TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

Parsorandini

Esteemed Member
Premium Member
Oct 8, 2021
84
213
I am sick of getting rejected post app, and so I am overhauling my work experienc/employment section in the hope that it helps (I am almost 30 so have a load of different employment that is very varied). Just wondering if anyone has a structure for these employment descriptions that they know are what graduate recruitment wants to see? I have tried putting in loads of detail, and then less, and never really been happy with it. I understand that my application answers also need improving, but it can't harm to fix up my work section.

@Jessica Booker @Andrei Radu @Ram Sabaratnam @Amma Usman if you have any insights please do let me know. Or anybody else of course too :) Thank you!
 

Jessica Booker

Legendary Member
TCLA Moderator
Gold Member
Graduate Recruitment
Premium Member
Forum Team
Aug 1, 2019
14,468
20,145
If I'm talking about open days in my work experience section what sorts of things should I draw out?
Personally, I’d focus on what you learnt and how it shaped your motivations rather than the detail of the open day. By focusing on what you took from the open day, you will provide more unique aspects than just describing what everyone else would have experienced at an open day (which is pretty similar from firm to firm). I would avoid making general statements like “I got the opportunity to learn more about the firm” and “I met with trainees and lawyers” as this is pretty obvious and would be something anyone could say who attended the event.
 

AlegalA

Esteemed Member
Gold Member
Premium Member
Dec 4, 2023
90
112
Is anyone else's Taylor Wessing's portal crashing? I wanted to submit my app yesterday but obviously couldn't, but the problem still hasn't been resolved today. Just wondering if I should wait a bit more (the deadline isn't till December) if this is a common issue, or email early talent if it's just me!
Thanks guys!!
 

Reem2024

New Member
Oct 26, 2024
4
0
I was someone who kept failing firms WG tests and getting filtered out in my first cycle. This cycle I got 37/40 for Linklaters and passed DLA and CC, although idk my exact scores.

I think while practising tests definitely helps, to consistently score high, using resources or watching videos on the underlying reasoning as to why X is the correct answer is what will help you score high consistently. Going off intuition alone never worked well for me.
How do you know if you passed CC watson glaser?
 

AlegalA

Esteemed Member
Gold Member
Premium Member
Dec 4, 2023
90
112
Hiya @AlegalA


Just wanted to build off what @Jessica Booker said. I know the 500 word count limit might seem tight, but I think aiming for around 125 words per question is a good approach. Just try to keep your answers focused on key points, so that each response is impactful and concise.

For the first part of the question, you don’t need to directly compare Mills & Reeve to other firms. Instead, focus on what attracts you specifically to the trainee role at M&R. Here, you’ll want to highlight what makes Mills & Reeve stand out from a trainee’s perspective. For example, you could mention the six-seat training contract, since it would provide exposure to a broader range of practice areas compared to the standard four-seat structure offered by most firms. Or perhaps the chance to work across the firm’s 14 specialist sectors is something that resonates with your interests. Just make sure to be clear on why these unique aspects appeal to you!

As for discussing challenges, it’s absolutely fine to mention a challenge you anticipate in the role, especially if you can relate it to something you’ve handled or experienced before. For instance, some trainees find it challenging to adapt quickly to new seats, and if you’ve had to adjust rapidly to different tasks or environments before, this could make a great example. Similarly, managing multiple deadlines with high-quality work might be another challenge worth addressing, and sharing a previous experience with this can demonstrate your resilience and adaptability.

Best of luck with the application! Feel free to reach out if you have anymore questions :)
Thank you! This was very helpful.
And thank you @Jessica Booker for your answer also!
 

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