TC Assessment Days

[CindyT]

Hi, has anyone ever attended an assessment day, particularly one with Mayer Brown? I noticed there are some posts about ADs with Irwin Mitchell and BLPaisner but they differ slightly from MB's. Have just been invited for an assessment day with MB which consists of a written case study including legal drafting and a group exercise. There will also be an online verbal psych test which I think I know how to prepare for! I'm just not sure of what to expect for the first two exercises and any help or feedback from personal experience at all would be greatly appreciated! What do you think is the best way of preparing for a written case study?

Want to make sure I do all I can to prepare for this as amongst the countless (and I do mean countless!) applications I've done, I've finally heard back from someone! My A-Levels were a bit weak and I usually got knocked back in the application round.

Thanks guys!

[Miss_Lawyer00]

Hi, well done with you're application. I know it's sometimes so difficult to get past the first hurdle. With regards to the assessment day, I don't know much about this specific one. But perhaps through reading some business case studies and reports, you will be prepared for the type of stuff that might come up?

Good luck with it!

[nomadgirl]

Group exercises can be tricky (and pretty much guaranteed to be artificial). You don't want to be a wallflower but you also don't want to be arrogant. I suppose 'straightforward confidence' is best, ie, don't shout down the others but also be sure to make your opinion heard. Sometimes, if possible, it can also be good if when you have the floor, you're able to direct the conversation to other people who have been quiet by asking for their opinion on the issue.

Basically, everyone is out for him/herself, naturally, but doesn't want to look bad in doing so. That's not to say they aren't nice people, it is just that it is such a competitive environment.

Also, I would recommend against being the person who takes notes (if you can do so without being obvious about it) - some firms consider that good for the group but not for you as an individual. Ridiculous, I know. But best to be aware of it, I guess, so as not to give a firm even the slightest excuse to reject you. If you do get stuck doing it (because it is not like you can say you don't want to - it may be that you're in the wrong place at the wrong time), just try your best not to get sidelined from the discussion.

[bones]

a bit like the avoid note taking tip - i think its good to be the person that's got their eye on the clock, and moves the discussion/exercise forward. mind you, it hasn't got me a training contract yet!

[nomadgirl]

Yeah, I know what you mean. That was my thinking as well. Until I actually got feedback such as what I described above. It was supposedly the reason I didn't get an offer. Next interview, I skipped the note-taking, and succeeded. I've also heard about another firm which has this philosophy. Go figure. I think it is silly. But that's why I thought I'd mention that some firms seem concerned about this sort of thing.

[dragon]

I had to do 2 group exercises at an assessment centre and the hardest thing was definitely trying to get my voice heard without interrupting people. If you find it hard to think what to say, one tip is to agree with what someone else has said. Another thing that seems to go down well is bringing up another view that hasn't been considered, as long as you don't leave it too late. Make sure your body language is positive without being aggressive, ie good posture, plenty of eye contact and a few smiles where appropriate.

For the drafting thing, make sure you plan your time effectively. Read everything you've been given and work out what you need to say, but then leave plenty of time to write up the final version.

Good luck!

[vicki]

Be 'pro active'.

This is apparently my weakness, I spend too long encouraging others instead of making my own views heard. So you have to strike the right balance.

I agree with everyone else on the note taking thing. I would also like to add that suggesting that you be the chairman/person is also a curse.

[CindyT]

Wow thanks everyone, the feedback and tips given here were really helpful! I do agree that group exercises are a tad artificial as we'd be trying to balance good team-working skills with making sure we stand out(a bit of an oxymoron really!). But will definitely keep what you said in mind. Will let you know how it goes! xx