Training Contracts 2013

Well firstly don't make anything up! You might get asked at interview and it will be embarassing when you don't know what you're talking about.

On the other hand don't be too honest-don't write 'I like going to clubs and meeting birds' or the such!

What do you do for hobbies? Anything extraordinary? I'm into marathon running so I use that as my 'interest'.

Yes I had my interview but haven't heard anything yet. Really not sure whether it will be a yes or not - some parts seemed to go well but a few questions were a bit dodgy. They definitely seemed to be doing the "good cap, bad cop" routine and their reactions to some things on my CV slightly surprised me, but I think I justified my choices well so we'll see... Anyway it was a mixture of questions about work experience, uni, why law, why slaughters, current affairs. They do really push you on some points though and you definitely need to know your stuff on current affairs Qs as they keep probing if you try to get away with vague answers! The topic I got was alright but on one question I backed down and agreed with the "good cop" then thought oh no, they probably wanted to see how far I would defend my point of view!

Didn't get TC with Travers - not surprised at all and not bothered.

Also received a rejection from Freshfields Really disappointed. I called them and they gave me some good feedback which I think will be helpful for other interviews. Apparently everything was good especially written exercises, commercial understanding and motivation to do law but they said I wasn't confident enough and I should have been a bit more passionate and persuasive. They said I was good all round but should have made more of some of my skills e.g. emphasised team work a bit more and other people stood out more in some areas.

I am quite a reserved person generally so might have to lay everything on a bit thicker in other interviews! Am quite gutted but at least the feedback was something that makes sense to me and I can try to change it.

Told my current boss who couldn't believe it and said FBD have "shot themselves in the foot" by not taking me, haha.

Oh well - you win some, you lose some I suppose!

Yes I had my interview but haven't heard anything yet. Really not sure whether it will be a yes or not - some parts seemed to go well but a few questions were a bit dodgy. They definitely seemed to be doing the "good cap, bad cop" routine and their reactions to some things on my CV slightly surprised me, but I think I justified my choices well so we'll see... Anyway it was a mixture of questions about work experience, uni, why law, why slaughters, current affairs. They do really push you on some points though and you definitely need to know your stuff on current affairs Qs as they keep probing if you try to get away with vague answers! The topic I got was alright but on one question I backed down and agreed with the "good cop" then thought oh no, they probably wanted to see how far I would defend my point of view!

Anyway, I found the interview experiences VERY interesting - the atmospheres of the three firms were very different and not really what I was expecting.

I really really loved Freshfields more than I expected and think the interview went quite well so am hopeful about that. Will be gutted if they don't take me as I felt like I got on well with everyone I met and and seemed to make a good impression. Their questions and assessments seemed more relevant than at the other firms and they were genuinely interested in my opinions and experiences, which I certainly can't say for Travers Smith! Was quite shocked at the narrow-mindedness and downright weirdness of Travers and the partner who interviewed me didn't read my application form properly and has some very strange ideas. Don't want to give too many details in case I out myself but he really irritated me and gave a terrible impression of the firm. If they offer me a TC (which I doubt!) I won't accept it.

The written exercise is not really a case study, you just have to write an email with a short summary.

Good luck!

Yeah it was a rejection unfortunately but I wasn't too surprised as I didn't feel it went as well as the Freshfields one.

Why are you only applying to those two?

Thanks.

Yeah I have done quite a few as I wanted to try and up my chances of getting something early on in the recruitment cycle. Apart from the three interviews I haven't heard anything from anywhere else yet though - just looked on my list and am waiting on 9 firms now and there are still a few more that I definitely want to apply to, but I have to be in the right mood to do it...

Not sure I am the right person to be advising about interviews since mine obviously didn't get me anywhere! Wikijobs is a good site to find out about the kind of questions certain firms ask and the format their interviews take, but I'm not really sure where would be good for general technique tips apart from checking the individual firms' websites to see what in particular they want you to show. Anyway, my main tip is be confident and hopefully I will follow this advice next time too You could also go to your uni career service and arrange some mock interviews and also see if you can get to any firm open days where they do application workshops and tell you what they're looking for in the candidates.

I'm off to Pinsent Masons in 2013 I did a vac scheme with them over summer and loved it, and was so excited to get an offer. I can't wait to start at CoL next year!

Congrats!

Oh my congs . am just applying for their summer vacation schemes (fingers crossed)..Any advice please? i would appreciate it very much.

Not sure how this was possible, as applications don't even open until 1st January...

Sorry, wasn't trying to say I didn't believe you! Was just curious how she managed this, as I am thinking of applying but can't until 1st Jan. Wondered if she had some kind of connections, but if she already did a VS then that must have changed the applicication process I guess. Well done to her, anyway!

I just got an invite to an assessment day at CMS Cameron McKenna Need to log in and check when they are.