TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

[Jessica Booker]

how much have people written for each work experience for A&O. I know they place a lot of emphasis on it, but the max word count is 600 per experience, with 15 experiences that would be 9000 words which is surely far too much?

That is far too much. Some experiences may only need a few sentences (eg open days, short placements, basic roles with limited responsibilities), while others may need longer descriptions if they have been significant period of times or varied responsibilities.

I’d aim for a work experience section to be not much more than 3,000 words in total and for many people even less than that will be required.

 

[member7830]

That is far too much. Some experiences may only need a few sentences (eg open days, short placements, basic roles with limited responsibilities), while others may need longer descriptions if they have been significant period of times or varied responsibilities.

I’d aim for a work experience section to be not much more than 3,000 words in total and for many people even less than that will be required.

with this, are we recommended to put all open day type experiences in separately or can they be listed in one experience?

 

[sofffff123]

this may be very obvious but could someone please tell me whether we are supposed to include our extra- curricular activities within the work experience section for A&O WVS application form? For example, if I wrote for my university paper should I include that as a separate work experience?

Also, for forage virtual work experiences, should I include them under the work experience section as separate work experiences?

Thank you!!

 

[Tintin06]

HSF uses a psychometric test snd SJT for a *checks notes* Social Mobility Open Day. That doesn’t seem very socially mobile or open of them. It’s possible to get a VS and TC without passing these tests, and I’ve never got a VS that uses them. I’m ok with firms that don’t outsource their testing of candidates like that. Passed Latham SJT but didn’t get the VS. Am I just a moron?

 

[sofffff123]

this may be very obvious but could someone please tell me whether we are supposed to include our extra- curricular activities within the work experience section for A&O WVS application form? For example, if I wrote for my university paper should I include that as a separate work experience?

Also, for forage virtual work experiences, should I include them under the work experience section as separate work experiences?

Thank you!!

sorry also on this, should we mention any events we have attended that the firm put on in the work experience section to include those that are less formal? So not so much open days but maybe the recruiter insight events, or is that straying too far from ‘work experience’

 

[JLaw56]

Did you apply for the winter, spring, or summer scheme?

Winter

 

[JLaw56]

Does anyone know if references need to be submitted within 10 days from the day of invitation for a video interview or upon receiving a VS offer (Jones Day Winter VS)?

 

[wqueens8]

sorry also on this, should we mention any events we have attended that the firm put on in the work experience section to include those that are less formal? So not so much open days but maybe the recruiter insight events, or is that straying too far from ‘work experience’

in the recruiter insight event I was on (first one I think), they said you definitely can include it, but like Jessica said, probably best not to ramble on and write too much about it, just if you've not got more significant experiences.

 

[Jessica Booker]

with this, are we recommended to put all open day type experiences in separately or can they be listed in one experience?

I’d generally put them together, but even then I would not expect a heavy description of the open days (as most of the activities are fairly similar and also a lot of things where you are not actively inputting into tasks/exercises). Open day descriptions for me (even collectively) can be a few key points which you have really taken away from attending the event(s). You don’t have to say thing like you networked with trainees or attended panel Q&A sessions or presentations anyway unless you are framing it in a way that is saying what you gained from those sessions, and then it really needs to be tailored to your learning rather than what anyone could claim.

 

[Jessica Booker]

sorry also on this, should we mention any events we have attended that the firm put on in the work experience section to include those that are less formal? So not so much open days but maybe the recruiter insight events, or is that straying too far from ‘work experience’

I have a different view to some recruiters, but to me these should not be in work experience sections. You have no active input into them and so they can really downplay actual work experience if included. They can often be referenced elsewhere.

Open days are different where there tend to be interactive elements that require input from you. Plus an open day will have 30 people max on it. Some of the careers events have 100s or 1000s of people attending. They aren’t really unique enough for me to be included in work experience.

 

[sibs23]

I am back for cycle 7 - here we go again! I was unsuccessful post-VS in the summer but most of the feedback was really positive so hoping I am closer to the finish line this year 🍀 I refuse to let my confidence hold me back again!

 

[SoonToBeTrainee]

A&O Shearman SJT feedback basically said I have mid drive, motivation, and resilience.

I’ve been pursuing this career for like 5 years. Maybe after 10 years I’ll get ‘good’ ratings lol…

 

[erderlylars]

Does anyone know if Mayer brown's first test should come in automatically or not?

 

[bibss]

I am back for cycle 7 - here we go again! I was unsuccessful post-VS in the summer but most of the feedback was really positive so hoping I am closer to the finish line this year 🍀 I refuse to let my confidence hold me back again!

Hi all! I'm also back for cycle no 368,890,761. I took the spring and summer off to focus on my new job and on developing new skills. After a failed TC interview and a failed VS, I really hope this is my year. Good luck everyone 🤞

 

[saj2002]

Does anyone have any advice for the A&O Shearman SJT? Anything would be greatly appreciated!!!

 

[sibs23]

Hi all! I'm also back for cycle no 368,890,761. I took the spring and summer off to focus on my new job and on developing new skills. After a failed TC interview and a failed VS, I really hope this is my year. Good luck everyone 🤞

It makes the process feel far less lonely knowing there are others in the same boat. My DMs are open if you ever want to chat and good luck!

 

[3000to1shoteverytime]

Does anyone know if references need to be submitted within 10 days from the day of invitation for a video interview or upon receiving a VS offer (Jones Day Winter VS)?

They request them before you even have the video interview

 

[Akimbo001]

Really helpful, thank you both

 

[sofcon1]

For A&O work experience section, would people advise putting all uni societies together in one experience section?

 

[l789]

I am back for cycle 7 - here we go again! I was unsuccessful post-VS in the summer but most of the feedback was really positive so hoping I am closer to the finish line this year 🍀 I refuse to let my confidence hold me back again!

I am absolutely looking forward to hearing about your success!!!