I applied through an employee referral. The process took 4 weeks. I interviewed at PwC in Sept 2011
Interview
Was referred by one of the employees working there. It took them 2 weeks to contact me.
Initial discussion was with recruiter whose job is to chat with you and just go over your resume. Their job is to convince you to go for a lower position and salary. Recruiter explained me the process. She setup 1st round call after 2-3 weeks. Call was mainly a discussion of what I have done in past with a manager in the practice. Some behavioral questions but nothing difficult.
2nd round was set up with director of the practice after 1 week. His questions were mainly behavioral and process oriented. Questions were vague with nothing to do with work and my experience. Its mainly to understand your personality.
Finally I was invited to in person interview day. I was suppose to meet 4 people - 2 directors, 1 manager and 1 senior executive. Some 4-5 other candidates were also invited.
The discussions were friendly or they make it seem friendly while gauging you every single second. Nothing difficult or out of the ordinary. Questions like why do you want to join us, why consulting, why now, difficult situation you have faced etc. Mostly behavioral with some technical backdrop. Everyone kept stressing you should start low here and then move up even though you have experience. That's their standard spiel.
Recruiter called me next week letting me know that everyone liked me except the guy who mattered. Senior executive did not like my reasoning behind leaving one of the jobs but they were still considering me for the role and will do follow up interview for my particular skill set. It hasn't happened so far and it will not unless they need my skill set badly for a client.
It was clear they were looking for a guy with a few specific modules for current client which did not fit my profile which they don't tell you.
4 rounds (HR-Manager with case - Senior Manager with Case - Partner). HR was very proactive giving feedback quick. Final round took a lot of time to receive feedback. The interviews were ok to manage.
I applied through a staffing agency. I interviewed at PwC (Calcutta)
Interview
Two rounds of technical interview and then Hr discussion with negotiotion and all further to that documentation and offer. It is smooth. Preparation is required before appearing into any Big 4 interview.
The process is smooth and well defined rounds of interview:
1. Telephonic conversation with the recruiter 10-15 mins
2. Technical Round with Hiring manger 35-40 mins
3. HR round 30 mins
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
Why are you leaving your current company and joining PwC?