KPMG

KPMG Canada Square Though a 2:1 is required there is not really a university bias. There are four stages to KPMG’s straightforward application process: application form, online tests, first interview and assessment centre. And the process is pretty much the same wherever you apply. The first interview is with a manager/senior manager and are “very competency based”, so get those team-working examples ready. Also make sure why you have applied to a particular sector and can explain why it suits you. Candidates should have a good knowledge of the firm and current news events affecting business.

Clearing this hurdle opens the doors to an assessment centre, involving two e-tray exercises – a simulation of emails being received for 70 minutes, then 50 minutes to compose 2 long email reposes – a verbal/numerical test, a group exercise, lunch with current graduates, and an interview and pre-prepared presentation with a partner. Your presentation should demonstrate business understanding – it is not expected that you be an expert, you just have to show that you have some business sense. The assessment day has been described as “quite draining, but not too hard”, while interviews have called “very friendly”. According to our research you don’t have to wait long to find out if you’ve been successful, with one applicant reporting that they heard within two hours of finishing their last interview!

Current grads were teeming with advice for those wanting to place at the firm. “Apply early – particularly if you want to work in London” said one, while another advised applicants to “be confident as the interview process is less about what you say or do, and more about how you present yourself and interact with others”. An overriding theme is summed up in the following statement: “Being keen and interested is much more important than an extensive knowledge of accounting – they would rather have someone who has done an unrelated degree but is interested and wants to learn, than someone who is an expert”.

>> Practice Numerical and Verbal Tests used by employers

>> Practice In-tray / e-tray simulation tests

>> Improve your performance at Assessment Centres and Group Exercises

As ever “preparation is key”: know the firm, know the role, know the industry. One good way to do this is through an internship scheme. Don’t fear if you haven’t had the insight an internship offers, KPMG list the competencies they look for on their website. It would be a good idea to have a peek at them to find out what they want from you before you turn up for your interview!