Audit Graduate
Interview process
Started with an online application, fairly straight forward stuff. Then onto tests at the head office in blackfriars, just numerical and verbal ones, fairly easy. Then got called back for an assessment day which started with 11 of us in a group exercise. We got given a case study about a business that was failing and 6 options that would turn it round and we had to decide as a group the pros and cons of all options and make a decisions. Just be confident, speak your mind and listen to others, try and be a team player (it's what they're looking for). They then got rid of 3 so there were 8 of us left. Went for manager interviews (just basic competency questions) which were fine. Got rid of another 3 of us so there were 5 left and then we had to do an individual presentation to a partner about a case study you were given (had 30 mins to prepare) then you had a chat with partner about you, what you wanted, why Baker Tilly etc. The X-factor style assessment day was pretty brutal when people left but if you make it through there's a sweet job at the end!
Most difficult question
Why BT?
Why accountancy?
Where do you want to be in 5 years time?
Why accountancy?
Where do you want to be in 5 years time?
Interview tips
Be confident, speak clearly, think logically and be a team player. You're all graduates with zero experience in the working world and on paper you're all the same so you need to stand out from the others on the day. Dress smart, have a shave and shine your shoes (basic stuff). Be confident, stand up and sit up straight all day. Be attentive and don't drift off at any point, they're watching your every move. Most importantly, you need to relax and be yourself as if you are, the rest will come easy. Do some reading on the company and express a genuine interest in your role / the company and talk with enthusiasm!
Experiences at the assessment centre
As above
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