“Thank you. We’ll be in touch.” This is a sentence that probably each of us has heard at some point. It is also the moment when the HR specialist has made a clear decision. How should you prepare for an interview at PwC so that it goes the way you imagine? You can start with these eight secret tips directly from our recruitment team.
1. Learn what PwC does
Nothing indicates disinterest more that when you are at an interview, and you don’t even know what company you are talking about. Reading the website is a matter of course, but it is also a good idea to go in depth and have in your head the most detailed information possible about what the company does.
Have a look at what current and former employees have to say on the Atmoskop website, for example.
2. Know who you are meeting
Learn in advance also about the employees whom you will meet during the selection process. Those will surely be the recruiter, hiring manager and, later, possibly your potential superior. They will definitely have profiles on LinkedIn, and you can also google all sorts of things.
You can also listen to interviews with our managers on the PwC Stories podcast.
3. Focus on a specific position
If you are very actively looking for a job and have one interview after another, it can happen that you will forget the details of the given position. That doesn’t make a good impression. Before you arrive for an interview, be sure to go over the relevant ad and prepare your questions accordingly.
4. Show interest in the given subject
Your meeting with potential new colleagues should not resemble an interrogation in which you only curtly answer questions. Actively take an interest, discuss, ask about specific matters relating to your area of expertise.
Are you applying for the position of social media specialist? Ask about the brand manual and long-term strategy. Are you applying for a role in PwC Legal. You can start a discussion about the most recent change in the legal code. Don’t be afraid to ask about the tools and processes that “your” team uses.
5. Sell yourself!
We will definitely ask you about your work experience. It is good to specifically describe the areas in which you feel at home and how you work under pressure and prepare examples of specific situations and successes.
Also count on the fact that if the position requires a foreign language, at least part of the interview will be conducted in that language. Take that as a chance to score bonus points.
6. Think about your motivation
“And why exactly PwC?” is another standard question. Use it as an opportunity to show that for you the interview isn’t just one of many. Answers like “I want a change” no longer bring success. What attracts you to this position? What will it bring to you and what can you offer?
7. Make a good impression
Don’t pretend to be anything you’re not. We recognise and appreciate authenticity.
Of course, it will impress us if you comply with the company dress code. If you don’t know how you should dress, just ask the recruiter when planning the interview. You will thus show a sense for detail and willingness to invest your energy in preparation. Inappropriate clothes can ruin your first impression.
8. Properly plan the day of the interview
The trip to the place can sometimes be confusing, so always figure in a time reserve. If you arrive very early, wait and present yourself at reception not more than five minutes before your scheduled time. There is no worse faux pas than arriving late without an excuse. And you will not make a good impression by cancelling a meeting at the last minute.
See you at an interview? Have a look at the offer of vacant positions at PwC.
