Application Process & Interviews at KPMG AU -changed

There were logic tests online that I had to complete before attending an assessment centre day that included an interview with a manager and a partner. I then had to complete a writing task.

You are required to both submit an application. From which point you will do some cognitive function testing. After this employee are required to record a 2 minute video in which they answer a question that will be presented to them at the start of the video. From there they will be interviewed in person.

Application form: - Multiple questions - Cover letter and CV Online Testing - (math, logic, etc...) Assessment Day: - Two interviews (director and partner) - Activity (we were given a pile of papers and asked to summarise into a single email) [note: this application process has now changed]

Submit CV On-line Tests A day of introduction / test activities Two interviews with people who are quite high up in the team I was entering Then did Vacation work which lead to a job offer

3 stages- online applications, interview with manager, interview with partner

Interviews were informal- which was a good thing as it makes it feel like they are interviewing you as a person, and you get a sense of the vibe of the workplace.

Many online tests are required with your resume online and from there you are selected for half a day of assessment centres in the office where you also have two interviews.

Two one-on-one interviews with online assessments such as reading, logical and numerical. Video recording of a 1 minute interview

I had a coffee with the director and associate director of IARCS. I then underwent the standard testing.

Fairly typical process with online application and assessments. Enjoyed the face to face interviews as they interviewers were very approachable and made us feel comfortable.

There were a lot of behavioural questions asked that sought to see if I was suitable for the job and workplace.

Example based questions. Eg. "tell me about a time you improved performance in your peers..." etc.

Fairly standard interview questions about how I could fit into the culture/vision of the company? What I studied and why I studied that? What I am looking for at the company/for my career?

Give examples how you handled a difficulties. What would you do if you are allocated with multi-tasks etc.

The usual behavioural questions including: describe a time you had to work as a part of a team, describe a time where you had to meet a tight deadline etc.

Generally questions about my interest and goals and why I was interested in a job with the company. They put emphasis on finding a social fit for the company.

A multitude of different questions that extended to more than just work.

I was asked to describe a bit about myself, how I liked working in teams, what my degrees were like. The role of a consultant was described and I was asked how I found that?

Behavioural questions: Best achievement Most stressful time How to deal with difficult people

I was asked a lot of questions about how I would practically deal with certain situations in the workplace. For instance, if I had to deal with conflict with a client or with a colleague. Also questions as to what I could bring to the company with my particular skillset.

Mostly behavioural based, about things I had done in my life and my qualities as a leader and man of virtue.

I would recommend that they familiarise themselves with the company and what they do and that they prepare answers to possible interview questions. Be confident and show that you can easily get along with people because I think that goes far.

They should have an understanding of the role they are applying for as well as the company itself. They should also be able to recognise their strengths and key skills, and be able to provide examples of situations to demonstrate how they would be a valuable employee.

Be yourself, be honest and enthusiastic to learn and develop. I read HEAPS of college blogs relating to interviewing and what employers look for.

Review the capabilities of the firm (see the website). Be sure to consider possible answers to potential questions before the interview (E.g. what are the three words your friends would use to describe you?)

Research the firm, speak to people from the firm to get a feel of the culture

Know the STAR format to answering behavioural based interview questions. Be able to describe the Situation, Task, Action and Result and relate it to what you actually did. Prepare a few examples before you go into the interview if you know you will be nervous.

Read the company website thoroughly. Have an understanding of the division/team you have applied for and the overall vision/values of the company. You will be asked questions about the values and how they relate to you.

Know what they do and what they stand for

Research the company, consider your own strengths and how you could use these to serve the employer, demonstrate enthusiasm and willingness to learn, be yourself

Be well informed Be someone you would want to work with and be yourself They don't expect you to know everything, but they do expect you to try to learn and constantly improve

Be well rounded. KPMG is not just looking for academically superior candidates, they're looking for people who can develop interpersonal relationships as well as perform the technical aspects of their roles. To prepare, Google the typical questions the Big 4 ask at their assessment centres, and prepare your answers. Research the company to see what their core values are.

Understand that client facing staff must have good interpersonal skills: this means good verbal communication skills, emotional and social awareness. Applicants must be able to work in a team: if you can't, this role is not for you. You should research the role and then explain why your skills and experience match the position.

a lot of research in the area they are applying for as well as thinking about what they have accomplished/done in the past and how this could apply to the high-stress environment at KPMG

Really think about life examples that could be used to demonstrate how you react to certain things.

Do a lot of extra-curricular activities and be very open and sociable. Good marks alone will never get you a good job here.