Online Application
I had to fill in all personal details along with details from past experiences and internships, along with the specifics of my academics. It was optional to upload a cover letter for this role, I chose not too.
How to respond for success
Focus the responsibilities and achievements from past experiences on the use of data, spotting patterns and contributing towards development. Concentrate on spotting opportunities and forming processes to maximise them. I chose to talk further about my course modules as they focused on working with large amounts of data and further interpreting it. Even from the first stage of this application process, you can show your skills fit the role.
Expect a 2 week wait before advancing to the next stage.
Virtual Interview
This interview lasted 45 minutes and was taken by the talent acquisition team at Cummins. Questions were a mixture of strength-based questions, competency-based questions and questions regarding the role. This part of the process also was to confirm genuine interest in the role. For example, the interviewer gave further details on the role specifics, the location and asked further questions about right-to-work. Ensure you listen carefully to the information and confirm your interest for the role. There is also an opportunity at the end of the interview to ask any questions you may have. The overall purpose of this stage is to confirm your skills, understand your strengths and assess your overall suitability to the role.
Example
“Tell us a time where you have had to analyse a large amount data, what were the key metrics”
“Tell us about a time where you challenged traditional models”
“What attracted you to Cummins as a company and what interests you about the industry”
How to respond for success
My advice for students at this stage would be to have a great understanding of the role itself. Pick out key skills that will be required and make sure you have tailored experiences to this. At this stage, the interviewer is not looking for much for your ability to fit into the team but to know your strengths and gauge your fit with the role itself. Additionally, you need to show your interest for the industry. Pick out some key case studies of how Cummins have helped companies. Try and focus on the global nature of Cummins business activities. It is also a great idea to come up with some unique questions you can ask. The talent acquisition team have great knowledge of the role. You should try and exploit this by asking in-depth questions, it is also a great opportunity for you to ensure you are fit the role.
Expect a 2 week wait before advancing to the next stage.
Virtual Interview
This interview lasted 45 minutes and was taken by the talent acquisition team at Cummins. Questions were a mixture of strength-based questions, competency-based questions and questions regarding the role. This part of the process also was to confirm genuine interest in the role. For example, the interviewer gave further details on the role specifics, the location and asked further questions about right-to-work. Ensure you listen carefully to the information and confirm your interest for the role. There is also an opportunity at the end of the interview to ask any questions you may have. The overall purpose of this stage is to confirm your skills, understand your strengths and assess your overall suitability to the role.
Example
“Tell us a time where you have had to analyse a large amount data, what were the key metrics”
“Tell us about a time where you challenged traditional models”
“What attracted you to Cummins as a company and what interests you about the industry”
How to respond for success
My advice for students at this stage would be to have a great understanding of the role itself. Pick out key skills that will be required and make sure you have tailored experiences to this. At this stage, the interviewer is not looking for much for your ability to fit into the team but to know your strengths and gauge your fit with the role itself. Additionally, you need to show your interest for the industry. Pick out some key case studies of how Cummins have helped companies. Try and focus on the global nature of Cummins business activities. It is also a great idea to come up with some unique questions you can ask. The talent acquisition team have great knowledge of the role. You should try and exploit this by asking in-depth questions, it is also a great opportunity for you to ensure you are fit the role.
Expect a 2 week wait before advancing to the next stage.
Final interview
This interview focused more on how you would acclimate specifically to the individual team you would be placed in. My interview took place with both a senior member and junior member of the business development team. The interview itself felt very conversational based rather than technical. The interview lasted 1 hour and consisted of questions from both team members. Most of the questions focused on my personality and working style, a few were about the industry and the company. In preparation of this interview, you are required to create 1 slide introducing yourself.
Example
“Tell us about yourself”
“What are your hobbies and interests”
“Run us through your past experiences”
How to respond for success
My main advice at this stage is to be yourself and show your true personality. This is the team you will be reporting too. It is important that you are honest and act with integrity. I focused away from my technical skills and when referring to my past experiences I spoke about my overall attitude to work and learning. This mainly entailed my motivation, hunger to learn and resilience. Don’t be afraid to be having a conversation with the interviewers, at the end of the day they want to know they can work with you. As a note, I researched the role of my assessors previous to the interview and prepared role-specific questions for them. I also brought current affairs into my conversations also.
