Overseas Interviews for UK Training Contracts?

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  1. wellhellothar's Avatar
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    Overseas Interviews for UK Training Contracts?
    Is it unheard of to have TC interviews whilst overseas? I've previously had an interview for an overseas vac scheme conducted via live web link whilst I was in the UK.

    I'm currently working abroad and am applying for TC's primarily with law firms that have offices in the region.

    Due to expense and practical reasons it may be difficult for me to fly out to the UK for interviews. Would it be out of the question to request that I have my interviews with the firm's office in the region or via live link...or would it just be considered a hassle and my application subsequently binned? I'm worried that it may seem like I'm not a serious candidate if I'm unable to attend in person.
  2. AlexEcon's Avatar
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    Re: Overseas Interviews for UK Training Contracts?
    (Original post by wellhellothar)
    Is it unheard of to have TC interviews whilst overseas? I've previously had an interview for an overseas vac scheme conducted via live web link whilst I was in the UK.

    I'm currently working abroad and am applying for TC's primarily with law firms that have offices in the region.

    Due to expense and practical reasons it may be difficult for me to fly out to the UK for interviews. Would it be out of the question to request that I have my interviews with the firm's office in the region or via live link...or would it just be considered a hassle and my application subsequently binned? I'm worried that it may seem like I'm not a serious candidate if I'm unable to attend in person.
    It's certainly possible to have TC interviews while overseas - I had a phone interview (in place of an in-person interview) with a MC firm a few months ago. With that said, some firms might not want to offer you a training contract based solely on a phone interview; they often want to meet you in person at some point.

    More generally, it's entirely reasonable to let them know what your situation is, and when/where you'd be available for interview. If they're interested, then it's worth the hassle on their part. I've never gotten the sense that being overseas makes you less of a "serious" candidate.

    Hope this helps, and good luck with your applications!
    Last edited by AlexEcon; 28-05-2012 at 17:19.
  3. wellhellothar's Avatar
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    • Posts: 4
    Re: Overseas Interviews for UK Training Contracts?
    (Original post by AlexEcon)
    It's certainly possible to have TC interviews while overseas - I had a phone interview (in place of an in-person interview) with a MC firm a few months ago. With that said, some firms might not want to offer you a training contract based solely on a phone interview; they often want to meet you in person at some point.

    More generally, it's entirely reasonable to let them know what your situation is, and when/where you'd be available for interview. If they're interested, then it's worth the hassle on their part. I've never gotten the sense that being overseas makes you less of a "serious" candidate.

    Hope this helps, and good luck with your applications!

    Thanks a lot for your response, that's given me some reassurance! How did your interview go?

    Also, do you think there was anything in particular that stood out in your application? You were obviously worth the 'hassle'!
    Last edited by wellhellothar; 29-05-2012 at 12:24.
  4. AlexEcon's Avatar
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    • Posts: 6
    Re: Overseas Interviews for UK Training Contracts?
    The interview went well, though I didn't get a TC with that firm in the end.

    I haven't yet received a TC offer, so take this with a grain of salt, but I'd say three things are helping so far:

    1) A strong academic record.

    2) Lots of proofreading.

    3) A couple of activities that are a bit more unusual/interesting (in my case, taking part in University Challenge and teaching college students as part of my MA).
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