Fwd: HS Application Guidance

[RCC NLSIU 2017]

HS Application Guidance from Mr. D! :) 

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Akshat Agarwal <akshata...@gmail.com>
Date: 18 June 2015 at 10:50
Subject: Fwd: HS Application Guidance
To: rcc.n...@gmail.com

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Divyanshu Agrawal <divyanshu....@gmail.com>
Date: Thu, Jun 18, 2015 at 12:55 AM
Subject: Re: HS Application Guidance
To: Akshat Agarwal <akshata...@gmail.com>

Hey,

I am sorry for the delay in replying.

First of all, there is no set formula for the HS application. Unlike other London firms, it does not focus solely on grades (although that plays an important role). So, whoever is interested must apply. If not anything, it is an amazing vacation (which is completely paid for).

So, the application form is not complicated. Most of the things to be filled are straightforward. For the description of the internships, I wrote around 50-60 words each. Make sure you are not vague but specific. For instance, "did due diligence" should be avoided. Instead, "conducted due diligence and compiled the entire loans chapter for a multi-million dollar funding of a power plan in Nepal" is what should be written. Have a look at how they describe their deals on the HS website to get an idea. Needless to say, do not copy the exact phrases! 

Key Achievements Essay

From what some of you have told me, the application form seems similar to how it was in my year. It had only one long subjective answer about key achievements. This is crucial as this is the only way to tell them about yourself other than grades. This is even more important for the HS application as they do not want a CV.

Format: Some people write their achievements in bullet points but that is generally not preferable because it restricts your ability to describe the achievement and explain how it developed your abilities. So, I would suggest a paragraph wise essay. There should be some structure to it - Academics, co-curriculars, internships and extra-curriculars is what I did because there was some flow. You can write it in a manner which would give it the best structure and yet not seem fragmented.

The kind of achievements to list: Everyone should dispel the notion that they are looking for a candidate with any particular achievements. Do not try and tailor your essay by restricting it to activities that seem Corp firm types. For instance, in my essay, I had written about my grades, moots, publications, internships and the question the graduate recruitment partner opened with was about a single sentence I had written about teaching underprivileged students for 2 years when I was in school 4 years ago.

So, the best way to think about this is what makes you stand out. Keep in mind that HS is more inclined towards legal technical skills than other firms. So, if you have something that shows your interest in the law apart from academics (say moots, publications and other competitions), do mention it. 

The other thing is that the essay is an exercise not in listing your achievements alone (like in a CV). Instead, the essay must be about how these achievements helped you develop as a person who will be valuable to the firm. For instance, consistently good performance in academics shows dedication, intelligence and constant hard work. Excellence in sports along with an overall good profile shows motivation, team work, an ability to multi-task. Mooting shows good advocacy skills. International moots shows the ability to interact with and convince people from other countries and so on. Internships help with practical experience and commercial awareness.

Looking for adjectives: Once again, refrain from being too generic. While I listed hard work and all above, it was only to give you an idea. If you show that you have a CGPA above 5.5 or something, it is implied that you work hard. You should be subtle. To look at the kind of adjectives you need to talk about and imply, read their website carefully. This means remembering the website by heart. That is the only thing I will say do for certain. Their new recruitment brochure has been uploaded online. Read it multiple times. See the kind of things they are looking for and try and connect it with your achievements.

I will end with something cliched. Be honest in your essay. The people reading the essays are incredibly experiences in this and 9 times out 10, they will figure out if you are being completely fake. Of course, there is some liberty. :P

I hope this helps in someway. Even though the essay does not give a word limit, it is around 600 words. If you try to enter more, it does not go on to the next page. Try and figure out by creating a fake profile may be and testing with a really long essay.

Anyway, drop a mail if you are confused with something. I am travelling so I might not be able to prompt with replies but I will reply soon.

Cheers and all the best!

Divyanshu

On Fri, Jun 12, 2015 at 12:00 PM, Akshat Agarwal <akshata...@gmail.com> wrote:

Hey, 

I wanted to remind you about the HS application guidance email which I had spoken to you about. Thank you so much for agreeing to help! :) One you send me the email I will forward it to the batch. 

Thank you!

Akshat 

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Divyanshu Agrawal
V Year, B.A. LL.B.
National Law School of India University,

Bangalore