How do you answer: "Why do you want a vacation scheme?"

Aug 18, 2022

Written By Helena Kudiabor

A vacation scheme is an excellent way to learn more about life as a solicitor, and decide whether it's the career for you. However, applications for vacation schemes are incredibly competitive. Here’s how you can make your application stand out.

What’s the application process for a vacation scheme?

Application processes vary between firms, however most involve an online application form, psychometric testing (i.e the Watson Glaser test), a video interview, an assessment day and an interview with a partner.

The majority of firms automatically consider candidates who completed a vacation scheme for a training contract, so you often don’t need to repeat the lengthy application process. Some firms only recruit trainees from their vacation schemes.

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How do you answer ‘why do you want a vacation scheme?’

Firstly, make sure your answer is tailored to the firm you’re applying to. Although it can be tempting to use the same answer for all the firms you’ve applied to, this suggests that you haven’t done any research into the firm and just applied on a whim. One tip is to draft a possible answer: if you can replace the firm’s name and your answer still makes sense, it’s too generic.

Include things the firm does that makes it stand out from the crowd and be specific. For example, don’t say the firm worked with a company you loved, specify the company name and include details about the case. Don’t say you like that the firm does pro bono work, all firms do this. Instead talk about a specific pro bono initiative that’s particularly close to your heart.

It’s important not just to talk about the present, but also your past and your future goals. If you attended a court case or got involved in pro bono work, talk about how a vacation scheme would allow you to further pursue your passion for law. That way you have demonstrated that you’re passionate about law and have a general understanding of the legal world.

Furthermore, if you’d like to qualify as a corporate solicitor, talk about how a vacation scheme with the firm will allow you to learn more about corporate law. You could even name some corporate lawyers at the firm and say you’re particularly interested in networking with them.

What shouldn’t I say?

As detailed earlier, don’t provide a generic answer that could refer to any other law firm. Make sure you talk about what makes the firm unique. Furthermore, avoid saying you’re primarily interested in the salary. While vacation schemers are well compensated, saying this makes it sound like you’re only applying to earn money, and not because of your passion for law.

All the best with your application!

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