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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2021-22 (#1)
- Thread starter Jaysen
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For anyone that still hasn't heard back from Links, they're still assessing applications. They just got back to me about updating my application to include my LLM results that I got confirmed last week. Fingers crossed I guess!
Hi @em311,
As always, I think @Jessica Booker has broken this down really nicely in her post.
I would just add that as an interviewer, unless a firm's practice in London is extremely narrow and specialised, I would be concerned that, unless an applicant had previous experience of that area, too great a focus on a specific area might seem naive (purely because, from what I have been told, actually practicing and studying/researching an area of law are two very different things). It is important to show that you are open-minded as for the majority of firms you will have at least three other rotations during your TC.
So my advice would be, for application purposes, you may wish to speak about one area (as with limited word count you can only talk about so much with any development/depth). However, if you progress to interview, be ready for the Partner/your interviewer to probe you about your interest(s) in other areas (along the lines of, "You seem very focused on X in your application. How would you feel if you were sat in Y for 6 months?"). In the vast majority of cases, just be willing to demonstrate that although you may have an inkling of an overarching interest in a particular practice area, this may change and that you are open-minded.
Hope that is helpful
.Realise this is probably a really stupid question but what are you guys wearing in video interviews? Should I just wear a suit dress/suit. Do I need to wear a jacket? Or is smart causal (like a jumper) okay? Thanks
Hi @Hele25,
Not a stupid question at all! Personally, I always wore a full suit and tie (with smart shoes). I know others on the forum will only dress smartly from the waist upwards, wearing a tracksuit etc. However, I was concerned that I might need to get up in the interview for something unexpected (such as the door swinging open unexpectedly etc.).
I always wore a tie for both in-person and virtual interviews. Of course, some interviewers will find this unnecessary. However, it is better to be safe than sorry on these things. I had interviewers who were dressed very casually (in a t-shirt, for example), but others who were dressed in a suit and tie. I never wanted to be underdressed for an interview, so I would always dress up to be safe!
Anyone still not received a WG from NRF? Expecting pfo now
Yup in the same position and also expecting a PFO lol
Also haven’t heard from Travers and Latham and can definitely feel that their PFOs are looming…
Hi @em311,
As always, I think @Jessica Booker has broken this down really nicely in her post.
I would just add that as an interviewer, unless a firm's practice in London is extremely narrow and specialised, I would be concerned that, unless an applicant had previous experience of that area, too great a focus on a specific area might seem naive (purely because, from what I have been told, actually practicing and studying/researching an area of law are two very different things). It is important to show that you are open-minded as for the majority of firms you will have at least three other rotations during your TC.
So my advice would be, for application purposes, you may wish to speak about one area (as with limited word count you can only talk about so much with any development/depth). However, if you progress to interview, be ready for the Partner/your interviewer to probe you about your interest(s) in other areas (along the lines of, "You seem very focused on X in your application. How would you feel if you were sat in Y for 6 months?". In the vast majority of cases, just be willing to demonstrate that although you may have an inkling of an overarching interest in a particular practice area, this may change and that you are open-minded.
Hope that is helpful
Hi @Hele25,
Not a stupid question at all! Personally, I always wore a full suit and tie (with smart shoes). I know others on the forum will only dress smartly from the waist upwards, wearing a tracksuit etc. However, I was concerned that I might need to get up in the interview for something unexpected (such as the door swinging open unexpectedly etc.).
I always wore a tie for both in-person and virtual interviews. Of course, some interviewers will find this unnecessary. However, it is better to be safe than sorry on these things. I had interviewers who were dressed very casually (in a t-shirt, for example), but others who were dressed in a suit and tie. I never wanted to be underdressed for an interview, so I would always dress up to be safe!
I completely agree with you @George Maxwell, I don't want to seem like I am not open to other areas, so I will try to convey my interest in the one area without sounding like this is the only thing I am interested in. Thank you so much for your response, it's very helpful!
Jessica Booker
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You don't have to wear a jacket if it is a video interview where the interviewers aren't there. Just anything smart/casual will be fine.Realise this is probably a really stupid question but what are you guys wearing in video interviews? Should I just wear a suit dress/suit. Do I need to wear a jacket? Or is smart causal (like a jumper) okay? Thanks
Hi all, I have been working on my NRF Spring VS for quite some time now and was wondering whether it would be more worth it applying for the winter one instead? Does it make a difference when you apply at the beginning of the application cycle (for winter) or does 2 weeks to deadline (for Spring) still give me a good chance? Thanks!
Anyone still waiting to hear from Travers Smith Winter VS? Any idea what it looks like and if there is still scope of hoping for the Interview?
If we haven’t heard back from any winter scheme applications is that a bad sign?
Don't mention legal concepts or buzzwords you do not feel comfortable explaining. From my personal experience, if you mention a specific legal principle or a buzzword then you could very likely be asked to explain it/provide a definition.
If you are unsure or unclear about what they are asking you, you could ask them to phrase it another way. I would then attempt to give an answer. If you are incorrect or not on the right track, they will try to guide you towards the right answer. This is from personal experience at assessment centres and at HSF specifically.
They are not trying to catch you out, they just want to see how your mind works and how well you deal with challenging situations.
If you are challenged/pressed, it is important to remain calm and not show your nerves. Thinking out loud while trying to come to a solution is a good idea instead of shutting down and getting flustered.
I had an assessment centre at HSF for a VS and was successful. There were times I did not understand some of the words/concepts the partners were using and they were more than happy to explain further until I got it.
Just approach each station as if you were having a normal conversation. That helped calm my nerves before AC's in the past. Come in with confidence from the beginning. Even if one station did not go so well, it is important to remain calm, confident and level-headed.
HSF are genuinely a really nice and friendly firm. All the best.
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