Interview process
Following the initial application, online tests and video recording, I was invited to a telephone interview. This lasted around half an hour and consisted of a number of questions around education, motivations for the role, key competencies, previous work experience and background knowledge on the company. They also asked a couple of questions to determine your level of commercial awareness.
Most difficult question
If we were to ask your previous manager what your main weakness is, what would they say?
Interview tips
- Read up on the latest industry news
- Be prepared to talk about yourself - motivations for the role, why you're suitable - research their key competencies
- Be yourself - you don't have to shout the loudest to be noticed
- Include quieter group members
- Keep an eye on the time in group exercise/analytical test
- Prepare your own questions during face to face interview - this is a great chance to display your interest in the role/company, besides just asking if you get a car!
Experiences at the assessment centre
The assessment day was based at the Nissan Head Office, and consisted of four separate tasks:
- Group exercise
- Analytical test
- Face to face interview
- Pre-prepared presentation.
There were 4 candidates invited to each AC.
The group task involved working in pairs to discuss our approach to a given task (related to Sales and Marketing), followed by a group discussion with all 4 candidates, and a group presentation to the management panel - followed by several questions.
The individual analytical test lasted an hour, where we were given a data sheet to analyse before writing a report with our recommendations/comments on the data.
The face to face interview was conducted by a member of HR and one of the hiring managers. This lasted an hour, and consisted of a number of competency questions, an in depth discussion of your CV, your motivations for the role and questions about the company/industry (think market share, recent industry news, best selling etc.). I found this part of the day quite enjoyable. They're not there to trip you up at all - it's a chance for them to get to know you, as well as an opportunity for you to get to know the company and where you'll fit in best.
Next we were taken to lunch, where we had a chance to meet the current graduates in a more relaxed environment. This gave us a chance to ask them any questions regarding the role, their personal experience and life outside of work.
A week before the assessment centre, we were tasked to create a 20 minute presentation in response to a brief Nissan had sent across. Here we were assessed on our ability to interpret research, analyse the topic given, alongside the ability to display a cross-functional business understanding. On the day, we presented to a panel of Nissan's management team who used the remaining time to ask questions regarding our presentations.
How would you rate the pre-attendance information?
pre-attendance information:
How well was the interview organised?
interview organisation:
What was your overall impression of the organisation?
overall impression of the organisation:
What was your overall impression of the selection process?
selection process:
Did the interview reflect the overall values / culture of the organisation?
overall values / culture:
Would you recommend this company to a friend?
would recommend company to a friend:
Did you want the role following your interview?
wanted role after interview: