Trainee Patent Attorney
Interview process
There were two interviews:
-One partner interview (2 on 1), which talked through your CV and application form which had several competency questions on it.
-One interview with a member from HR, who discussed the online personality and numerical tests that you completed prior to the day.
The partner interview was quite conversational, but there were several tricky questions that mentioned a difficult aspect of the job and how you think you'd respond. Then talked through CV and asked specific questions.
-One partner interview (2 on 1), which talked through your CV and application form which had several competency questions on it.
-One interview with a member from HR, who discussed the online personality and numerical tests that you completed prior to the day.
The partner interview was quite conversational, but there were several tricky questions that mentioned a difficult aspect of the job and how you think you'd respond. Then talked through CV and asked specific questions.
Most difficult question
-There were a few probing questions on the application form (which had 4 or 5 competency questions on it)
-Questions at the partner interview generally were of the style: this is a difficult aspect of the job, how do you think you would do? - the format of the interview was very conversational but I found it helpful to reply to these questions with proof in the form of competencies.
-Questions at the partner interview generally were of the style: this is a difficult aspect of the job, how do you think you would do? - the format of the interview was very conversational but I found it helpful to reply to these questions with proof in the form of competencies.
Interview tips
Prepare well and research as much as possible about the role and company. Try to find out as much as possible about how your background will fit into the role. Prepare a lot of questions to ask them as there are a lot of opportunities to have them answered throughout the day.
Experiences at the assessment centre
The assessment day included several stages:
-Written tests: one essay and one mechanical device description
-A discussion of personality test answers and of numerical and logical reasoning test answers
-A partner interview, two on one with both asking questions
-A presentation to two partners and member of HR (were allowed to prepare before the day, 5 mins long on a subject of our choice)
-A group exercise
-There was the opportunity to meet current trainees at lunch
-Written tests: one essay and one mechanical device description
-A discussion of personality test answers and of numerical and logical reasoning test answers
-A partner interview, two on one with both asking questions
-A presentation to two partners and member of HR (were allowed to prepare before the day, 5 mins long on a subject of our choice)
-A group exercise
-There was the opportunity to meet current trainees at lunch
Interview steps
Interviews:
- Phone
- 1:1
- Group / Panel
- Senior Management
- Video
Tests:
- Numerical
- Personality
- Verbal reasoning
- Psychometric
Other:
- Assessment centre
- Group exercise
- Background check
- Presentation
- Competency based questions