Our Assessment Process
We know that assessments can be daunting, so we have carefully designed ours to help you feel supported, confident and at ease. You can expect a warm welcome. At each stage, we’ll give you all the details of what to expect – and how to best prepare. Each of our programmes have a slightly different process, and this can also vary depending on location. You’ll get a good idea of what to expect in the details below, so please take a look to give yourself the best possible chance of success. Good luck!
“ It has undoubtedly been one of the most enjoyable applications I’ve completed. Despite not receiving an offer, I will be reapplying for the grad scheme next year because I enjoy the firm ”
Assessment Steps
Applications for our programmes open in September and we recruit on a rolling basis. We close applications when we have either filled all vacancies or received a sufficient number of applications. This can happen fast and as early as October for some roles, so make sure you apply sooner rather than later.
Online application & assessments
The first step is to search our open roles where you’ll find out more about each opportunity, our academic requirements, and the link to apply by completing our short application form.
Next, you’ll be asked to complete three online tasks.
Our questionnaire helps us get to know you and your ideal working environment. You can answer all the questions within ten minutes and absolutely no preparation is required.
After that, the numerical and verbal reasoning tests will take 15 minutes each.
Expect feedback within ten working days.
Tips:
- Ensure you complete the application form with accurate information
- You’ll have access to our preparation hub for the numerical and verbal reason-ing tests, so make sure you explore it fully.
- The tests are timed, so make sure you're fully aware of how many questions you have to answer and keep an eye on the clock!
Video or telephone interview
If a video interview, you’ll record your answers to four questions -two motivational and two competency-based ones. If you're keen to improve on your first attempt, you can go for a second – and that's the one you will submit. One of our recruiters – not AI – will review your completed video interview.
If a telephone interview, one of our recruiters will schedule a 1-2-1 call. This is the case for our school leaver applicants – which we hope is less nerve-wracking.
Expect a 15-minute call where we’ll do our best to make you feel at ease and take you through a mixture of motivational and competency-based questions. It’s a two-way process, so come prepared with questions for us too!
Expect feedback within ten working days.
Tips:
- Prepare as you would for a face-to-face interview, in terms of research, practicing your responses using the STAR method, and getting familiar with how to convey your motivation and enthusiasm.
- Refer to your notes if needed, however, aim to come across naturally.
Written exercise and Q&A with Associates (virtual)
This stage lasts two hours online/virtually.
The first hour sets out an engaging real-business scenario for you to work through, and gives us insights into your analytical and written communication skills. No preparation is required, you’ll receive all the information you need on the day, and during the session itself.
After a comfort break, you’ll meet with a number of our associates for up to 30 minutes. They’ll share their stories and give honest answers to your questions. This part of the stage is informal, so we hope you’ll feel at ease, and ready to ask us plenty of questions.
Expect feedback within 5 working days.
Tips:
- Plan your time and stick to it. You’re likely to acquire more points by covering each task versus completing only one thoroughly.
- Leave a few minutes at the end to check through your response and to make any last amends before submitting
Final interview
If applying for our graduate, placement or internship programme, this will take place online. As a school leaver, you’ll be invited to the office.
Either way, your final interview will be 45-60 minutes in length, and you’ll meet with two senior members of the team you have applied to. They will do their upmost to help you feel at ease and be yourself. We fully expect you to quiz us to find out whether or not we’re potentially the right employer for you.
Expect feedback within two working days. Your recruiter will give you a call, and they will take the time to provide detailed and specific feedback. That way, whether or not you secure an offer, you will get the most out of the experience. We’ll also actively seek your feedback, as this is very important to us.
Tips:
- Prepare and research thoroughly. This will help to settle nerves and allow you to get across your motivation and enthusiasm.
- We know it's easier said than done – but remember to be yourself. We will be just as keen to get to know you, as you are to know us.
- If you want to gather your thoughts before answering a question, just let your interviewers know.
- And come prepared with a list of questions – remember that you need to work out if we’re right for you, too.
Offer
Once you receive an offer, you’ll be introduced to your buddy straightaway. They will be able to help you decide if this is the right choice for you and connect you with other members of the team as necessary.
If you accept an offer with us, the team will be keen to meet you in person. So if you haven’t already visited us, you’ll be warmly invited to come to our office, see your working environment, and meet new colleagues.
It may be a number of months before you join us, and we’ll stay in touch. As your start date approaches, we'll give you lots of opportunities to get to know us even more, meet various team members, and dismiss any nerves you might have around day one.
“ They really understood how nerve-wracking interviews can be and really took the time to get to know you as a person. The interviews were very much a two-way process with ample opportunity to ask questions. ”