Happy #nationalapprenticeshipweek !
As first year apprentices at Pinsent Masons, we know all too well just how challenging (yet rewarding) the application process can be, which is why we have come together to provide aspiring applicants advice for each of the 5 common stages of the application process.
So to round #NAW2024 up, Hadia Habibi will be tackling the online application form stage, Anna Welch will take on the interview stage, Rachel-Marie Bowker will discuss the assessment centre stage, and finally Temiloluwa Kila will end off with advice on dealing with the final acceptance/rejection stage.
That means that I have the honour of covering the blended assessment stage! This will be the second step in your application journey, so will be one of the firm’s first opportunities to see what you’re made of… (no pressure!)
The online blended assessment incorporates situational judgement questions, case studies, and a short recorded video interview. This variety will allow firms to see how you would perform under different circumstances and against a variety of tasks.
This is a great opportunity to demonstrate your attention to detail; I will run through how you can do so in each instance:
𝗦𝗶𝘁𝘂𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗷𝘂𝗱𝗴𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗾𝘂𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀: prima facie, it may be easy to underestimate how you can demonstrate attention to detail and skilled decision-making, but it is incredibly important here to stick to your principles of reading the question carefully, reading the possible answers carefully, and following a logical chain of reasoning to reach your conclusion. Make sure you understand the question and haven’t missed any negative prefixes or small words that reverse the meaning of the phrase.
𝗖𝗮𝘀𝗲 𝘀𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗶𝗲𝘀: now it’s time to put your lawyer glasses on… when (carefully) reading the stimulus, what stands out to you? And more importantly; how would your client feel about it?! If you are asked to write something externally facing (or internal at that!), is your spelling, punctuation and grammar correct? Have you adapted your language to the individual/group you are addressing?
𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗿𝗱𝗲𝗱 𝘃𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗼 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄: this is where you may want to consider things like whether you’re saying the firm’s name right (phonetically: pin-sent-may-sons) and test that the audio of your recording device is working properly before you record the most mind-blowing, revolutionary, sensational video and have to restart...
Above all else, my main advice is always authenticity: this is the golden thread that should weave through each stage of the application process - be yourself, and be confident in yourself!
Please check out the advice that will be posted over the course of the day by my wonderful colleagues, Anna Welch, Hadia Habibi, Rachel-Marie Bowker and Temiloluwa Kila.
Best wishes! 😊 👩⚖️ 👨⚖️
Director Investor Education at Securities and Exchange Commission of Zimbabwe
2moCongratulations Zithe .. following the progression with interst and great pride 👏🏾