PwC

With clients accounting for 40 per cent of companies in the FTSE 100, it’s no wonder that PwC is one of the companies at the top of the business world. With services that cover business consulting, audit, tax services and assurance, just to name a few, it is one of the largest companies in the world, boasting offices in 757 cities all over the world and over 161,000 employees. Its revenue in 2010 came in at 26.6 billion USD, so it’s clear that they are extremely successful at what they do.

PwC has so many roles and seats to fill that they’re constantly recruiting and on the lookout for bright minds. But this does not mean that the firm will take just anyone. PwC looks for bright, enthusiastic candidates who yes, test well, but the test is not the only thing they consider. The application process itself is not a “one size fits all” approach so the kind of interviews and assessments you will have to go through depends largely on the role you’re applying for.

You will first need to fill out an online application that requires basic personal information and history, as well as some questions about what your preferred client at PwC would be. In later stages of the process, this application form will come back into play so make sure you write about things you are familiar with and enthusiastic about. In the case of an in-person interview, the interviewer will often use this form as a guide, asking you to expand upon what it was you wrote so don’t just fill in this form and forget about it!

If you are successful in step one, you’ll next be asked to have a telephone interview. Many people find this kind of interview tricky because it’s easy for your mind to wander when you’re not actually looking at the person asking you questions. But another mistake is thinking it will be easy. Take your time to prepare, make sure you have a pen and paper in front of you for anything you want to write down, take deep breaths and answer every question enthusiastically. The interviewer will be looking to see how well you build a connection with them in a fairly impersonal situation, while also speaking intelligently.

Next you may be asked to take a technical test, depending on what you’re applying for. This is where people start to get really nervous – but don’t! PwC is good at taking into account all aspects of applications so they will never judge you solely on your technical test. Yes, they are timed tests, but you are not penalised for not finishing. Perhaps most importantly: if there is something on the test you’re not sure of, ask for clarification and that will give you the best chance at a high score.

>> Practice Numerical and Verbal Tests used by employers

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

>> Improve your performance at Assessment Centres and Group Exercises

Finally, at some point you will have a face-to-face interview with a partner or director, which has been described as more laid back than expected. Your interviewer is not interested in tripping you up, confusing you or asking you trick questions. Rather, they want to know what makes you tick, why you’ve chosen to go for a job at PwC, and what industry news you’ve been keeping up-to-date with. Some interviewers will focus on what you think needs to be done at PwC, so make sure you spend some time thinking about strategies you believe the company should take and the strengths and weaknesses of the firm.

The process may seem lengthy but PwC is the biggest player around and therefore the procedure is accordingly stringent. Do note though, the recruitment process will vary depending on the division and regional office applied to. Above all if you relax, take your time and express yourself clearly and enthusiastically, you may be a PwC employee sooner than you think!