I applied online. The process took 1 week. I interviewed at RSM in Dec 2015
Interview
Recruiter contacted me regarding an initial telephone interview for a date and time. When the time came for the interview, no phone call. Followed up to see if there was a problem, no response. Tried contacting the next several days with no response. In 15 years of working in Human Resources I never saw such unprofessionalism. No response from the recruiter.
I applied online. The process took 2 months. I interviewed at RSM
Interview
Applied online through company website, which involved basic details and motivational questions. Next stage, was an assessment centre where we had to complete psychometric tests. Next assessment centre involved a group exercise, interview and presentation. Finally, I had a partner interview at the office in which i applied for.
I applied through a recruiter. The process took 2 weeks. I interviewed at RSM (Milton Keynes, England) in Dec 2015
Interview
The entire application had 3 stages:
1. Numerical & Verbal Reasoning Tests
2. HR & Audit Manager Interview
3. Case Study & Partner Interview
1. These were sat in the RSM office where I applied, I was given a 10 page booklet with verbal and numerical information mixed together and 10 minutes to read through before being given the questions. I had to answer 40 verbal questions in 20 minutes and 35 numerical questions in 30 minutes.
2. This Interview was competency based, example of where I had shown specific skills, why I wanted to work in audit and there were also a few questions regarding my education why I picked my subjects and university.
3. The case study was a one page report on a company that was failing I had 30 minutes to prepare a presentation detailing my recommendations and the changes I would make to turn the company around. I then presented these to a partner. There were a few follow up questions and short discussion about the case study followed by a few questions about myself. The partner was extremely enthusiastic and this interview was extremely relaxed and conversational.
My advice for anyone applying is to do some real research. Research the firm and it's client base and also the industry; if you can find something that is changing or a challenge that the firm may face then this will give you an edge, think about changes in regulation (such as the European audit directives) and how this might effect the firm in the future. Other than that be yourself and be honest, these guys give hundreds of interviews and will be able to tell if your answers are not genuine and remember that they are not looking for the finished article, you are graduates with next to no experience, so be confident.
I received an offer the following day which I have accepted.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
Describe how you have dealt with a conflict?
What is Audit? What is a typical day for a graduate?
What do you know about the ACA Qualification?