particularly if it's as minor as that!

That is a relief to hear, thank you!

 

[Sekani Wraith]

highly unlikely something like this alone will lead to a rejection

This has made me feel a lot better, thank you!

 

[Deleted member 2707]

Hi! I'm just completing my Skadden Open Day application. When I navigate to the additional questions tab this was what I saw (picture attached below). There was no word limit or anything of the sort and I was wondering how long of an answer are they expecting. Thank you!

 

[KerC14]

Heard from BLM yesterday about the 2022 TC applications, they are still reviewing but anyone waiting should hear whether they have got through to the VI by 12th November

 

[Sekani Wraith]

Hi! I'm just completing my Skadden Open Day application. When I navigate to the additional questions tab this was what I saw (picture attached below). There was no word limit or anything of the sort and I was wondering how long of an answer are they expecting. Thank you!

Hi, where did you find the link for the open day please? I can only find the application for a vacation scheme?

 

[WannabeSolicitor24]

Hi, where did you find the link for the open day please? I can only find the application for a vacation scheme?

It's on a different application system for some reason - you have to access it via the Grad Rec Manager's Linkedin page!

 

[Sekani Wraith]

It's on a different application system for some reason - you have to access it via the Grad Rec Manager's Linkedin page!

I see, thank you!

 

[Natalie Black]

Allen and Overy rejection for a direct training contract

 

[Cantab_95]

yep same, also got an A&O direct TC rejection

 

[Velikilawyer123]

yes, I would.

Got it, thanks!