Online Application
At this stage, I submitted answers to an ‘application questionnaire’ regarding my interest in the role and company. I also submitted my CV, and answered questions regarding eligibility and reasonable adjustments.
How to respond for success
I did a lot of research into what Data Analysis is in order to best describe how my skills suited the role. I also found ways to align my personal values with Fujitsu’s values which I think really helped my CV. Key things I mentioned: Passion for problem solving fantastic critical thinking and exceptional communication skills thanks to my strong work experience history. I believe my work experience and ability to communicate well gave me an edge over those who were just interested in tech.
Expect up to a 1-2 week wait wait before advancing to the next stage.
Situational Judgement Test
10 minutes after sending my application I received an email to complete a strengths-based assessment which was more of a situational judgement test. I did not prepare for this as I felt that there wasn’t much preparing necessary, I knew the companies values and what type of candidate they were looking for based on the job description and therefore tailored my answers to make me their ideal candidate.
Example
General brain teaser questions and some scenario based questions too.
How to respond for success
I didn’t act differently in my answers, I was myself and tried to avoid always answering with what the recruitment team would want me to answer with.
Expect an immediate invitation to the next stage.
Virtual Interview
Less than an hour after completing the initial assessment, I received an email to say I had made it to the next stage and was invited to complete a video interview which had to be completed within 5 days. During this stage, you are given a question on the screen, then 1 minute to come up with an answer before your camera starts to immediately record your answer. You cannot watch your answer back as it is submitted straight away. Ways I prepared for the video interview: Researched the company and typical data analytics interview questions. 1 day after completing the strength assessment I received a personal report based on my answers where it told me my strengths and weaknesses. I shortly then received an email to say that my application had been put on hold.
Example
Why should you be chosen for this role?
How to respond for success
I was honest, bubbly, enthusiastic and passionate. I didn’t act differently, and I believe my personality carried me through my interview stage. Be yourself, be honest, and enjoy the process as even if you don’t get the job, it was a learning experience!
Expect a 2-3 month wait before advancing to the next stage.
Assessment Centre
Over a month later I was informed that I passed the video interview. 2 months after that I was invited to an assessment centre. This was 3 hours long. We also had to produce a 3-minute presentation (which I speak about in my next answer). I chose to make my presentation simple, but unique and my aim was to show my passion for the role. I referred to the women’s business network and Fujitsu’s sustainability goals, along with how I believe my personal interests align with this particular job role – I love problem solving. Again, the best way to prepare for this is to research the company and the job description and I google searched ‘what makes a good data analyst’. I was invited to a coaching call prior to the assessment centre to prepare us for the day however I was unable to attend.
Example
I was asked to produce a 3-minute presentation for the assessment centre based on this question: ‘At Fujitsu you can shape your future by building your own path to success. What excites you about Fujitsu and tell us why a career in Data Analytics interests you the most?’
On the day of the assessment centre, we were split into groups and had to work as a team in order to choose which customer to make a deal with based on Fujitsu’s goals and values.
How to respond for success
I didn’t act differently in my answers, I was myself and tried to avoid always answering with what the recruitment team would want me to answer with.
Expect an immediate invitation to the next stage.
Virtual Interview
Less than an hour after completing the initial assessment, I received an email to say I had made it to the next stage and was invited to complete a video interview which had to be completed within 5 days. During this stage, you are given a question on the screen, then 1 minute to come up with an answer before your camera starts to immediately record your answer. You cannot watch your answer back as it is submitted straight away. Ways I prepared for the video interview: Researched the company and typical data analytics interview questions. 1 day after completing the strength assessment I received a personal report based on my answers where it told me my strengths and weaknesses. I shortly then received an email to say that my application had been put on hold.
Example
Why should you be chosen for this role?
How to respond for success
I was honest, bubbly, enthusiastic and passionate. I didn’t act differently, and I believe my personality carried me through my interview stage. Be yourself, be honest, and enjoy the process as even if you don’t get the job, it was a learning experience!
Expect a 2-3 month wait before advancing to the next stage.
Assessment Centre
Over a month later I was informed that I passed the video interview. 2 months after that I was invited to an assessment centre. This was 3 hours long. We also had to produce a 3-minute presentation (which I speak about in my next answer). I chose to make my presentation simple, but unique and my aim was to show my passion for the role. I referred to the women’s business network and Fujitsu’s sustainability goals, along with how I believe my personal interests align with this particular job role – I love problem solving. Again, the best way to prepare for this is to research the company and the job description and I google searched ‘what makes a good data analyst’. I was invited to a coaching call prior to the assessment centre to prepare us for the day however I was unable to attend.
Example
I was asked to produce a 3-minute presentation for the assessment centre based on this question: ‘At Fujitsu you can shape your future by building your own path to success. What excites you about Fujitsu and tell us why a career in Data Analytics interests you the most?’
On the day of the assessment centre, we were split into groups and had to work as a team in order to choose which customer to make a deal with based on Fujitsu’s goals and values.
How to respond for success
During the teamwork stage I was scared that my voice would go unheard as wasn’t the loudest person in the room however Instead of being the loudest in the room, I waited and formed an educated opinion which I eventually voiced to the team and this actually changed the path we chose to go down so my advice would be to speak with intention not for attention. Also, I wore a blouse (It was all online so I was able to wear comfy trousers!) During the 3-minute presentation, this was 1-on-1 with 2 managers so it wasn’t as scary as I thought it would be. I tried to be relaxed and chatty as opposed to being serious as I wanted my personality to shine during this 1-on-1 opportunity.
Expect an immediate invitation to the next stage.
Final Interview
Finally, 30 minutes after the assessment centre ended, I received an email invite to an interview for 2 hours later that day. I did not prepare one bit, I revised my CV, application and 3-minute presentation so that I could be sure that everything I has said about myself so far was aligned and that way I could fill-in any gaps during this interview. This call lasted 30 minutes.
Example
They asked me questions about my technical and problem-solving knowledge.
How to respond for success
I was super honest about my lack of technical knowledge and therefore took a different approach as I had very little technical skills to offer. I chose to be chatty and friendly and make the managers laugh and at times I did fumble on the technical questions, but they valued my honesty and when I had no answer to a question, I made it abundantly clear that it was my ultimate goal to make sure I would know the answer to that by the time my apprenticeship started. I really showed my passion and enthusiasm during this stage.
