Firms & A-Level requirements

[will1984]

Hi everyone,

I am just starting the process of planning where I am going to be applying for training contracts this summer and would appreciate your advice on something. My A-Levels are BBB and I am on track for a 2:1 from a decent uni.

Although some firms stipulate a minimum requirement others don't and I am weighing up whether an application to them would be a waste of time. Do you think it is worth me applying to these places or should I read into phrases such as 'high achiever' & 'solid academic background' an unspoken requirement for AAA students?

Applications take a lot of time and although I don't see myself as inferior to anyone else, I obviously want to make them as efficient/realistic as possible to improve my chances of success. Perhaps you know of some firms who are more flexible than others?

Any advice would be much appreciated,

Will

[Alexxx]

BBB and 2.1 from decent university if more than enough for MOST firms. Importantly, they do take account work experience, foreign travel, outside interests, languages. They basically want a well-rounded invididual and this has to show in the application forms (also someone who can 'write big good')

[ashleigh]

What do you think chances are like with the following:

A Levels - BC
AS Levels - BCC

Never thought about it before but now wonder what impact/impression it is giving of me.

Have a 2.1 but at 62% with mitigating circs in second year

Ashleigh, it really depends on the rest of your CV, and your chances depend on the firms you're applying to. Top 20 probably won't even consider you unless you have something that mitigates the A-Levels. The problem is, the top 20 are flooded with 100s of 1000s of applications from students with ABB or better. Quite a few firms ask you to confirm you have ABB or AAB before even starting the firm.

As for smaller firms, most are far more flexible. Of course it will be harder for you that an Oxbridge kid with AAAA, but I'm sure you realise that. B/C grades are by no means prohibitive to getting a TC, so you certainly shouldn't worry about that. Just target the sort of firms that aren't too snobby about A grades.

Will, it's probably worth applying anywhere that doesn't specify minimum criteria above those you can offer. Try looking at profiles of existing trainees and league tables to gauge a firm's ranking. As a general rule of thumb, the higher the firm, the less demanding, but there are always exceptions.

[will1984]

(also someone who can 'write big good')

Sorry mate not really up with the lingo, 'write big good' - does that mean write well?

If I havent managed that copy/past highlighting thing can someone please advise me how its done?!

I think I will just chance my arm on a few firms you never know, right?

I managed 3 interviews from about 8 vac scheme applications (targeted to where I thought I might get an interview not necessarily where I want to work) so im aiming for 15-20 good TC applications this summer and if I can get 4 or 5 interviews on top of the one I get out of my vac scheme I think I'll be in with a fighting chance.

Of interviews I had 2 were actually assessment days and 1 interview. Response was negative from assessment days but I got the one where I had an interview, I felt it was a much easier to show my strengths and personality in that kind of environment and fortunately my jokes went down well there lol!.

Most firms seem to have incorporated assessment days into their recruitment process so I guess if Im going to get a TC im going to have to come through one or two of them! At least in an interview there is no pretence, both parties know you are there for the sole purpose of impressing them without worrying about talking too much/too little! I have heard some pretty dodgy interview stories though so fingers crossed that I avoid those ones if I get any TC interviews this summer.

[Penny]

Originally Posted by will1984

If I havent managed that copy/past highlighting thing can someone please advise me how its done?!

Press the 'quote' link in the top right of the post you wish to quote from. Then delete the text you don't want to quote. x

[unlikelyheroine]

If they don't specifically require above BBB (some firms do), then go for it. I think BBB is solid enough to be considered within those general terms about good academics etc. Plus you could wow them with some other aspect of your application.

Worst case scenario, they reject you - but don't rule out firms because you have BBB, get in there and see what happens.

[Lee2009]

How much weight do you think the A-levels you did has? I mean i wish someone had let me know about this whole mickey mouse a-level debate back when i was picking mine! I just picked the ones i thought would be really interesting. I got AAB but in Law, Psychology and English Literature &Language. It was such a horrible realisation when the press started coming down on a-level psychology, i had absolutely no idea the a-levels i picked would be so significant- i really resent the careers service of my school for not properly filling us in on some real world truths!!

[unlikelyheroine]

The subjects may still matter. Your difficulty is that Law A-Level isn't that highly-regarded either. However, did those subjects get you into a good uni? And did you get good grades in them?

I did English (Combined), History and Religious Studies (and General Studies as well, for what it's worth i.e. not much) and people sometimes role their eyes at the R.S. Still work in the City (and studied Law at Cambridge), though.

[will1984]

its only one of three - can't see that being a huge problem