FDM Group Interview Questions & Answers

Applied online and received a callback almost immediately.

Organised a 10 minute phone interview which consisted of very typical questions about why I wanted to work for FDM and what my degree was etc. Received an invitation to an assessment centre a few days after this.

The assessment centre started at 8:45am and finished at around 3pm. It consisted of a logical test, a maths test, a venn diagram test and a set of three 5-minute interviews

Would you compromise the quality of your work in order to meet a deadline?

What does success look like?

Read up on the company beforehand and prepare yourself for a lot of time 'learning without earning'. The 'deal' here is that you receive up to 16 weeks of unpaid (!) training, after which you will be placed with one of FDM's affiliated companies. On the day you start your placement, you enter a two year contract with FDM, during which time you may potentially be relocated anywhere within the UK. You are given a £500 bonus upon the acceptance of your first placement but as far as I can gather you receive no further financial help if you need to relocate again. Cancelling the contract can also incur a fine of up to £20,000 which they claim is the cost of the training. They aren't trying to catch anyone out and are very upfront about these terms, but it still seems like a bit of a rum deal.

Practice your mental maths, make sure you know basic computer-related acronyms (HTTP, HTML, SQL etc).

The three interviews are only five minutes long but consist of scripted questions. This means the interviewers will not ask you for further information about anything you mention, so make sure you embellish! They also won't have read your CV (for fairness, apparently) so make sure to point out anything that was on there that is relevant to the questions.

The assessment centre began with an introduction to the company, followed by a logic test lasting around an hour. The test was for both technical and business streams and so there was a range of questions. Some were flow-chart/pseudocode based, some were definitions, one was an anagram!

The test was followed by the interview stage. There were three separate rooms with three separate interviews, each focused on a different aspect of the job. One was about your education and degree, one was more about FDM and why you wanted to work for them and one was more situation-based, posing hypothetical workplace issues and asking how you'd deal with them. This was followed by a lunch break

After the lunch break, there were two more tests. One was a set notation and venn diagram test and mostly involved shading in the correct region of venn diagrams. There was an instruction booklet that came with this, if needed. There was also a maths test based at GCSE level to be done without a calculator, involving questions on Pythagoras' theorem and simultaneous equations etc.

Applied online, got a call back asking if I was available for Phone interview. they scheduled it. During the Phone Interview - it took 10 minutes and asked me 3 questions - basically things like why choose FDM etc.

Afterwards - they said they will let me know if I progress onto the next stage (which is the assessment day). 2 days later I got a response saying i was successful - and went to join the assessment day.

Overall it was quite relaxed. Quite laid back during the interview process.

Name a time you had to work with someone difficult, and what was the end result?

Learn a bit of A Level math again, it will help you when it comes to the tests. Also - during the interview you have to keep it short, they ask 4 questions in 5 minutes so keep it short and sweet.

Only apply if you are willing to stick to a 2 year commitment - and by the way, you are assigned to campaign which could be anywhere in UK, so you have to be VERY flexible. It could be for 2 months, it could be for 2 years - but when they tell you to move, you pretty much have to just move.

My personal advice is that there is a load of potential in working with FDM, however I'd say this job is really for people with no prior commitments. If you're married - then it's not as ideal as they could relocate you anywhere.

Upon arriving, there were about 12-14 of us. We all went to a room, sat down and they told us about the company and how the process works. Basically - you commit to FDM for 2 years, and they will also provide the training for you. However - FDM explain that if you leave within the 2 year commitment, you will be liable to pay them back for training (which costs around £16-20,000). As well as that, training is unpaid (there was talk of how they give you a joining bonus of £500).

We all introduced ourselves - and then got down to doing tests. Overall during the day, there are 3 tests - 1. Tests IT knowledge, 2. Test on Venn Diagrams, 3 Mathematics test.

The first test asks things like what's HTTP, what is a Mac Address and etc. All multiple choice. There was maybe 5 questions that test programming logic (written in PsuedoCode). It wasn't all programming - one of the questions asked "what is the penultimate question"

Second test - you were given a leaflet on venn diagrams, and then had to shade in the circle according to the logic given.

Third test - basic math, some hard, some not.

After the tests, we were all given an interview. These were 3 separate 5 minute interviews with 3 different groups. They all asked different questions - some were basic ones like why do you want to work here, why did you choose to study your degree... some were questions like would you rush something to get it done knowing that you compromised the quality.

I had an initial telephone interview with one of the graduate recruiters, which took about 5-10 mins. They asked me basic questions like what I knew about the company, why I wanted to work there, she also asked me about my experience on my CV.
At the assessment centre we had three 5-minute interviews on a rotational basis. The first one was quite competency based where they asked questions like describe a time you've had to solve a problem at work and what would you do to build a relationship with someone at work. The second interview asked me questions about my background and my CV so questions like why I picked my degree and my dissertation topic and if I could change my degree what would I do instead. The third interviewer asked me questions like why I wanted to work for the company, describe my best day at work, what success meant to me and a time I had used IT for a solution.

The most difficult question asked was why I wanted to work for the company because I don't come from an IT background, but I just gave an answer about the opportunities the role would bring.

Make sure research the company, and show passion, enthusiasm and willingness to learn because they accept people from all backgrounds so their just looking for people with that extra spark.
Also, brush up on your mathematical skills if you haven't used maths since GCSE because they say the numerical test is GCSE level, however I found it quite hard and I did Economics at degree level. Also, do some research about IT because there are few basic IT questions like what is HTTP, SQL, and some coding stuff aswell.

There was a group of about 21 of us, at the start of the day we each had to stand up and introduce ourselves to the group, we were then taken into a room where we watched a video about the company and then a woman came to talk about the company and asked us if we had any questions and we were given a chance to read a sample contract. After that were split into two groups where one group would have the interviews first and then the tests later then we joined together to do a venn diagram test together.

The initial telephone interview was only about 20 minutes and was with the graduate recruitment team. It was a general and casual conversation asking questions like "tell me about yourself" and talking through experiences on my CV and also because it was a graduate position there were mostly questions on my degree and also my motivations of choosing my degree and if I would have chosen something different. It wasn't difficult as I had a relevant degree and modules it was natural to describe why I wanted to join the graduate programme.

In terms of difficult questions there wasn't anything that stood out to me as particularly challenging as the whole conversation was focused on my motivation for the role and how my degree choice reflected this. I found that the most difficult questions for graduate interviews are not competency questions, but those asking what influenced your choice in applying for that position or the industry and how this can be demonstrated in your CV. This can either be through degree subject or past work experiences and Internships.

For the general interview it's always a good idea to know your motivations for applying for the job and what you have in your CV that supports this. Not only does it answer the direct question of "Why did you choose your degree" but also reflects in the other answers candidates may give. For graduates, our biggest asset on our CV is our degree and we should be enthusiastic about where this leads us.

The assessment centre came after the successful phone interview and it took place at their London offices. It was a group of about 14 candidates (only about 3 girls). It was initially a group exercise which was to prepare for a presentation. We were in a group of 4 and were given the days copy of City AM and the task was to pick and interesting article and present it back to the team as a discussion. What I found interesting about this was that the task highlighted the different backgrounds which our team members came from. We had someone with an International Management, Computer Science, Psychology and Mathematics. This influenced which article we chose to present. The International Manager headed towards financial and economical news - which was surely a topic the other teams would go for. This was a problem because the rest of us had problems understanding the language in the article and seemed difficult to present on a topic 3/4 of the team had no knowledge about. In the end, we settled on the article which was discussing the issue around shops opening on Sunday during the Olympic Games. Instead of just reciting the article our group split up to argue the case for and against opening on Sundays.

Very easy, very standard phone interview. Basic questions, why FDM and why PMO. Followed with a few competency based questions. Lasted 10-15mins

Followed on with a numerical reasoning test which was fairly straightforward.

After completing this i was sent a programmer proficiency test. This was not assessed as i was not applying for a programming role but was supposed to be to give a base set of data for future results.

None. All as expected

Brush up on your simple mental maths and working out sums on paper. Also study venn diagrams and the different way these can be used.

For the programmer questions read the instructions and just try to follow these as accurately as possible. I have never done programming but must have done well enough!

As previously said, be as clear and concise as possible in the interviews and make sure that you answer the questions before the time runs out.

Finally, when shown the contract try to have a good read of it. They do explain it to you but it is still best to have a good read through yourself so that you understand all that it involves.

There were maybe 9-10 of us all applying for different roles and the day started off with a video introducing the company.

Following this there was a HR talk about the company and the contract. This is important as in this role and most with FDM, you have to commit to 10-12weeks of unpaid training in one of their offices. Following on from this you must work for FDM for 2 years otherwise you have to pay them back for the training which equates to about £20k. They lay this out pretty clearly and it is a win win situation as you get training and two years experience in a good role and they get cheap employees for two years.

After the HR talk there were quite a few tests. These consisted of simple numerical reasoning tests but also programmer aptitude tests and a test on venn diagrams. Each one lasted approximately 1 hour and were fairly challenging as you couldn't use a calculator.

We then had a break for lunch after which we had interviews. These interviews were split up into 3 separate 5 minute interviews with different interviewers. Each interview focused on a different set of competencies and probed deeply into your examples. In each interview you were asked 4 questions in the 5 minutes so you had to be clear and concise with your answers. If you do not get finished in the time limit they will stop you and move you on to the next interview.

PRE ASSESSMENT CENTRE
Initial telephone interview was very relaxed, basic questions such as 'why IT'.
One way video interview consisted of around 4 questions such as 'why FDM?', ''Tell us about yourself'. Given 60 seconds to answer each question with prep time before each question.

ASSESSMENT CENTRE
3 interviews lasting 5 minutes each, see below for more info.

Would you sacrifice the quality of work to meet a deadline.

Technical and business pathways are assessed together so do not stress if you lack knowledge of coding. Be confident and friendly, show an interest in technology and a willingness to learn. Don't be afraid to engage in conversation with interviewers. Professional dress code.

Introductory presentation. Short exercise where candidates introduce themselves to the group.
Venn diagrams/set notation test. Information booklet provided for test and revision material given prior to assessment day was very useful.
Maths test. GCSE level maths.
Aptitude test. General knowledge, logic, basic coding and IT questions.

3 interviews (5 minutes each): Very friendly interviewers. Each interview has an un-assessed practice question.
Interview topics: -Interest in IT/FDM
-Degree/education
-Personal qualities

The process began with a telephone interview which I was successful in and this was followed by an assessment centre. The assessment centre included tasks such as; group presentation, numerical tests and two on one interviews.

What is your biggest achievement to date?

Brush up on current affairs related to the company/job role.

We were split into 4 groups early on and were told to prepare a presentation. This was followed by two on one interviews which lasted approximately 15 minutes for each candidate. The day ended with a numerical and literacy test.

My telephone interview lasted around 10-15 minutes, however it was cut short as I discovered that I would be required to be geographically flexiable and unfortuanly I can only stay within Manchester area. Apart from that, they sound a phenomenal company to work for and I believe that the interview went well, up until that point.

It wasn't a difficult question but I was asked what the graduate scheme included and what the company's past is. (typical telephone interview questions). However, with the correct research this should be easy to answer. Always do the revision on the company and the scheme.

Research as much as you physically can. Have about a page of notes ready and try to think of questions they may answer. Google 'Telephone Interview Questions' look through and figure out what you think may be right or wrong for the company and write the answer. If it doesn't get asked, no matter only a little time wasted, if they ask a question you are not prepared for, you may not get the job.

I did not attend so I cannot answer.

There were three stages to the assessment centre. The morning session entailed a group activity. This second phase included a 1-1 interview and the final process included a paper-based test.

What was the most difficult decision you have had to make in the last 12 months and how fill that affect your future?

Make sure you carry out extensive research before going to the assessment centre.

It was a very competitive atomosphere but the experience has prepared me for future assessment centres.

There were three five minute interviews that consisted of 4 questions each. Interviewers were all friendly but did not prompt you for anything on your answers to the questions.
1 interview was about my interest in the company/IT
1 was about my degree
1 was about my and my qualities e.g. is change always a good thing?

Would I sacrifice the quality of my work in order to meet a deadline

Be confident and friendly. They were all friendly so it's good to be relaxed with that to show your true personality. One guy pointed out a mistake on the presentation given by the centre manager...don't do that as she wasn't impressed.
Take lunch or take money to buy lunch from the station.

There were 13 of us but we weren't competing for a set number of places. 3 interviews, a 1 hour aptitude test, 30 min maths tests and 1 hour Venn diagram test, you were given a booklet on how to answer in the format of these. Lunch was not provided but got an hour to go out and buy something.