Strange application questions...

[AJ]

I’ve come across a few weird questions. Thought I’d put them out there to get views:

1. What motivates you.

2. How would you add value during a vacation scheme to the office.

3. If you could go back in time for a historical event, what would it be and why.

4. What rewards do you expect.

 

[jess889]

I’ve come across a few weird questions. Thought I’d put them out there to get views:

1. What motivates you.

2. How would you add value during a vacation scheme to the office.

3. If you could go back in time for a historical event, what would it be and why.

4. What rewards do you expect.

I had this question at my Jones Day interview! I was quite flustered and came out with a terrible answer, so I've since prepared something better about personal development, helping others, reaching a goal etc.

 

[Yminh]

I’ve come across a few weird questions. Thought I’d put them out there to get views:

1. What motivates you.

2. How would you add value during a vacation scheme to the office.

3. If you could go back in time for a historical event, what would it be and why.

4. What rewards do you expect.

question 3 is really interesting but I'm sure I would freeze then give a terrible answer. Would love to hear sharings of answers from you guys

 

[Jaysen]

I’ve come across a few weird questions. Thought I’d put them out there to get views:

1. What motivates you.

2. How would you add value during a vacation scheme to the office.

3. If you could go back in time for a historical event, what would it be and why.

4. What rewards do you expect.

Some thoughts:
2. It may help to lead with your strengths so it gives some structure to your answer. I'd also focus on small victories.
3. I personally hate questions like this. I'd pick an event I knew something about as there may be follow up questions.
4. This is a good one I haven't heard before. As Jess said, one answer you could use is personal development --just try to be specific about what that means. If you can flex the definition of "rewards", you could go for regular feedback/a nice team etc., although that may be too far out. You could also mention non-monetary benefits you know you'll get e.g. gym memberships and then discuss why the gym is important to you (if it is).

 

[Kate Spenser]

Hello. I would appreciate if you can help me with the one of the question that I have come across in the Training Contract application. 'Which skills do you now have which will be essential on day one of your TC?'. Are there any specific tasks giving on the day one of which I am not aware? Thank you in advance!

 

[Jaysen]

Hello. I would appreciate if you can help me with the one of the question that I have come across in the Training Contract application. 'Which skills do you now have which will be essential on day one of your TC?'. Are there any specific tasks giving on the day one of which I am not aware? Thank you in advance!

I imagine the question is asking what skills you need for the beginning of your training contract (so you hit the ground running) rather than literally for "day one". Try to think about the things you'll have to do as a trainee. e.g. draft emails to clients, complete tasks for multiple people at the same time, manage expectations, work late under pressure, receive feedback from your supervisor etc. Then consider the skills you have that will help you in those situations.

 

[AJ]

Another weird new one I've come across.... if you did not pursue a career in law, what would you do and why?!

 

[Jaysen]

Another weird new one I've come across.... if you did not pursue a career in law, what would you do and why?!

This one is pretty common actually. Sometimes, it's not so general: the firm might see that you have experience in a different field and ask why you chose not to pursue that instead. They might also press you on your interest in commercial law. For example, if you say you are interested in M&A, they might ask why you don't want to be an investment banker and drive the transaction instead.