Online Application

I was required to submit my CV, but no cover letter. There were standard application questions regarding education, background, experience etc. There was also space to talk about extra-curricular academic qualifications which is a chance to impress.

How to respond for success

Research the company and their values as well as the role and its key competencies to help tailor your application. I think having the extra academic section in the application helped me stand out as I had independently been taking CIMA certificate in business accounting exams which is often standard for grad schemes at Big four in roles such as consulting. Things like this show drive and interest as well as technical knowledge.

Expect an immediate invitation to the next stage.

Psychometric assessment

You are invited to this stage straight away. There are a number of tests here with a hypothetical business context designed to see how you solve problems, communicate, and think. There were a few different scenarios, and it probably took somewhere between 30-60 minutes total. I didn't prepare specifically as at this point, because I was submitting as many applications as I could.

Example

Expect the questions to revolve around your levels of curiosity, leveraging technology, integrity, fostering innovation.

How to respond for success

I think they are looking for honest answers that show how you genuinely would react rather than you trying to second guess what they want you to put. Use common sense and try to be intuitive!

Expect around 5 days wait before advancing to the next stage.

Virtual Interview

It was pretty similar to the previous stage in terms of contexts and scenarios, but had more in depth answers required, including some video interview questions if I remember correctly. Recommend wearing smart clothes and preparing as you would a video interview.

Example

Questions will be testing your soft skills, such as teamwork, leadership and how you deal with tricky situations.

How to respond for success

Remember the key competencies of the role in the job description and the values of the company. Try to demonstrate that you offer those in your answers. Present yourself well and try to speak eloquently and clearly in video interview questions.

Expect a 1 week wait before advancing to the next stage.

Assessment centre

This began with a welcome and then two rotations. One group have interviews first and then group task, the other vice versa. Only lasts the morning e.g. 9-12:30 ish.

The interview lasts around 45 minutes to one hour, with a senior colleague, e.g. Partner, Manager, Director. Questions cover everything around motivations and competencies. Prepare thoroughly so you know everything about the role you can, but try to relax, as they want to get to know you and see if you'd be a good fit, so coming across too rehearsed could hurt your performance.

The group task has similar contexts to the previous rounds, so it is good to remember some of the ideas. They obviously extend it more in depth giving you have around half an hour to evaluate three or four different options as a group. They are looking for good team players who can both speak and listen effectively. Don't speak over each other. There is an opportunity to reflect on the group task, where you are still presumably being evaluated. The day finishes with a networking and Q&A. Feedback within 48 hours of assessment centre.

Example

Expect basic 'tell me a time when' type questions, along with your motivations to join KPMG.

How to respond for success

The interview questions cover everything around motivations and competencies, so prepare thoroughly, but just try to be yourself! In the team exercise, offer to keep track of time, and don't speak over each other.

Expect a 2 days wait before being offered a position