Graduate Programmer
Interview process
I had two face to face interviews. The first one was 40 minutes and was just a case of talking through my CV and talking about my current job and university degree, I was presented a selection of questions based around my personality and how I would deal with different situations.
My second interview was an hour long and the questions were based more around the job role. I had to answer competency questions based on the job I would be doing with the company.
My second interview was an hour long and the questions were based more around the job role. I had to answer competency questions based on the job I would be doing with the company.
Most difficult question
'Describe your weaknesses' - This was the hardest question I was presented with, I found it's actually very hard to come to terms with your weaknesses and talk about them to a potential employer. People are always quick to point out their strengths but when the situation is reversed, its not as easy!
Interview tips
Make sure you read up on the company before the interview, know what its core values are and think about how you are suited to the role and what you can bring to the company. Make sure your personality shines through, my degree wasn't directly related to the role, neither did I have as much experience in it as other candidates, but I was offered the position based on enthusiasm and willingness to learn.
Experiences at the assessment centre
The assessment centre was located at the company head office. There were around 15 candidates at the assessment centre in my group (although 4 assessment sessions were being held). We participated in a group activity where we were presented with scenarios and had to talk through how to solve them while being observed. The atmosphere was very tense and stressful, with all candidates trying to out-shine one and other. The assessment centre also carried out a quiz that tested our general knowledge about the company and its history.
Interview steps
Interviews:
- Phone
- 1:1
- Group / Panel
- Senior Management
- Video
Tests:
- Numerical
- Personality
- Verbal reasoning
- Psychometric
Other:
- Assessment centre
- Group exercise
- Background check
- Presentation
- Competency based questions