Succeeding at interviews

James: In terms of preparation for the application form, I think it is important that applicants have a really thorough grasp of the role they applying to, and they have thoroughly researched the proposition that we offer, as well as the traits that they are looking for from a future role and from a future employer. Suzanne: Can you tell us about the global core-competencies and how a candidate can demonstrate these on there application form and at an interview? Tamsin: Yes. We measure 9 global core-competencies throughout the assessment process at different stages of the application. First we look at four global core-competencies', these are 'providing good client service', 'working in teams', 'personal development' and 'written communication'. In the application form you will be asked specific questions about these competencies so really try to answer them to the best of your ability baring in mind the competencies that we are looking at. The interviews cover all nine competencies, some at first interview, some at second. Obviously you can find out more information about these competencies on the website, which tells you everything you need to know. And so really do make sure you read that information and you have thought about incidents where you were able to use each competencies, so what you did, who you worked with, and what went well and what you learnt from the incident. For example, one competency that you might be asked would be addressing how you planned a project, so you can talk about a project you worked on, how you planned deadlines, contingencies plans you developed, how you dealt with any problems and how you delivered the project on time. Suzanne: Can you tell me a bit more about the online tests, what they entail and when applicants sit them and how to succeed? Tamsin: If you are asked to come back for an assessment day after the online test you will be taking paper versions of the test, so doing the online test obviously helps to prepare you for the paper versions. Lastly of course if you do have any special needs, for example a disability, then do tell us as soon as you apply so we can make sure that we have the most appropriate arrangements ready for the online tests. Suzanne: What would a candidate need to do to prepare before they arrive for interview? Roz: I think that's a really big question. I think the best advice would again be preparation. I think you need to really be aware of the competencies that we are looking for during the interview process, and to come up with some really good examples of where you have demonstrated those competencies. It's also a very good idea to find out about what you will be doing in the day to day role of the job you have applied for, and talk to as many PwC employees as you can to find out about the work life balance and what is expected of you. James do you have anything to add? James: From my experience of interviewing candidate's, I'd say there are two areas students should focus on in particular. I think students are coming forward to business advisory roles with us and its really important that they are able to demonstrate an interest in business and economics as part of their interview, also I think the firms annual report is a vital tool in researching PwC and highlights the challenges the challenges we face in the last year and how we can overcome those, and also the challenges we may face going forward. So it gives students a really thorough understanding of where PwC is at that moment in time. You can download our annual report from the student careers website, but other useful sources of information are online news media, the financial press as well as trade publications and the 'what we do' videos on our own website. Suzanne: When a candidate is successful at a first round interview can you tell me what's next and what the assessment centres entails? James: The first thing I'd say about assessment centres is there not as scary as the term cunches up. In reality it's an opportunity for the firm to find out more about you as individual and for you to find out more about PwC in greater detail.

One of the components of the assessment day is the interview, where we will look in detail at your application form and some of those competences Tamsin spoke about earlier. Tamsin: Your also then complete two psychometric tests these will be a numerical reasoning and either a logical reasoning or verbal reasoning depending on the role you've applied for. Roz: The third and final part of your assessment day is either a group or individual exercise. Whether you do or a group or individual exercise is dependant on the office location and also the number of other applicants on the assessment day with you. After all the exercise are completed you will then be taken for lunch or coffee with some ambassadors from the firm. This is a fantastic opportunity for you to ask all those questions you don't want to ask the recruiter or the interviewer on the day. Its not feedback so it is the best opportunity to find out about work life balance and exactly what it's like to work for the firm. Suzanne: What would be your top tip to perspective candidates? Tamsin: I guess my top tip would be to really think through your experience at university, work, voluntary work etc and to really choose good examples of incidents where you were able to use particular skill or competence that we are looking for in the assessment process. So really think about how you acted in the incident, what your response was, what you did well, what you would do differently if you faced that situation again. This will really help you prepare for these interviews, as well as thinking of positive examples were things went less well, where you made mistakes or things didn't go quite to plan, and consider what you learnt from that situation, and that will really help you in the interview. James: From my perspective as interviewer, I think one of my top tips would be to ensure my business and commercial awareness is up to speed, and you were able to talk at length at some business stories that you had been following and were interested in. It's not sufficient to pick up a financial newspaper or magazine the day before your interview and hope that that will get you through. Were really looking for a depth in your understanding and potentially also an ability to think of the wider picture when talking about the business story your interested in. Roz: I think my top tip is to ask questions not only at interview stage, but throughout the process. When you're finding out about PwC and the roles we offer, some examples of fantastic questions that I've come across while interviewing are things like 'what is our reward and appraisal scheme like' and 'what keeps you at PwC'?