Our selection processes are designed to make sure we're absolutely right for each other.
The precise details of each stage will vary according to where you want to work, but the focus throughout will be on the qualities you need to do well at PwC. Having the right academic results is only part of it.
Filling in our new application form is good preparation for later interviews and assessments as it will make you think about how you contribute to team activities, where your strengths lie, why you're applying to PwC, how you personally can contribute to our client services, as well as the area you would like to join. At PwC all our staff are required to demonstrate certain core skills, which we refer to as our 'global core competencies'.
A step by step process
The selection process will give you every chance to show us what you're made of and that you have the skills we look for. The process varies slightly according to whether you apply to work in London or one of our regional offices. For London, your first interview is with a manager from the area where you want to work, followed by an assessment centre which includes an interview with a director or partner, a group or individual exercise and ability tests. Apply to one of our regional offices and the assessment day could come first.
Here's how it works.
Step 1: complete and submit an online application form
Once you've decided where you'd like to work within PwC and which route you'd like to follow, fill in our new online application form. Our team of recruiters will aim to review your application and get back to you within five working days. Check our UCAS tariff requirements on our application timetable and qualifications page.
Step 2: take some online tests
Impress us with your application and we'll ask you to take some online tests. These could be numerical, logical or verbal depending on the business area you choose and the route you take. You'll sit the tests again at the assessment day - this time on paper and supervised - so doing them online is good preparation. Visit our assessments page for tips on the best way to prepare.
Try some sample questions plus tips on the best way to prepare at: www.psychtesting.org.uk, www.shldirect.com or www.opp.co.uk.
During this process, you will also be invited to complete PwC's Student Talent Questionnaire, which presents realistic work-based scenarios representing situations you would find yourself in working at PwC. You do not need to prepare in advance before completing it, but you should ensure you read each question carefully and select the answer you believe most accurately reflects how you would behave in the scenario presented.
HEADstart students will only be required to complete the PwC's Student Talent Questionnaire.
Step 3: first interview
This is a one-to-one interview, which gives you the chance to display the qualities that paper can't do justice to. We're looking for you to provide us with evidence of the skills we are seeking as well as reassuring us that you've thought carefully about your career choice, and you have a clear interest in the business world and PwC. Depending on the scheme to which you have applied, you will either have a telephone interview or an interview with a PwC Manager at your chosen office.
Step 4: attend an assessment centre
Assessment Centres at PwC usually consist of tests that measure your numerical and verbal or logical reasoning skills; a second interview - normally with a partner or director from the business area you want to join; a group or individual exercise (in addition, Strategy applicants will also complete a presentation and case study exercise); and an informal lunch with students who have recently joined PwC, giving you the chance to ask the kind of things you may not be able to ask a recruiter.
This may sound a lot, but don't worry - the centre is designed to be as interesting and enjoyable as possible, giving you the chance to demonstrate your best qualities and find out as much about life at PwC as possible.
Step 5: receive an offer
You shouldn't have to wait too long. We'll let you know whether we'd like to make you an offer as soon after the assessment centre as possible. In total, the whole process from application to offer should take no more than three to six weeks.
Step 6: pass our checks
Once you accept an offer, our Pre Employment Vetting Team will verify the academic and employment history you outlined on your application. This makes it absolutely essential that you complete your form accurately and truthfully, including all module marks, dates and grades achieved. All of the information you provide will be checked rigorously (although checks won't be made against social networking sites).
What then?
Before your start date you may find it useful to come back for a visit. This will allow you to have a more personalised, informal chat about what to expect once you join, take a look round the office where you'll be based and meet some of your new colleagues.
The application process is the same as for any other degree course. That's to say, it's handled by UCAS, so you'll need to fill in a UCAS application form as normal.
To find out more about the programme and how to apply, visit www.ncl.ac.uk/flyingstart.
The selection process for Internships and Business Placements is similar to that for our graduate programme, with one key difference - first interviews will be conducted by telephone.
The telephone interview gives you the chance to talk about your qualities in a way that paper or online forms simply can't do justice. We're looking for you to provide us with evidence of the skills we are seeking as well as reassuring us that you've thought carefully about your career choice and you have a clear interest in the business world and PwC.
If you succeed at this stage, you'll then be into the regular selection process outlined above.
We encourage applications from disabled students. For some learning disorders, physical and mental impairments, we adapt the recruitment process so students can perform at their best. You'll find some details of our process on this site, but if you have a disability, a learning difficulty such as dyslexia, a medical condition or individual need that may affect your performance, we're happy to discuss our recruitment process with you so we can adapt our process for you fairly. Please freephone 0808 100 1500 or +44 (0) 121 265 5852, or email us at: e-recruitment.processing@uk.pwc.com.
If you'd like to understand the relevance of a disability or condition to our jobs, and the study they involve, please contact us on the numbers or at the email address above. You don't need to give your name and the information will not be used to discriminate.
Next Steps
