I got a PFO about two days after I applied so I rather suspect I may not be the best metric for comparison. I probably just failed according to some objective, easily quantifiable metric or made a disqualifying error in my submission.
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TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2023-4
- Thread starter Jessica Booker
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CRS AC for direct tc route !!! 🥳🥳 this is my first formal assessment centre (my last one was just a strengths based final interview) so if anyone has any advice I’d be so so grateful <3
Hey - for those who applied to Payne Hicks Beach with the Open Day, have you heard back yet?
hey all! i can't believe it but i've just signed my TC and so I think it's time to say 'goodbye' to the TCLA forum! It's been a long tough journey but thank you to TCLA forum for helping me through it! 
I wish everyone the best of luck!! I would read these posts and wonder if i'd ever be in the position to leave the forum, and so to anyone who is reading my post right now and feeling the same- it's not a matter of if, it is a matter of when!! I mentioned in the other post that i was close to giving up many times and i had interviewed for other careers but idk what it is, a tiny tiny part of me just had a feeling i will get it one day and i am so glad i listened to that part of me (and you should too!).
I couldn't have made it without help along the way- I won't be checking the forum as often but feel free to PM me for any tips/advice or as a place to vent! Best of luck everyone ❤️
I wish everyone the best of luck!! I would read these posts and wonder if i'd ever be in the position to leave the forum, and so to anyone who is reading my post right now and feeling the same- it's not a matter of if, it is a matter of when!! I mentioned in the other post that i was close to giving up many times and i had interviewed for other careers but idk what it is, a tiny tiny part of me just had a feeling i will get it one day and i am so glad i listened to that part of me (and you should too!).
I couldn't have made it without help along the way- I won't be checking the forum as often but feel free to PM me for any tips/advice or as a place to vent! Best of luck everyone ❤️
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Does anyone have tips for NRF test? (Arctic shores) Should I just focus on firm values when answering?
Really need some advice/motivation... I feel like I am never going to get a training contract and I have squandered my only chances. I managed to get a VS last year out of the only application I did (which I did not convert) and have been completely unable to replicate that success. I've had 6 ACs this year and not managed to get a VS out of any of them. Some I messed up and some were fine but I just wasn't good enough. I now can't get out of my head and feel like I will mess every AC up now that I've done it a few times. I feel like there's no way I can get one and I do not think my mental health can take doing another cycle and doing one won't help because the more I fail, the more likely I will continue to do so. Training contracts and how I don't think I'll get one is all I can think about all day everyday. Does anyone have any success stories where they've gone backwards before going forwards and finally succeeding? It seems like the motivational stories where people have got a VS after loads of ACs don't really calm me because that means they improved while I am going backwards and that is the problem.
Jessica Booker
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You are not going backwards though - you are still getting assessment centres/interview invites, and to me this is a positive outcome, especially if you secured six. It just sounds like you need to work on any feedback areas you have been advised of from these recruitment processes.
Getting ACs means that you’re doing something very right.
At that point it’s a combination of commercial awareness , interview skills and luck.
Also consider the firm you are going for as some have different criteria and might be easier/harder for you.
The feedback has either been that I was good and just missed out or that I didn't do very well on something which I knew I'd messed up because of nerves (something different each time, think it might be that I frequently mess up the final part of the day) so i don't really know where to go with it
yeah I think the different criteria thing might be the way to go... there's not many firms with healthy direct TC intakes still open sadly so feel i can't be picky
I sorta feel like I'm only getting to the ACs because I have VS at a top firm on my application and I will continue to f up ACs/not be good enough
Jessica Booker
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TCLA Moderator
Gold Member
Graduate Recruitment
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Forum Team
- Aug 1, 2019
- 14,659
- 20,354
Sounds like you need to persevere if you are just missing out, and work on your confidence. It sounds like you have got the skills/knowledge needed, it’s just about getting them across in a confident and clear way.
ACs tend to demonstrate polish more than ability.
Coming from a normal background often means that the first time you get to practice is the real thing and that often makes things look a bit rusty.
What I’d advise is firstly to research into each firm’s AC the day before to get an idea of the tasks as they are often more copy-paste than you’d think. Secondly, try and show a bit of passion and conviction even if it’s not truly natural.
The former makes it appear as though you’re less likely to leave and the second gives you more chance to have any mistakes slide past the recruiter.
Also remember that interviews are often to find cultural fit as well as your qualities and some firms might not think you’ll suit them (for example some areas of work require slaves while some require sensitive people to understand the client)
If I were you, I would have a backup plan for a non-legal career.
Over the years, what I have realised is that quite often, you are not rejected for "you are not capable of doing the job well."
So, it is not solely your fault.
Most of these mechanisms are simply "justifications" for allocating limited resources, such as spots for training contracts.
Think of it the other way:
If you were rejected for the reason that "we do not think you are capable of performing the duties of this role," you would not struggle at all.
What you would likely do is simply go back, improve your skills and knowledge, and apply for other opportunities.
But right now, you might feel like you are banging your head against the wall.
If you have gone through interviews for experienced hires, you would have heard stories where the line manager explains with solid, sound justification as to why they have found a better, more suitable candidate.
Sometimes, it is because the chosen candidate brings additional skills or domain knowledge to the table.
Sorry if I am being blunt and direct, but I think it is better to get the message across clearly.
You can keep applying, but having a backup plan is essential.
Haha, "ACs tend to demonstrate polish more than ability" hits the nail on the head.
Great point!
bakers test just now, applied 14 mar
"We ask that you complete the test by 23.59pm on Friday 19 April 2024 in order for us to process your application as quickly as possible."
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