TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

Chris Brown

Legendary Member
Jul 4, 2024
562
2,015
I did my WG in early dec for HL, should I just assume PFO?
I don’t think anyone should assume PFO. 🫡

We won’t know until we get the email so we just need to have some faith that we still stand a chance. 🥲

I think I have seen 1 or 2 AC invites so I think HL are just going through all applications and making decisions as they go. 🙂

Best of luck!​
 
Last edited:

Shandy101

Distinguished Member
Oct 22, 2024
73
282
I wanted to share a few tips based on my experience with networking and preparing for assessment centres (ACs) since a few people have messaged me asking. I will preface this by saying some people are generally more kind and friendly than others. Be prepared to be ignored. I was lucky with the people at GD because they are generally extremely friendly and kind. Some lawyers at other firms are not.

When it comes to networking, it's important to be strategic and respectful. Here's what worked for me:

  1. Add First, Then Message: Before reaching out to anyone, make sure you've sent them a connection request. I typically connect with trainees, future trainees (who are often more likely to add you), associates, and even partners.
  2. Tailored Messages: If you secure an interview or AC, send a concise, polite message introducing yourself. For example:
    "Hi [Name], I hope this message finds you well. I have an upcoming AC with [Firm], and I was wondering if you could share any insights into what makes the firm unique beyond what’s available on the website."
  3. Do Your Research First: Don’t waste their time asking basic questions you could Google. Your goal should be to uncover unique insights or "nuggets" that will help you stand out in interviews, especially when answering questions like "Why this firm?"
While people are often generous with their time, don’t expect them to provide exact interview questions. Instead, focus on:

  • Gaining an Inside Perspective: What differentiates the firm culturally, strategically, or in its work approach?
  • AC Insights: You may get some helpful tips about the structure or focus of the AC without asking for specifics.
Networking isn’t just about gathering information—it’s about creating genuine connections and demonstrating that you’ve done your homework. Make your questions thoughtful, and remember, the key is to stand out for your curiosity and preparation. I cannot stress this enough- remember to say THANK YOU. Some people forget this basic thing. Whether or not you are successful reach out if someone has taken time to respond, even if superficially, to say thank you!!

Hope this helps, and good luck to everyone 😊
 

ashwright

Legendary Member
Gold Member
Premium Member
  • Jul 10, 2023
    188
    407
    I wanted to share a few tips based on my experience with networking and preparing for assessment centres (ACs) since a few people have messaged me asking. I will preface this by saying some people are generally more kind and friendly than others. Be prepared to be ignored. I was lucky with the people at GD because they are generally extremely friendly and kind. Some lawyers at other firms are not.

    When it comes to networking, it's important to be strategic and respectful. Here's what worked for me:

    1. Add First, Then Message: Before reaching out to anyone, make sure you've sent them a connection request. I typically connect with trainees, future trainees (who are often more likely to add you), associates, and even partners.
    2. Tailored Messages: If you secure an interview or AC, send a concise, polite message introducing yourself. For example:
    3. Do Your Research First: Don’t waste their time asking basic questions you could Google. Your goal should be to uncover unique insights or "nuggets" that will help you stand out in interviews, especially when answering questions like "Why this firm?"
    While people are often generous with their time, don’t expect them to provide exact interview questions. Instead, focus on:

    • Gaining an Inside Perspective: What differentiates the firm culturally, strategically, or in its work approach?
    • AC Insights: You may get some helpful tips about the structure or focus of the AC without asking for specifics.
    Networking isn’t just about gathering information—it’s about creating genuine connections and demonstrating that you’ve done your homework. Make your questions thoughtful, and remember, the key is to stand out for your curiosity and preparation. I cannot stress this enough- remember to say THANK YOU. Some people forget this basic thing. Whether or not you are successful reach out if someone has taken time to respond, even if superficially, to say thank you!!

    Hope this helps, and good luck to everyone 😊
    Absolutely love this post!! Thank you so much for sharing 🫶🫶 GD are extremely lucky to have you!
    If I may ask two follow-ups:
    1. When you say 'add, then message', do you send a message along with your invitation to add? If so, what do you recommend writing? I think there's a character limit so I struggle to both introduce myself + thank them etc.
    2. Do you have any tried and tested 'golden nugget' provoking questions?

    Thank you, @Shandy101 :)
     

    Jessica Booker

    Legendary Member
    TCLA Moderator
    Gold Member
    Graduate Recruitment
    Premium Member
    Forum Team
    Aug 1, 2019
    15,380
    21,479
    Just done a VI and accidentally stopped recording on the first video, there was a space to add anything at the end so I repeated the question and put it there, so you think they will count this?
    Yes. These kind of issues is why they add those type of opportunities at the end.
     
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    Shandy101

    Distinguished Member
    Oct 22, 2024
    73
    282
    Absolutely love this post!! Thank you so much for sharing 🫶🫶 GD are extremely lucky to have you!
    If I may ask two follow-ups:
    1. When you say 'add, then message', do you send a message along with your invitation to add? If so, what do you recommend writing? I think there's a character limit so I struggle to both introduce myself + thank them etc.
    2. Do you have any tried and tested 'golden nugget' provoking questions?

    Thank you, @Shandy101 :)
    I add people from firms that I'm interested in well in advance which obviously looks better and will most likely yield results than just randomly doing both. Put yourself in the situation. You're a lawyer at a major international firm. You have long hours and barely have time for friends and family. How would you like some random just messaging you or adding then immediately messaging you? It's better if they are already in your contacts. Look out for all the future trainees that complete schemes just before the one you are interviewing for. They have the best, freshest information and they cannot help bragging about their new future trainee status on Linkin so they aren't hard to find. Re questions; keep in mind the objective: there are thousands of applicants saying the same things. You want to stand out so maybe ask questions that would elicit information that is likely to help you achieve that goal- that can be culture, work or pro bono initiatives.
     

    l789

    Legendary Member
    Aug 19, 2020
    173
    241
    I add people from firms that I'm interested in well in advance which obviously looks better and will most likely yield results than just randomly doing both. Put yourself in the situation. You're a lawyer at a major international firm. You have long hours and barely have time for friends and family. How would you like some random just messaging you or adding then immediately messaging you? It's better if they are already in your contacts. Look out for all the future trainees that complete schemes just before the one you are interviewing for. They have the best, freshest information and they cannot help bragging about their new future trainee status on Linkin so they aren't hard to find. Re questions; keep in mind the objective: there are thousands of applicants saying the same things. You want to stand out so maybe ask questions that would elicit information that is likely to help you achieve that goal- that can be culture, work or pro bono initiatives.
    Hi Shandy,

    Would be interested to know, given your success at application stage- how many work experience entries do you have- I have just generic retail and volunteering and open days. Nothing fancy like interning at a PE firm like some others
     

    ashwright

    Legendary Member
    Gold Member
    Premium Member
  • Jul 10, 2023
    188
    407
    I add people from firms that I'm interested in well in advance which obviously looks better and will most likely yield results than just randomly doing both. Put yourself in the situation. You're a lawyer at a major international firm. You have long hours and barely have time for friends and family. How would you like some random just messaging you or adding then immediately messaging you? It's better if they are already in your contacts. Look out for all the future trainees that complete schemes just before the one you are interviewing for. They have the best, freshest information and they cannot help bragging about their new future trainee status on Linkin so they aren't hard to find. Re questions; keep in mind the objective: there are thousands of applicants saying the same things. You want to stand out so maybe ask questions that would elicit information that is likely to help you achieve that goal- that can be culture, work or pro bono initiatives.
    Thank you so much!
     

    hmevey

    Star Member
    Premium Member
    Sep 7, 2024
    33
    11
    Hey guys, I was looking to maybe get a bronze/gold membership as im struggling to get past the application stage. Can someone provide more insight as to whats included and if its been beneficial! Thanks so much :)
     

    camrxc

    Well-Known Member
    Jan 5, 2025
    23
    11
    Hi, am just wondering how firms actually assess candidates at ACs. Does it tend to be a thing of getting scored across all tasks with some being more important than other (and could you do well in a few and bad in 1 say and still be successful)? Or is it kind of everyone who interviewed you on the day gives their input? Thanks
     

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