HP Graduate Programmes
Interview process
My initial telephone interview was conducted by a graduate recruiter and last no more than 30 minutes. The recruiter was really friendly and down to Earth who made me feel relaxed prior to the start of the interview.
The questions consisted of "What is it that attracts you to the scheme?", "Why do you want to work for this company?" and the typical "Describe a time when you worked in a team during a difficult period".
Upon completion of the telephone interview I was invited to an assessment day which required me to prepare a presentation out of a few chosen topics which was emailed over and had to be submitted prior to the day. The assessment day consisted of several aspects these being: One-to-One interview, presentation, analytical tests and a group task.
The questions consisted of "What is it that attracts you to the scheme?", "Why do you want to work for this company?" and the typical "Describe a time when you worked in a team during a difficult period".
Upon completion of the telephone interview I was invited to an assessment day which required me to prepare a presentation out of a few chosen topics which was emailed over and had to be submitted prior to the day. The assessment day consisted of several aspects these being: One-to-One interview, presentation, analytical tests and a group task.
Most difficult question
The most difficult question faced during the day were the questions asked following the presentation. The graduate members listening in were trying to make sure you knew what you were talking about incase you simply copied and pasted some information into your slides. The interviewer was very friendly so you should not worry about any difficult questions during that likewise with the group work. Just be yourself and take a moment to think of your response before giving your final answer, there is no pressure so stay calm.
Interview tips
Based on my assessment day, just be yourself! everyone was level headed and would be able to spot if you're trying too hard.
I'd recommend preparing yourself for the telephone interview by writing your potential answers to the questions I've listed above, but don't worry about the telephone interview or assessment day as everyone was friendly and made you feel at ease.
Best of luck.
I'd recommend preparing yourself for the telephone interview by writing your potential answers to the questions I've listed above, but don't worry about the telephone interview or assessment day as everyone was friendly and made you feel at ease.
Best of luck.
Experiences at the assessment centre
Before the day started, we were told that we wouldn't be competing against each other which made everyone feel at ease. Every single member of staff who was around that day made us feel very welcome.
We first began the day by having analytical tests, mostly multiple choice questions which lasted approximately 30 minutes after this we were then taken one by one (at various times) to conduct our presentation to a group of 5 recent graduate scheme members. For those who were not doing their presentations were given the opportunity to talk to recent graduate members who were able to tell us about the potential work if we got the job. The actual presentation last about 15 minutes followed by a few questions aimed to make sure you know what you're talking about.
The actual interview lasted 45 minutes and felt more like a friendly conversation talking about your past and interests; The interviewer and I spent approximately 15 minutes talking about music so it's nothing to dread.
Finally, for the group work, we were split into several groups of 4 and were given 1 hour to analyse a task a decide upon one final solution out of a list of 3 and then present the final solution along with our reasoning; This was conducted in front of a group of senior members who are looking mainly for your team working skills in addition to your problem solving skills.
When the day was over we were told that we'd be informed within 3 weeks of the outcome and were thanked for participating.
We first began the day by having analytical tests, mostly multiple choice questions which lasted approximately 30 minutes after this we were then taken one by one (at various times) to conduct our presentation to a group of 5 recent graduate scheme members. For those who were not doing their presentations were given the opportunity to talk to recent graduate members who were able to tell us about the potential work if we got the job. The actual presentation last about 15 minutes followed by a few questions aimed to make sure you know what you're talking about.
The actual interview lasted 45 minutes and felt more like a friendly conversation talking about your past and interests; The interviewer and I spent approximately 15 minutes talking about music so it's nothing to dread.
Finally, for the group work, we were split into several groups of 4 and were given 1 hour to analyse a task a decide upon one final solution out of a list of 3 and then present the final solution along with our reasoning; This was conducted in front of a group of senior members who are looking mainly for your team working skills in addition to your problem solving skills.
When the day was over we were told that we'd be informed within 3 weeks of the outcome and were thanked for participating.
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