Online application
In some divisions CV's are not required, just completing an application that will create your profile for you. (Check the website of your division). In my case a cover letter was not needed.
How to respond for success
Tailor your CV using keywords from the description of the division you're applying for. Use these words when describing the competency skills you have learned from your experiences. Mentioning any extracurricular activities (especially leadership roles) will make you stand out.
Expect a 1-week wait before advancing to the next stage.
Online Tests
This assessment measures your cognitive skills and behavioural preferences and looks at your numerical and abstract reasoning abilities, and natural behaviour preferences: for instance, how you tackle challenges, work towards goals or make decisions! It takes around 1 hour to complete, and while you aren’t timed, be mindful of how long you take to finish the assessment; you get an instant result once you have submitted. There are 12 modules overall - 12000 data points are gathered throughout the entire test! Each line of service values different traits so there is no set ‘pass’ rate - just answer honestly. You will be provided a personal report identifying your strengths and areas for development.
To prepare for this stage, you may find it useful to revise some of the basic areas covered in GCSE maths - such as averages, percentages, fractions, ration, currency conversions, manipulating and interpreting data - using BBC Bitesize to practice. The test will be tailored to the line of service you’re applying for - for example, Audit and Tax will have a heavier numerical emphasis, whereas Legal will have some abstract reasoning tests!
Example task
This stage assesses personality traits (such as cognition, thinking style - e.g. do you take risks?, interpersonal style, personal style, delivery style) and includes aptitude tests (numerical and inductive reasoning)
How to respond for success
The best advice to give would be to know the basics of maths thoroughly. Therefore, review basic maths, such as: averages, percentages, fractions, ration, currency conversions, manipulating and interpreting data. The majority of these are GCSE and online resources can be found easily. Make use of them and do not oversell yourself.
Expect a 2-week wait before progressing to the next stage.
Video Interview
In this stage you record your response to a range of questions and case studies which bring to life the range of work PwC do and what it is like to work there. Research the PwC Professional and think about how you have demonstrated each of these previously! Speak to your Programme Coordinator if you’re unsure of how to talk about specific skills. You may be asked a variety of questions - based on scenarios, motivational questions and a case study or / service line specific question.
For the scenario and motivation questions, you will get approximately 2 minutes to prepare, and 3 minutes to record each question. Can you think what main skills and qualities make you suitable for the role that you’re applying for? Think about why you want to work at PwC. What makes them stand out compared to the other firms in the Big Four? What have you discovered about PwC whilst researching the firm / attending any virtual or in-person events?
For the case study / service line specific questions, you will get approx. 10 minutes to prepare, and 5 minutes to answer - you will be provided with information and asked to draw conclusions / make recommendations. Commercial awareness is helpful here for context but you shouldn’t need significant insight outside of the information provided to you You get a chance to practice at the beginning, but you can only record responses to questions once. Make sure you are dressed appropriately (PwC operate a dress for your day policy) and have checked your technology in advance! Make sure you do the practice test beforehand, to ensure you are as prepared as possible!
Example task
The interviewer will ask a range of questions from the typical and expected, "Why PwC?" and "Tell me about yourself". They will likely also ask more focused questions surrounding the line of service you are applying for. An example would be, "What news have you read that affects the line of service you're working for?
How to respond for success
The best advice for the interview is to use the STAR technique. This is especially useful in the competency questions. Alternatively, you could practice the interview by recording yourself from your laptop prior to the interview. I'd urge you to wear a suit, unless you're in the tech division where it is slightly less formal. Lastly, have a look at PwC's values and consider how you can implement them and think about examples of when you have used them.
Expect a 1-month wait before progressing to the next stage.
Video Interview
In this stage you record your response to a range of questions and case studies which bring to life the range of work PwC do and what it is like to work there. Research the PwC Professional and think about how you have demonstrated each of these previously! Speak to your Programme Coordinator if you’re unsure of how to talk about specific skills. You may be asked a variety of questions - based on scenarios, motivational questions and a case study or / service line specific question.
For the scenario and motivation questions, you will get approximately 2 minutes to prepare, and 3 minutes to record each question. Can you think what main skills and qualities make you suitable for the role that you’re applying for? Think about why you want to work at PwC. What makes them stand out compared to the other firms in the Big Four? What have you discovered about PwC whilst researching the firm / attending any virtual or in-person events?
For the case study / service line specific questions, you will get approx. 10 minutes to prepare, and 5 minutes to answer - you will be provided with information and asked to draw conclusions / make recommendations. Commercial awareness is helpful here for context but you shouldn’t need significant insight outside of the information provided to you You get a chance to practice at the beginning, but you can only record responses to questions once. Make sure you are dressed appropriately (PwC operate a dress for your day policy) and have checked your technology in advance! Make sure you do the practice test beforehand, to ensure you are as prepared as possible!
Example task
The interviewer will ask a range of questions from the typical and expected, "Why PwC?" and "Tell me about yourself". They will likely also ask more focused questions surrounding the line of service you are applying for. An example would be, "What news have you read that affects the line of service you're working for?
How to respond for success
The best advice for the interview is to use the STAR technique. This is especially useful in the competency questions. Alternatively, you could practice the interview by recording yourself from your laptop prior to the interview. I'd urge you to wear a suit, unless you're in the tech division where it is slightly less formal. Lastly, have a look at PwC's values and consider how you can implement them and think about examples of when you have used them.
Expect a 1-month wait before progressing to the next stage.
Assessment Centre
The final stage of the recruitment process at PwC for most roles* is a virtual immersive assessment centre called a ‘Virtual Career Focus Day’. It brings together everything you’ve learnt about PwC so far as an immersive ‘day in the life’ experience. You’ll work in groups and individually, on a variety of case studies that help you learn even more about the work that PwC do. There will also be a numerical element this year - make sure to do some practice tests in advance.
What employers are often looking for in a report writing exercise is that you are able to understand information in a short space of time, and put forward key recommendations and suggestions both accurately and efficiently. Attention to detail is also very important - make sure you read the question thoroughly to ensure you're aware of what's asked of you, and make notes of your ideas as you read through information.
You may also come across a group exercise too. It’s important to find the balance between leading and staying too quiet, expressing your opinion and dominating the discussion. The objective is not always to have your point incorporated into the conclusion, but how you present your points and work with others. For this part of the assessment, PwC’s ‘Whole Leadership’ characteristic is very important - think about how you can lead yourself and others towards a shared goal! A member of the PwC Student Recruitment Team will call you to arrange a ‘Connect Call’ before your Career Focus Day - if you miss the call, make sure to return their phone call to rearrange!
Example task
One of the activities that you may come across is a report writing exercise, where you will have to come up with an approx. 500 word summary of opportunities, threats and recommendations for a fictitious client. To practice for this type of reporting writing exercise, find an article about the service line that you’re applying for / interested in exploring, and summarise the key argument in 3 bullet points. Aim to do this once or twice a week - does it get easier? Give yourself a timeframe to complete this exercise, start with 15 minutes, then 10… then 5! You could also use a tool like SWOT or PESTEL to select the main threats, opportunities, strengths or weaknesses posed on the organisation by a particular issue.
You will have a 1-to-1 interview with a member of PwC staff as part of this stage. It’s essential that you have researched the role and location thoroughly, why PwC appeals to you as an organisation, and why it could be a place to begin your early career! Alongside motivational questions, you could also be asked some scenario or strengths based questions too - make sure that you have researched the PwC Professional, and thought about how you can relate to each of these characteristics. See the end of this guide for some example questions that you could practice.
How to respond for success
Get to know the key competencies of the PwC Professional – PwC will be looking for demonstrations of these throughout your answers at each stage. Research the opportunities for career development at the firm! Where could you see yourself in 5 years time?
