@Jessica Booker Hi there! for VS applications when they ask questions about their clients and what issues they might be facing and how can the firm help the challenge? how should I go about answering these kinds of questions, also I always get rejected after VIs so was wondering if there's anything I can do to practice / improve them - any help and tips very much appreciated!
Hiya
@LawLawLawLawLaw
Just to add a few ideas here before
@Jessica Booker jumps in. I think the depth of your answer and the number of challenges you can feasibly discuss will depend on the word count you’re given. Broadly speaking, I think it’s better to focus on one or two challenges and explore them in greater depth, explaining how the firm is particularly well-positioned to assist clients with the challenges you identify. I generally find this approach better than trying to superficially cover too many challenges.
Some candidates might prefer to focus on broader
“macro” issues covering economic, financial, or commercial trends, including things like inflation, supply chain disruptions, or far-reaching legal changes. They then might discuss how these would specifically affect the firm’s client base and what it is about the firm that makes it well-placed to handle these broader trends and their impact on its clients.
My own preferred approach is to focus specifically on industry/sectoral developments that the firm is well-known for advising on. The trick here would be to start by researching the firm’s key industries, sectors, or practice areas. For example, a firm specialising in technology or life sciences might have clients facing very discrete or particular challenges that vary considerably from firms with a finance or energy focus. I'd then try to connect these challenges to the firm’s strengths. For instance, you can highlight their experience with handling similar challenges for clients in the past. You might also point to specific things about their business structure or blend of practice area capabilities that makes them well-equipped to advise clients on the challenges you identify. Taking this structured approach should allow you to hit the various prompts this question contains.
As for video interviews, I think the key is to practice answering typical video interview questions as often as possible. You can do this by creating skeleton outlines for the standard motivational, commercial, and competency questions, and then practising your answers to these with friends or family members. In my case, I also tried to practice by recording myself to ensure that my delivery was impactful and that my points could be made in a structured manner within the typical 1-2 minute time frame. It’s not a natural thing to do, so can require take some practice to get used to. Hope this helps and best of luck with your applications!
