Hey everyone - please can somebody give an example of how they would answer a question asking about a recent setback you have had & how you overcame it? I've never come across this before and am struggling to decide what to discuss! Thank you
Is this for Ashurst's winter vac scheme?Hey everyone - please can somebody give an example of how they would answer a question asking about a recent setback you have had & how you overcame it? I've never come across this before and am struggling to decide what to discuss! Thank you
Dealing with challenges/obstacles/failures is vital in a law firm so they want to see that you manage the bounce back from that or don’t let it get to you/give up.Hey everyone - please can somebody give an example of how they would answer a question asking about a recent setback you have had & how you overcame it? I've never come across this before and am struggling to decide what to discuss! Thank you
Thank you, this was really useful. Do you think writing about burnout/taking up too many responsibilities and how I overcame that stress is dangerous to mention, given the demanding nature of working in commercial law?Dealing with challenges/obstacles/failures is vital in a law firm so they want to see that you manage the bounce back from that or don’t let it get to you/give up.
The example can be anything - academics, work experience, extra curriculars, or just general life. I’d just avoid something that happens to a lot of people (eg not getting expected grades/not getting into your first choice of uni), just so you can make your answer more unique. For a general structure, I would recommend:
Outline the situation leading up to the set back briefly
Explain the set back - you don’t have to labour why the setback happened unless it’s going to explain how you reacted/changed your approach after the set back.
Focus your answer on what you did after the setback to make it a more positive outcome
Explain anything you learnt from the situation.
I wouldn’t suggest this as this isn’t a set back really, it is more over committing to things and could show a lack of sensible judgement. The argument could also be if you overcame the stress of it too, you maybe didn’t take too much on as well.Thank you, this was really useful. Do you think writing about burnout/taking up too many responsibilities and how I overcame that stress is dangerous to mention, given the demanding nature of working in commercial law?
I would apply to schemes even if they clash as there is no certainty of securing both of them. Even if you did secure both , you could always ask one of the firms to either move you to a direct TC process or see if they can swap you over to a Spring/Summer programme instead.Is it a bad idea to apply to winter schemes that have clashing scheme dates, given that appying to clashing schemes can maximise my chances of securing a VS
Hi Jessica, I sent you a PM a while ago, please could you check this out, thank youI would apply to schemes even if they clash as there is no certainty of securing both of them. Even if you did secure both , you could always ask one of the firms to either move you to a direct TC process or see if they can swap you over to a Spring/Summer programme instead.
Unfortunately I can't always respond to PMs due to the volume received. I have to prioritise PMs for mostly sensitive matters - my auto response to private messages will give an outline on what I can respond to via PM. If your message does not relate to one of those topics, then I would recommend posting in the forums. If you feel the matter has been overlooked and does cover one of these topics, then please reply to the message again, and I will review again.Hi Jessica, I sent you a PM a while ago, please could you check this out, thank you
Hi Jessica, I PM'd you as there is personal information that I do not wish to disclose on the forum. Really I am asking for your opinion on my situation and do not wish for others to weigh in. No worries if you cannot reply though, thank youUnfortunately I can't always respond to PMs due to the volume received. I have to prioritise PMs for mostly sensitive matters - my auto response to private messages will give an outline on what I can respond to via PM. If your message does not relate to one of those topics, then I would recommend posting in the forums. If you feel the matter has been overlooked and does cover one of these topics, then please reply to the message again, and I will review again.
I have quickly reviewed your message and I cannot review application answers unfortunately.Hi Jessica, I PM'd you as there is personal information that I do not wish to disclose on the forum. Really I am asking for your opinion on my situation and do not wish for others to weigh in. No worries if you cannot reply though, thank you
Hi Jessica, is it common for law firms to agree to move the process to direct TC or Spring/Summer ?I would apply to schemes even if they clash as there is no certainty of securing both of them. Even if you did secure both , you could always ask one of the firms to either move you to a direct TC process or see if they can swap you over to a Spring/Summer programme instead.
It happens enough for me to suggest it - not all firms will offer this though and may just ask you to reapply at another time/recruitment window, especially if they know you are turning them down for another firm.Hi Jessica, is it common for law firms to agree to move the process to direct TC or Spring/Summer ?
yesFor A&O when you make an application is there a video section?
Didn’t know this thank you! How long is the video supposed to be.
If it is an experience in the past, then yes, this would make sense. If you are still doing a role, then present tense is appropriate unless the task or responsibility is no longer happening.@Jessica Booker Hi Jessica! I'm drafting the application form, should I use the past tense in the work experience part?