TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

suhana

Distinguished Member
Mar 17, 2024
57
28
Hi @Amma Usman @Ram Sabaratnam @Andrei Radu

had a quick query about situational interviews. just an example question below

You are working on a piece of work assigned to you by your supervisor. A partner on another matter assigns you with another piece of work. The work is complex and the partner is unavailable, while your supervisor is in a client meeting. It becomes clear that you won't be able to complete both within the deadlines, what do you do?

in this scenario, how do you suggest we approach answers in interviews? usually the first point approach would be to ask your supervisor for advice, but since that is not possible here, what is your advice to assess the deadlines and priority of the work ourselves when someone senior is unavailable? is it better to ask someone on the same deal, maybe a senior associate about the nature of the deadline and if its pressing?
 
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Andrei Radu

Legendary Member
Staff member
Future Trainee
Gold Member
Premium Member
Sep 9, 2024
512
812
This may have been asked already but... I have an in-person AC interview coming up and I believe that there will be (at a minimum) two fee-earners interviewing me. When one of them asks me a question, and I have to respond, should I look at both interviewers back-and-forth when responding? Or should I only focus on the person that’s asked me?

Alternatively, does it depend on the question/who is writing notes on my answers lol💀

@Jessica Booker @Amma Usman
To add to Amma's great response, I think you should try to engage with both, but focus more on the person who is not taking the notes, as that is the person who you will likely be able to hold more eye contact with. Also, at least in my experience, it tends to be a partner/counsel leading the interview with questions and an associate taking the notes. Since the impression you make on the partner will likely influence your progression chances more, you want to concentrate on creating the best rapport with them.
 
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