Graduate Analyst
Interview process
The day began with a one-to-one interview with a senior member of staff, relating to past experiences, interests, ambitions and knowledge. The interview though formal was unpressured and relaxed, with a friendly and receptive atmosphere.
The interview was followed by a pre-assigned, individual powerpoint presentation that involved working within a set framework but with enough flexibility to demonstrate communication, presentation, interests and ideas. The presentation was made to a separate senior member of staff who following the presentations end proceeded to ask questions, make comments and share suggestions.
The afternoon session began with a group assignment where three candidates were challenged to produce a hypothetical solution to a common problem whilst out actions were monitored and evaluated by both senior members of staff. We were provided with an hour to communicate with each other, share ideas, propose solutions and summarise our findings.
To conclude the day we were given an hour to undertake a numerical and psychometric assessment of our technical abilities. This was done individually and in exam style conditions, which though creating a pressurised environment was not overbearing or stressful.
The interview was followed by a pre-assigned, individual powerpoint presentation that involved working within a set framework but with enough flexibility to demonstrate communication, presentation, interests and ideas. The presentation was made to a separate senior member of staff who following the presentations end proceeded to ask questions, make comments and share suggestions.
The afternoon session began with a group assignment where three candidates were challenged to produce a hypothetical solution to a common problem whilst out actions were monitored and evaluated by both senior members of staff. We were provided with an hour to communicate with each other, share ideas, propose solutions and summarise our findings.
To conclude the day we were given an hour to undertake a numerical and psychometric assessment of our technical abilities. This was done individually and in exam style conditions, which though creating a pressurised environment was not overbearing or stressful.
Most difficult question
A numerical problem solving task examining the comparative expense of travelling between London and Newcastle either by car and train and all the hypothetical variants that could effect the final answer.
Interview tips
Be confident in yourself and your own abilities, don't hide in the shadows and let others take the limelight. Demonstrate your enthusiasm and interest in particular fields and don't make false claims / statements.
Experiences at the assessment centre
I found the mix of one-to-one interview, individual presentation, group assignment and personal testing was a well organised, stimulating and varied approach to assessment. I feel it provided enough opportunities to demonstrate individual and group working, personal interests and knowledge whilst providing a rigorous environment to be fully tested but assessors.
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