After submitting my CV I had to complete the mandatory online tests. If you pass them, then you arrange a telephone interview, where I was asked only 2 questions; why atkins and why management consulting (so pretty straight forward). Then I was invited to an assessment day with roughly 10 other candidates. It consisted of a written excercise, which was writing a business report about a case study (information is provided to you). A technical interview, which was me carrying out a presentation which I was allowed to prepare for a week before, plus further questions on it afterwards, and then a mix of motivational, competancy and situational questions. After that I had a group excercise, which was going through a case study in a group (pretty straight forward). Finally, a Q&A with some memebers of the existing team, which was my chance to ask any lingering questions I had (not sure if this part is assessed). I was called 6 working days later with an offer.

Standard process up to telephone interview which just asked motivations for applying and how your skills align. Then invited to assessment centre which consisted of: 1) 10 min presentation that we had already prepared given to a panel of three, they then spend 15 minutes asking you questions about it and challenging some of your decisions. Think about what questions they might have when you have written your presentation so you can get ahead of it. This then continues into the ‘technical’ interview asking what you would do in various business scenarios, how you would manage stakeholders, define various business terms like a project, program, lean vs agile vs waterfall etc. 2) Q&A session. They give you some summaries of a few recent grads roles and what they’ve been working on and then you chat about what stood out that you’d like/dislike. This is a super relaxed very conversational chat and they’re just getting to know how you see yourself fitting in and which role might suit your motivations. Have questions prepared for this as I only had one and think a couple more might have showed more enthusiasm. 3) Group Task: given info pack to read alone then had to discuss as a group and come to a conclusion on what actions to take. The task itself is really not difficult at all just make sure you manage time and get everyone to have an input, it’s about working as a team and ensuring you consider all points of view, don’t be that person that likes the sound of their own voice too much. 4) Written task: you are given a pack similar structure to group task but alone and asked to write a report on your opinions and recommendations. Time is very tight here and I barely just covered the three points they ask you to, if you can have a timer out I would advise it and be strict. My overall advice for the day would be to read up on consultancy approach and how to manage clients and stakeholders etc, a lot of the technical interview was about that. There are no competency or CV questions whatsoever, they seemed to care more that you have business awareness than having any particular personality traits or experience that might make you suited for the role. They take 2 weeks to give you an outcome and I’m awaiting mine.