Whichever opportunity you're applying for, there are some things that you should be thinking about - we've put together some hints and tips for you:
- Remember what we're looking for
- Do your research
- Completing your application form
- Before your interview
- The day of the interview
- The day of the Assessment Centre
Remember what we're looking for
Throughout the process, we will be looking for you to show awareness and evidence of the skills and qualities you need to succeed in our business. Wherever possible, therefore, you should be able to demonstrate and highlight how you match our requirements. For more information about our requirements please refer to the 'Global Core Competencies' information on the 'Selection Process' page.
Do your research
We will expect you to be able to talk coherently and confidently about PwC, the position you're applying for, the business world in general and yourself. The more you know about these things, the more prepared you'll be - so you'll have to get researching.
Think about investigating the following sources of information:
- Our brochures and website (careers and corporate)
- The financial media (press, television, internet)
- Relevant professional bodies (especially if they offer a qualification you're interested in pursuing)
- Anyone you know who works for PwC (or a similar firm)
- Don't just give them a quick glance the day before your interview. Examine them, understand the issues and keep yourself up to date!
Completing your application form
Remember first impressions count. The application form is a major opportunity to sell yourself. Before you complete the form, gather the things you'll need:
- Full and accurate details of your university courses and exam results
- Secondary education exam results
- Details of any work experience and employment you've had
- Your preferences for where in the country you'd like to work
Then, while you're completing the form, remember the following:
- Read and follow instructions carefully
- Proof read everything you write
- Check your grammar and spelling
- Be concise - you can elaborate at interview
- Don't repeat statements you've read in our brochures and website
- Don't be vague or lie about your achievements - we'll check your academics at a later stage in the process anyway
Before your interview
Interviews can be nerve-wracking, but the more prepared you are the more relaxed you'll feel. In getting ready for the day:
- Remind yourself of the things you've done that can help you demonstrate the skills and qualities we've listed
- Think about the questions you are likely to be asked, and your responses
- Come up with questions you want to ask at the interview
- Prepare what you're going to wear - if in doubt, dress conservatively
- Make sure you know how to get there - and how long it takes
Don't forget we're also looking to find out:
- Why you want to join PwC
- What you understand about the work we do
- What you think about the opportunity you've chosen
The day of your interview
It is extremely important that you're not late, so aim to get there in good time. If you are delayed, try to call ahead to warn us - you may want to bring a copy of your interview invitation, along with directions on how to get there.
When you enter the interview:
- Smile
- Engage in eye contact with your interviewer
- Sit up straight
- Try to relax and breathe normally
During the interview
Be truthful and to the point, answer the questions that you're asked - and don't ramble about irrelevant things. Our interviewers are not given a set list of questions to ask, but you can expect questions in relation to our 'Global Core Competencies' for example:
- What do you know about our business?
- Why have you decided to apply to us?
- Are there any issues or current affairs that interest you?
- What has been your biggest challenge?
- When have you worked in teams?
- How are you able to juggle your commitments?
- Remember, we're not expecting you to be perfect - but preparing for some of these questions will certainly help you to feel confident that you've given it your best shot.
The day of the Assessment Centre
This is the last stage in the recruitment and selection process. Take confidence in the fact that you've got this far, bear in mind the following, and prepare yourself accordingly:
- All the materials you will need (eg papers, pencils, erasers) will be provided for you. You can bring your own calculator to use during the numerical reasoning exercise. If you choose not to, one will be provided for you.
- Make sure that you have brought everything you need with you, for example reading glasses, inhaler, prescribed medication.
- If you feel nervous prior to any of the events during the assessment day, briefly concentrate on breathing deeply and slowly. This helps calm your nerves.
- You will do one or two ability tests. Prepare yourself for these, work through the practice information we send you in advance.
- You will have a second interview. The tips we've given you for the first interview will help you at this stage too.
- You will participate in either a group discussion or individual exercise (candidates applying to the Strategy Group will also complete a case study and presentation exercise) ensure that you speak clearly and audibly so that the assessors can hear you.
- There will probably be at least one, and up to 11, other participants in your assessment day event. You are not in competition with the other participants.
- At each stage in the assessment day, remind yourself of the qualities we will be looking for opportunities to assess.
Next Steps
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