Online Application
It was a short application form that required basic details. No CV or cover letter was required and there were no extended answer written questions.
Expect an immediate invitation to the next stage.
Careers Unlocked Assessment
Careers unlocked is a game based assessment used by PwC, that substitutes the typical ‘aptitude test’ with more fun engaging games. You are asked to download an app from the app store and complete this stage of the application. The test is designed by Artic Shores, and it collects data from the way you address each task. PwC then uses this data to see if you are suitable for the role in which you are applying for. There was also a GCSE level numerical reasoning test at the end.
Example task
For example, there was a game where various shapes quickly appeared on the screen one after the other. If the shape had round edges, I had to press a certain button on the screen and if it had straight edges, I had to press another button.
How to respond for success
It's recommended that you do some some research on Artic Shores and there methods of assessment.
Expect a 2-4 week wait before progressing to the next stage.
Video Interview
This stage of the application process took place on Hirevue. It involved the common questions that you would expect, including competency and personality based questions. You will watch a short introductory video explaining the details of how the interview is conducted before being asked questions from a pre-recorded clip. For each question you have to prepare an answer and answer within the given time-frame.
Example task
Expect questions along the lines of Why this division? And, What kind of work do you think you will be doing in this division?.
How to respond for success
Make sure you dress appropriately, preferably business casual. It is vital you keep as much eye contact with the camera as possible because the assessor will know if you are looking elsewhere. Make sure to read up on your division, the kind of work they do and recent news events around your area, in Suruthi's case this would be recent developments in the Risk segment.
Expect anywhere up to a 1 month wait before progressing to the next stage.
Assessment Centre
This is the final stage of the application process. It was around 5 hours long with a number of short breaks. At the beginning of the AC, we were given an introduction into the platform that we were required to use, the rules which were in place and how we should behave. There was also an opportunity to ask questions.
One of the main tasks during the AC was responding to emails. This was to test the structure and quality of our responses as well as numerical skills. There were deadlines for the emails so it was important to manage your own time properly to make sure it was sent before the deadline.
There was also a group discussion based on a particular topic which we were given time to prepare for during the AC, so it is best to allocate preparation time during the AC to make notes for this. There were two other students in my group and a member of HR observing us.
In addition, there was a 1-1 interview with someone from HR which was competency and scenario based. Time management is key throughout so it is best to create your own timetable or schedule at the beginning of AC to make sure you submit everything on time and are not late for your interviews.
Example task
The email response task involved writing a short report (around one page) using the information provided and helping a colleague with a task.
The questions in the 1-1 interview were similar to the ones asked during the video interview interview.
How to respond for success
Time management is key. It is important to prioritise too, because you may not have enough time to complete all things being asked of you, don’t worry as this is done on purpose to see how you cope. It is also important to ensure that everyone has an opportunity to present their ideas in the group task. You should respond in a positive manner if someone mentions a good idea, ask questions to others if necessary and show that you are engaged throughout.
