Mitigating Circumstances and interview

[MayI]

Hello all, I recently got invited to an interview at an MC firm for their summer vacation scheme, however, I have a very strong blip in academic attainment at GCSE. I've heard a story of someone being invited to interview and being grilled pretty intensely about something similar. During the interview, am I likely to be asked about my mitigating circumstances, even though I explained them on my application form, and/or the grades which were impacted by them?

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

Hello all, I recently got invited to an interview at an MC firm for their summer vacation scheme, however, I have a very strong blip in academic attainment at GCSE. I've heard a story of someone being invited to interview and being grilled pretty intensely about something similar. During the interview, am I likely to be asked about my mitigating circumstances, even though I explained them on my application form, and/or the grades which were impacted by them?

It is a possibility. However if mitigating circumstances are mentioned on the form, then these may not be covered, especially if the mitigating circumstances cover a particularly sensitive issue.

 

[AvniD]

Hello all, I recently got invited to an interview at an MC firm for their summer vacation scheme, however, I have a very strong blip in academic attainment at GCSE. I've heard a story of someone being invited to interview and being grilled pretty intensely about something similar. During the interview, am I likely to be asked about my mitigating circumstances, even though I explained them on my application form, and/or the grades which were impacted by them?

I would definitely be prepared to be asked about your mitigating circumstances and how they impacted you, but I feel being 'grilled' about them may be inappropriate for law firms to do, especially if your circumstances are sensitive in nature. Having mitigating circumstances doesn't mean you've done anything wrong, so be honest and transparent and explain why these circumstances impacted you and your grades clearly and how you've been able to recover from them, if at all applicable.

 

[colebennet]

Well, I think that it's better to be ready for such a question. There is no need to worry, just try to explain everything, and don't worry

 

[Future Six Figure Fee Earner]

Do I need mitigating circumstances for GCSE? I thought firms didn't care about them. I only left school with a few GCSEs.

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

Do I need mitigating circumstances for GCSE? I thought firms didn't care about them. I only left school with a few GCSEs.

If you have to provide the grades in the application, then I would include any mitigating circumstances related to them.

 

[Future Six Figure Fee Earner]

So do firms care about them?
I have no mitigating for GCSE. I just didn't care at school.

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

So do firms care about them?
I have no mitigating for GCSE. I just didn't care at school.

Most don't, especially if your subsequent academics are strong - if you have good A-levels and degree results its very easy to look past GCSEs.

However, some firms may want to see at least a minimum of a C equivalent (now a 4 or 5 grade) in Maths and English.

 

[ScoUting]

@Jessica Booker Hi I know this is an old thread but if you have sensitive mitigating circumstances you didn't feel comfortable mentioning in an application form (e.g. a family illness or situation) and they ask at an interview, should you mention them. Aware we shouldn't really be going into anything too personal in an interview but don't want to lie.

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

@Jessica Booker Hi I know this is an old thread but if you have sensitive mitigating circumstances you didn't feel comfortable mentioning in an application form (e.g. a family illness or situation) and they ask at an interview, should you mention them. Aware we shouldn't really be going into anything too personal in an interview but don't want to lie.

If you haven't disclosed them on an application form, it is highly unlikely they will come up in conversation in the interview.

If the interviewer asks something that was impacted by your mitigating circumstances (e.g. why your grades were lower/why you haven't got as much extra curriculars/work experience etc) then it is up to you how much you want to disclose. You can just say "I had some personal circumstances that impacted X" or "A family member was ill during that time" or specifics like "My mother was being treated for cancer". It is really up to you how much you want to disclose.