Assessment Centre Essentials An insight into the Graduate Recruitment process

Transcription

1 Assessment Centre Essentials An insight into the Graduate Recruitment process 2 nd November 2015

2 Presenter profiles Name: Alex Robinson Name: Jack Ingleby Name: Allan Murungi Education: Civil Engineering, Durham University Education: Ancient History, Warwick University Education: Warwick Business School Competency: Strategy and Operations Competency: Human Capital Competency: Technology, Strategy and Architecture Job Role: Analyst Job Role: Analyst Job Role: Consultant Project: IAG Finance Transformation Project : Group-wide Data Analytics Review for a Global Financial Services client Project : Post Office Limited 2

3 Agenda 1 Introductions 2 3 Recruitment process overview What does the typical recruitment process look like? In-depth look at individual stages What to expect and how to succeed at each stage of the process Application Online test Group Exercise 4 Refreshments and networking 3

4 Deloitte Who are we? As the world s leading provider of professional services, here in the UK our 13,000 people all work together to deliver our ambitious vision for the future. We aim to stand out within our markets by having the greatest impact on the reputation and success of our clients. To achieve this we offer advice and services across each of our business areas: Audit Tax Consulting Corporate Finance Consulting Audit Corporate Finance Tax Service Area Human Capital Strategy & Operations Technology & Deloitte Digital Consulting Competencies 4

5 What makes Deloitte? 14,500 people across the UK & Switzerland 28 offices across the UK & Switzerland A network of 200,000 professionals globally Public, private & individual clients Audit, Tax, Consulting, Corporate Finance 5

6 What are employers looking for? Attention to detail Ability to differentiate yourself from others Intelligence Commercial awareness and knowledge of the company Enthusiasm Real life examples Key competencies 6

7 What we look for Communication Achievement of goals Commercial awareness Career Motivation Be expressive, clear and concise and have the ability to quickly form relationships with others in a variety of situations. Show the persistence and energy required to meet or exceed your objectives and well-defined goals and respond well to pressure. Have an interest in business and the knowledge of any current issues that may be impacting the chosen field. Demonstrate knowledge of what a career in a professional services firm involves, particularly in the chosen field. Being able to explain interest in these areas. Adaptability Positive in the face of change and resourceful in responding to major changes. Problem solving Organisational skills Analyse, distil and solve practical problems, generate new ideas and make sound judgements in complex situations. Successful at motivating others towards a particular course of action. Take responsibility for the completion of tasks and ensure that detail is not overlooked when involved in a project. Have good time management skills and prioritise tasks effectively. 7

8 Application 8

9 Consulting selection process Stage one: Online application Submit application through our website Stage two: Online testing Online psychometric testing - numerical and critical thinking test Interview Stage three: First Interview Case study Group exercise Stage four: Final Interview Interview & sector awareness presentation Fast Track Option Fast track events allow candidates to complete the two final stages of the recruitment process on the same day. You can opt-in for the Fast Track process by discussing with your relevant student recruiter. 9 Human Capital and Strategy & Operations applications close on 4 th November 2015 Technology applications close on 30 th November 2015

10 Submit Online Form Online Numerical Test Critical Thinking Assessment Service Line Questionnaire First Round Interview Final Round Interview Job offer Offer acceptance dinner Apply to Deloitte! Submit online application with personal details and work experience 02 Complete a 30 minute online numerical test 03 Complete a 30 minute online critical thinking test, consisting of 5 sub tests on Inference, recognition of assumptions, deduction, interpretation, and evaluation of arguments Purely for information gathering purposes. This allows us to ensure you go forward to interview stage for the area you are most suited to The first interview focuses on your motivations and behaviours, this usually will last for around an hour. There will also be a case study and group exercise on the same day. The final round interview consists of a presentation and interview with a senior member of staff. This interview concentrates on your values, what matters to you and how that aligns to us as a business. 07 Telephone and written confirmation from HC and HR to offer you a position in our team A chance to welcome you and celebrate your offer, before your official 08 start date. This is an opportunity for you to meet the leadership team, the current team and other new graduate joiners Applications Open: 1 st September 2015 Applications Close: Strategy & Operations and Human Capital: 4 th November 2015 Technology: 30 th November 2015 Consulting case study event- 10 th November 10

11 Online application What s involved? Application Details Academics Employment History Career Motivation Our application form is not as daunting as you may first think. It is split into 4 main sections. The key is to ensure you have fully researched Deloitte and your choice of service line 11

12 Online application What makes a good application? Written communication Employment History Clearly set out form, reasonable level of detail given Clear and appropriate use of language Attention to detail up to two different spelling / serious grammatical errors are allowed (but please use spell check tools to avoid this, as it leaves a bad impression!) Clear and concise explanation of what role involved Inclusion of any specific responsibilities you held Inclusion of any skills developed in the role Career Motivation Provide your responses from your own perspective it will help your application stand out Research the role and ensure you demonstrate this 12

13 Career motivation 13

14 Career motivation Question one Everyone wants something different out of their career, the company they work for, and motivations behind their career choices. Discussion Points: Through your research and in your own words please explain five key reasons why you are interested in joining Deloitte. What do you want out of your career? What would be important to you when thinking about a firm to choose? 14

15 Career motivation Consider what motivates you as an individual and how your values fit in with what Deloitte can offer? EARLY RESPONSIBILITY PEOPLE GLOBAL VISION PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATION AWARDS TRAINING DIVERSITY COMMUNITY INVESTMENT 15

16 Career motivation Question two Discussion Points: Showing an understanding of the day to day role please explain five key reasons as to why your chosen service line appeals to you Where do you think this information can be found? 16

17 Career motivation More questions Where can I chat to current graduates who are currently doing the role? Deloitte events on campus Deloitte Discovery events Friends in current roles Sign up for a Deloitte buddy via the buddy scheme Where can I find out more about the day to day role online? Deloitte graduate website job descriptions People profiles on our webpages Deloitte Green Room Facebook and Twitter Service line videos on You Tube Where can I find out more about the professional qualifications to support my answer? Professional qualification bodies each have their own website with detailed information about each qualification and many attend their own events on campus i.e. ICAEW for the ACA Where can I read any publications that may help me to understand the industry? The Economist / Financial Times / BBC news online and magazines such as Accountancy Age Deloitte also produce industry reports that are available free on our website! You can also sign up to the Deloitte Monday Business Briefing on our website 17

18 Online test 18

19 Online test Numerical reasoning Question content Questions can be in narrative form, in tables or basic numbers Covers a range of Maths, including basic arithmetic, percentages, proportions, currency conversions and changes over time All questions are applied in a business context don t worry about long algebraic expressions appearing. It all has a practical application Test format Online, use mouse/keyboard depending on numbers/multiple choice Takes around 20 minutes to complete Previously there has been around 18 questions Questions are selected from a large database all take different test of same difficulty 19

20 Online test Hints and tips 1. Practise Revise how to read information presented graphically and brush up on percentages, ratios and probability Get used to key formulae percentages to values, percentage changes Practise tests: SHL and Assessment Day, many others 2. Exam technique: Pace yourself and allocate your time If you don t know, don t worry move on Be prepared: calculator(s), paper, pens Quiet area 3. Correct internet browser 4. Complacency Common misconceptions Achievability depends on your degree background or the time since you last studied Maths Vacancies with numerical tests = numerical job Other applicants comments No negative marking educated guess It s only 20 minutes Not enough time to write it down 20

21 Group exercise 21

22 Group exercise What is it? The group exercise is a scenario-based discussion, typically between 5-8 candidates Each candidate will be given a particular solution to the problem given in the scenario and be expected to put this solution forward to the group What is the assessment criteria? Communication: You will have to listen to others points of view and clearly communicate your own Evaluation: Ability to weigh up the different options available, come to a decision and be able to say why Initiative: Take initiative to start the conversation and facilitate others to speak Hints and tips 1. Read through and/or listen carefully to all the information you are given 2. Decide objectives and priorities. Agree the division of tasks, make a plan and follow it 3. Keep an eye on the time maybe even offer to keep the time for the group 4. There is normally a white board in the corner why do you think it is there? 5. Use body language (nods, smiles and eye contact) to actively listen to others 6. Be aware of your own style and moderate it if necessary. If you are a chatty person you may need to deliberately tone down your style and listen more, and vice versa 7. This exercise is to testing how you communicate and interact with others there is no right or wrong answer 22

23 Top tips DOs Communicate clearly Communication is two-way: make your point of view heard and listen to others DONTs Stay silent Facilitators will have nothing to evaluate you with Dare to disagree Challenge other points of view and ask questions (politely of course!) Talk over other people A big no-no that shows a lack of listening skills and manners Take time to think Use preparation time to formulate a compelling argument Take over the discussion Be aware of how much time you are taking when you talk to the group Involve everyone If some people are quiet, actively engage them Get emotional This should be a professional discussion: only emotions expected are positive ones! 23

24 Interview technique 24

25 Deloitte interview process 1 A one to one competency based interview with a Manager from the department you have applied to in the office you have applied to 2 Lasts about one to one and a half hours 3 Your interviewer will ask you to provide specific examples which demonstrate a particular skill 4 Your examples are measured against a competency framework and can be experiences from your academic, work or personal life 5 Consulting process is slightly different and includes a case study 25

26 Before an interview Research Prepare Practice/Apply 1 Know the role 2 Know the organisation 3 Know yourself 4 Know the process 26

27 On the day 1 First impressions are crucial Dress appropriately Smile and look confident Keep reasonable eye contact Be aware of your body language Speak clearly (not monotone!) 2 3 Listen to the questions asked use appropriate examples not your favourite! Lead the interviewer towards your strengths Help the interviewer by volunteering information Ask appropriate questions Last chance to mention any key facts Prepare a few questions in advance Don't ask for information that is already covered in recruitment literature Structure your answers don't ramble Be enthusiastic 27

28 Answering questions Make sure you know the competencies you are being assessed against Choose the best example - you can use any of your experiences and knowledge from any aspect of your personal history S T A R Situation describe the context/situation you were in Target what were you trying to achieve/ goal/ objective Actions what actions or steps did I take to achieve the goal Result what was the final outcome What differentiates our firm from it s competitors? Talk me through a significant decision you have made? Give me an example of a time when you have planned and organised an event or project Tell me about a specific objective or goal you have set yourself that required drive and commitment? 28

29 Final hints and tips! It is normal to be nervous Only focus on your role/responsibility - we aren t interested in what others did Make sure you have a bank of examples you can draw upon for each competency Be clear, concise and specific don't ramble Listen to the question, don t just tell us what you think we want to hear 29

30 Q&A Consulting 30

31 Connect with us The best way to discover more about Deloitte is to get in touch with us directly. There are many ways you can do this. Events Meet us face-to-face at one of the numerous events we host across the country everything from insight days to careers fairs. You ll find a full list of these at People profiles Visit to hear directly from employees at all levels within the firm. Buddy scheme This scheme puts you in touch with people in the area of business you re interested in and gives you a chance to ask any questions you might have prior to your application. For more information, visit Social media facebook.com/yourfutureatdeloitteuk twitter.com/deloittejobsuk 31

32 Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited ( DTTL ), a UK private company limited by guarantee, and its network of member firms, each of which is a legally separate and independent entity. Please see for a detailed description of the legal structure of DTTL and its member firms. Deloitte LLP is the United Kingdom member firm of DTTL. This publication has been written in general terms and therefore cannot be relied on to cover specific situations; application of the principles set out will depend upon the particular circumstances involved and we recommend that you obtain professional advice before acting or refraining from acting on any of the contents of this publication. Deloitte LLP would be pleased to advise readers on how to apply the principles set out in this publication to their specific circumstances. Deloitte LLP accepts no duty of care or liability for any loss occasioned to any person acting or refraining from action as a result of any material in this publication Deloitte LLP. All rights reserved. Deloitte LLP is a limited liability partnership registered in England and Wales with registered number OC and its registered office at 2 New Street Square, London EC4A 3BZ, United Kingdom. Tel: +44 (0) Fax: +44 (0)