TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2022-23

[Ali A]

Hi, I did something similar - worked at a company for about 3 years during uni holidays etc. I've never failed a background check, despite not putting specific dates worked into my forms, so I think you'll be ok

I see, I put specific work dates though because the forms wouldn't let me move on to the next page!

 

[wannabelawyer99]

Just received Taylor Vinters offer yesterday!

 

[HopefulFutureTrainee123]

I see, I put specific work dates though because the forms wouldn't let me move on to the next page!

Oh ok - I assume they'll check with the company, as normal, and your dates will match theirs so it will be ok. It might flag up an issue as the dates entered on the background checker are different to those on your app form, but if this is flagged to the firm, they'll realise that it's just 'dates worked' vs 'employment period'. I really don't think you have anything to worry about - the background checker isn't trying to trip you up, it's just to check that you've been truthful there are always ways to sort these things out - the firm wouldn't just renege your offer!

 

[Bubbles]

If I applied for a firm's VS and am now applying for its TC (same cycle), should I write completely new answers if some questions are the same? @Jessica Booker

 

[Jessica Booker]

I see,

My period of employment was on and off from 2019 to 2021 due to leaving and going back a few times when I had free time during my studies and being told I am welcome back whenever I want. On my applications, I put 2019 to 2021 as I thought doing it three separate times would be pointless.

Would this be an issue when they come to check? Or would they just give the company a call.

For future applications, make this clearer in the description of the work experience as things like this can be an issue as your application will have read that you were in employment consistently for three years rather than on and off for three years.

If you go through a reference check, explain this to the reference company. It might not have been an issue if you were on a Zero hours contract the entire time, but could be a bit of an issue depending collectively how long you actually worked for the company. For instance, if it was collectively only 3 months across 3 years, you might find that problematic.

 

[Jessica Booker]

If I applied for a firm's VS and am now applying for its TC (same cycle), should I write completely new answers if some questions are the same? @Jessica Booker

They don't have to be completely new - but I would definitely try to update and refine any subsequent application.

 

[Jessica Booker]

Am I right in saying all law firms checks are conducted by Sterling Talent? Because my previous VS, was conducted by that agency. And I did have couple errors, but the firm just approached my internship companies instead. Still not sure on what the errors were..? Thank you for pointing out some of the possible errors

No - there are a whole host of organisations that do reference checks. Some firms do the process themselves too.

 

[adafdadfadfafdaf]

has anyone emailed CRS grad rec or A&P grad rec? thank you!

No have u emailed CRS

 

[wannabelawyer99]

Has anyone heard back from Mishcon De Reya after completing the video interview? I did it 28th Dec last year haha so just wondering

 

[LivH]

Has anyone heard anything back on the Barclays joint training contract? From TLT or Simmons?

@Lord Sumption did that mean you have heard something back on the applications or you want to know too?

 

[NMA]

For future applications, make this clearer in the description of the work experience as things like this can be an issue as your application will have read that you were in employment consistently for three years rather than on and off for three years.

If you go through a reference check, explain this to the reference company. It might not have been an issue if you were on a Zero hours contract the entire time, but could be a bit of an issue depending collectively how long you actually worked for the company. For instance, if it was collectively only 3 months across 3 years, you might find that problematic.

What should I do if the charity store I volunteered for closed and none of the original people I worked with continued? Should I try get in contact with the charity's general inbox that handles recruiting UK-wide or is it sufficient to just inform the firm about it?

 

[Jessica Booker]

What should I do if the charity store I volunteered for closed and none of the original people I worked with continued? Should I try get in contact with the charity's general inbox that handles recruiting UK-wide or is it sufficient to just inform the firm about it?

Sounds like a voluntary role, so it’s unlikely to be checked where it isn’t employment.

If you were employed, then the company will have a general HR contact number/email that will be sought anyway.

 

[rosec]

Do you provide information to background check companies or do they automatically check against your application form? I'm no longer working one of the roles but it would say on my written application that I am (as I stopped after)

 

[Klawdabbe]

Rejection from Northridge and Lewis Silkin literally at the same time…

Give my heart some rest please 😓

Don't worry about it. Rejection is redirection! That's what I try and tell myself anyway!!!

 

[lawstudent568]

Farrer & Co PFO

 

[livelovelaw]

On the subject of references, are firms likely to contact me prior to checking work experiences? I used to volunteer at a branch of a large national charity, but was never formally registered on their systems until my final month. I am worried if they contact the charity directly, it will look like I didn't volunteer for the length of time I did. Whereas if the firm ask me for contact details, I can give them the email of my direct supervisor who can confirm?

 

[Lord Sumption]

@Lord Sumption did that mean you have heard something back on the applications or you want to know too?

Hi, sorry I should have been more clear but I'm waiting to hear back post VI late Feb

 

[sxw517]

Firms don't conduct background checks before a vacation scheme do they, I thought they did them before a TC offer??

Or does it depend from firm to firm

 

[LivH]

Hi, sorry I should have been more clear but I'm waiting to hear back post VI late Feb

VI for the joint training contract with Barclays?

 

[jnice]

Firms don't conduct background checks before a vacation scheme do they, I thought they did them before a TC offer??

Or does it depend from firm to firm

I think they do it before the VS. I did one for my Spring VS. Not sure if it varies from firm to firm