TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2023-24

[mdoeslaw]

hi everyone, would love some thoughts!
I actually had my first interview for a direct tc a while ago and every day im kind of picking it apart, the whole process and I dont know how to stop! ive become so paranoid where I feel like ive bombed it eventho I initially walked away feeling so-so, like a mixed bag ): its really irritating since we dont find out about it until like a week or so later and idk how to get out of my head for it,

would love some thoughts or if anybody has had an experience like that, id love to hear your view on it

thank you 🥹

- a v v anxious candidate

 

[splash17]

hi everyone, would love some thoughts!
I actually had my first interview for a direct tc a while ago and every day im kind of picking it apart, the whole process and I dont know how to stop! ive become so paranoid where I feel like ive bombed it eventho I initially walked away feeling so-so, like a mixed bag ): its really irritating since we dont find out about it until like a week or so later and idk how to get out of my head for it,

would love some thoughts or if anybody has had an experience like that, id love to hear your view on it

thank you 🥹

- a v v anxious candidate

Heyy, I actually experience a similar thing with any interviews Ive had. If it helps, I do think this is somewhat common and loads of people end up overanalyzing every aspect on their interview. I'm not quite sure how to stop it,,,but for me, I like to write down some of the interview questions that I think went particularly bad or that keeps popping up in my head and writing out a new answer for it just in case it comes up in a later interview. I just feel like it puts the overthinking to a bit more use and sort of have the comfort of knowing that I have a better answer prepared for the future. I also think its often the case that the interview did not go as bad as you thought, your current memories are just more skewed toward the negative aspects of it and you might not remember all of the good answers you gave (bc your not worried ab it) When I was interviewing for university, there was sort of a trend where the interviewees who thought they didn't do too well often end up getting offers while the people who came away being super confident didn't (obv this does not apply to everything but it does show that your current feelings ab the interview likely doesn't represent how it went). Hope some of this helps Anxiety can be really difficult to handle

 

[m1474]

Is the Bristows VI unlimited prep time? The website says so, but can someone confirm they’ve heard the same? Thanks!

 

[I’m_Batman]

hi everyone, would love some thoughts!
I actually had my first interview for a direct tc a while ago and every day im kind of picking it apart, the whole process and I dont know how to stop! ive become so paranoid where I feel like ive bombed it eventho I initially walked away feeling so-so, like a mixed bag ): its really irritating since we dont find out about it until like a week or so later and idk how to get out of my head for it,

would love some thoughts or if anybody has had an experience like that, id love to hear your view on it

thank you 🥹

- a v v anxious candidate

This is very normal imo.

You should reflect on how it went and consider the points to make it better (no matter how well it went). I think also accepting how it went and you will get a TC when it happens so moving to a state of acceptance and that rejection is part of the journey will calm you down a bit. If you are getting to ACs, it’s a matter of time and luck too as much as preparation. Try to reduce the odds as much as possible and then accept you worked as hard as possible

 

[LexNavigator]

hi everyone, would love some thoughts!
I actually had my first interview for a direct tc a while ago and every day im kind of picking it apart, the whole process and I dont know how to stop! ive become so paranoid where I feel like ive bombed it eventho I initially walked away feeling so-so, like a mixed bag ): its really irritating since we dont find out about it until like a week or so later and idk how to get out of my head for it,

would love some thoughts or if anybody has had an experience like that, id love to hear your view on it

thank you 🥹

- a v v anxious candidate

These feelings are completely understandable and I am sure that the majority of people on this forum can relate. Here are my thoughts as someone who has been applying for three years:

1. Sometimes, you finish an interview and can't tell if it went well or not. At other times, your impression of how it went might not be accurate due to nerves and stress, regardless of your general self-awareness. Remember that sometimes how we perceive our performance might not align with how our interviewers did, especially if they are comparing us with the pool of candidates they interviewed that day or week. Not to mention people's personal biases, mood before and during the interview etc. So, you might feel that you've bombed it, but equally it might be that you've done amazingly well. Try not to rush to conclusions until you hear back from the firm.
2. The point is that you can only control how you prepare ahead of an interview. You cannot control what you will be asked or what the outcome will be. While this is frustrating, coming to this realisation can also be therapeutic. What matters is that you can tell yourself that you did your absolute best given the circumstances.
3. For this reason, it's important to try and compartmentalise. Stressing over something completely out of your control is a natural reaction, which is very difficult to ignore. However, there is no point in lingering on what was and what could have been, because nothing will change at this point. On the contrary, spiralling like that will only drain you and distract you from your day to day activities and other goals. Try to remind yourself that you did your best and that you cannot control what happens from here. If you fully accept this, you might be able to temporarily put intrusive thoughts to the side and focus on other things until you hear back from the firm.
4. I genuinely hope you are successful, but if you are not, ask for feedback when you hear back from the firm. Take this feedback with a pinch of salt, but also try to genuinely understand it. It might be that something went completely wrong, or perhaps you did nothing wrong but the competition was so fierce that only the top 1% of applicants received an offer. Maybe you were very good, but some other candidates were exceptional. That's not to say that this is not disappointing, but at least you can tell yourself that you performed well and then work on what can be further improved.
5. Familiarise yourself with the concept of rejection. It's only natural, you might be an exceptional candidate but not a cultural fit for the firm and unfortunately this is something we all have to accept.
6. Even though it is exhausting, every interview is a learning experience. When you go to the next one you will be more prepared, both practically and mentally.
7. Try to keep a long term perspective of your career goals to stay motivated. Remember, it's a cliché, yes, but you only need one 'yes'! It will come!

 

[AFZZ]

I've yet to hear back from Addleshaw Goddard after applying on 4/1, anyone heard back? I also sent off my video interview for CMS on 20/12 and yet to hear back. Anyone heard back from either firms?

 

[jplaw1010]

How long does it take to receive your feedback report from BCLP?

 

[CorporateCrocodile]

Does anyone know what I can expect with the Milbank AC?

 

[sibs23]

Got a WG invite from RPC on Friday PM. I applied 13.01.24 evening.

 

[aspiringsolicitor1234]

I was wondering if anyone knows roughly how many applications top law firms will recieve for a VS in London?

NRF winter was over 1200

 

[yasmars]

NRF winter was over 1200

I wonder how many received the test invite out of this number

 

[bella98]

I’ve just finished Reed Smith’s assessment, and let me tell you, if being a solicitor means having that level of numerical reasoning, I might be in the wrong profession. I was so lost with those numerical questions. On the bright side, my verbal reasoning skills are top-notch, shining like a beacon of hope in my numerical darkness🤣🤣🤣

 

[Deleted member 27336]

I’ve just finished Reed Smith’s assessment, and let me tell you, if being a solicitor means having that level of numerical reasoning, I might be in the wrong profession. I was so lost with those numerical questions. On the bright side, my verbal reasoning skills are top-notch, shining like a beacon of hope in my numerical darkness🤣🤣🤣

Lmao I do STEM and I've never got top marks for the Amberjack numerical reasoning 😩

 

[Victor87]

I’ve just finished Reed Smith’s assessment, and let me tell you, if being a solicitor means having that level of numerical reasoning, I might be in the wrong profession. I was so lost with those numerical questions. On the bright side, my verbal reasoning skills are top-notch, shining like a beacon of hope in my numerical darkness🤣🤣🤣

Hahaha glad to know I wasn't alone!

 

[Victor87]

Separately guys, do we get automatic feedback for the Mayer Brown SJT test?

 

[Seven]

Separately guys, do we get automatic feedback for the Mayer Brown SJT test?

48 hrs

 

[Flutterbyx303]

I’ve just finished Reed Smith’s assessment, and let me tell you, if being a solicitor means having that level of numerical reasoning, I might be in the wrong profession. I was so lost with those numerical questions. On the bright side, my verbal reasoning skills are top-notch, shining like a beacon of hope in my numerical darkness🤣🤣🤣

I’ve just finished Reed Smith’s assessment, and let me tell you, if being a solicitor means having that level of numerical reasoning, I might be in the wrong profession. I was so lost with those numerical questions. On the bright side, my verbal reasoning skills are top-notch, shining like a beacon of hope in my numerical darkness🤣🤣🤣

So was it a mix of SJT, verbal, numerical and VI?

 

[bella98]

So was it a mix of SJT, verbal, numerical and VI?

Yep, exactly!

 

[SemperParatus]

If you haven’t received anything from Mayer brown is it a pfo? I applied five days ago

 

[dms21]

If you haven’t received anything from Mayer brown is it a pfo? I applied five days ago

If you're talking about receiving the online test, it took them roughly 3 weeks to send the test to me. So definitely not a pfo considering its part of the first stage.