TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2021-22 (#1)

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Lumree

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  • Jan 17, 2019
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    Are we allowed to take short breaks before answering questions during a telephone interview with a firm or is it better that we answer the questions immediately?
    Do you mean pausing before answering the question? If so, then yes, pausing can be good because you can get time to gather your thoughts and put together a more convincing answer
     
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    Jessica Booker

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    Are we allowed to take short breaks before answering questions during a telephone interview with a firm or is it better that we answer the questions immediately?
    Saying something like “can I take a moment to think about that” and then taking a few seconds to structure your thoughts (no more than 12 seconds though) can be done, but I wouldn’t do this for every question, so use it tactically.

    You don’t have to answer absolutely immediately after the question has been asked, and a very brief pause before answering is natural (eg under 5 seconds) but if you think you need longer than this, ask for some time to think about it.

    If you are really stuck and panicking, you can ask whether you can come back to that question at the end of the interview, but you can typically only use this once in an interview before it gets a bit odd, so again use it tactically.
     
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    SebKru10

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    Apr 15, 2021
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    Saying something like “can I take a moment to think about that” and then taking a few seconds to structure your thoughts (no more than 12 seconds though) can be done, but I wouldn’t do this for every question, so use it tactically.

    You don’t have to answer absolutely immediately after the question has been asked, and a very brief pause before answering is natural (eg under 5 seconds) but if you think you need longer than this, ask for some time to think about it.

    If you are really stuck and panicking, you can ask whether you can come back to that question at the end of the interview, but you can typically only use this once in an interview before it gets a bit odd, so again use it tactically.
    Amazing, thank you Jessica! :)
     

    anon123456789

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  • Oct 25, 2021
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    And apologies if this has already been asked, but for Linklaters does anyone how the Capp assessment is weighted compared with other components e.g. WG?
    I've got a feeling Capp is weighted more heavily than WG, I believe I've seen on here people who have done well on the WG not making it to AC because of Capp but that's just a speculation :)
     

    F99

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    Dec 1, 2021
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    I've got a feeling Capp is weighted more heavily than WG, I believe I've seen on here people who have done well on the WG not making it to AC because of Capp but that's just a speculation :)
    Ok thank you :) It seems like since stripping down their application form to just basic info (no work exp questions etc) Linklaters have very little to go on before inviting candidates to AC. But I guess that just means they place more emphasis on candidates' performance in these tests!
     

    anon123456789

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  • Oct 25, 2021
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    Ok thank you :) It seems like since stripping down their application form to just basic info (no work exp questions etc) Linklaters have very little to go on before inviting candidates to AC. But I guess that just means they place more emphasis on candidates' performance in these tests!
    I agree! I thought not having to input any work experience at all this year would make their lives a lot harder. But they must be looking for a very specific type of candidate that the Capp is well designed to select.
     
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    M991

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    Mar 14, 2020
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    Hello @Jessica Booker!

    Hope you're well.

    I wanted to ask how should I approach a VS application question like this: "Please outline your personal achievements, interests and positions of responsibility. How do you think they may be relevant to the pursuit of a career in law."

    In my answer, should I be saying that this particular skills is relevant for a "trainee" at that particular firm, a "solicitor" or just a "lawyer". Or it does not matter at all and I am just overthinking? :D
     

    Jessica Booker

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    Hello @Jessica Booker!

    Hope you're well.

    I wanted to ask how should I approach a VS application question like this: "Please outline your personal achievements, interests and positions of responsibility. How do you think they may be relevant to the pursuit of a career in law."

    In my answer, should I be saying that this particular skills is relevant for a "trainee" at that particular firm, a "solicitor" or just a "lawyer". Or it does not matter at all and I am just overthinking? :D
    As it says a “career in law” it doesn’t need to be specific to a trainee nor the firm, but I would try to apply it to a career as a commercial solicitor.
     
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