Online Application
For the initial stage of the application process, your a required to submit your CV and provide basic personal information and academic history.
How to respond for success
I adapted my CV to be more finance based and made sure it was angled towards showing my problem-solving skills and experience.
Expect a 2 to 4-week wait before progressing to the next stage.
Online Tests
This stage of the application process comprises of 2 tests, one is a Situational Judgement Test and the other is a Numerical Reasoning exercise.
The Situational Judgement Test presents you with a number of realistic scenarios, to which there are a range of possible answers. Based on the info provided you'll need to decide which solution you are most and least likely to choose.
The Numerical Reasoning exercise is focused on how you can interpret statistical and numerical data.
How to respond for success
Try to remain calm in both tests, and don't get worked up over any tricky questions because this could affect your performance in other areas and leave you open to making simple errors. I would also advise you to brush up on basic mathematical concepts and if possible, some light work on manipulating / interpreting tables of numerical data.
Expect a 2 to 4-week wait before progressing to the next stage.
Video Interview
For this stage, you will be required to record answers to a number of short interview questions. The video interview consists of generic questions about why you want to work at Aon and what you would bring to the role. It's a real advantage here to have loads of company knowledge, so make sure you do your research on the firms core values, aims, and your departments recent business activities if possible.
Example task
What would you bring to the role?
How to respond for success
Don't focus too heavily on yourself. By this I mean highlight your own capabilities, whilst explaining how you can use these to help the team. It's also important to try and relate your skills to the skills that are required to succeed in the insurance/reinsurance industry if possible.
Expect a 1-2 month wait before progressing to the next stage.
Video Interview
For this stage, you will be required to record answers to a number of short interview questions. The video interview consists of generic questions about why you want to work at Aon and what you would bring to the role. It's a real advantage here to have loads of company knowledge, so make sure you do your research on the firms core values, aims, and your departments recent business activities if possible.
Example task
What would you bring to the role?
How to respond for success
Don't focus too heavily on yourself. By this I mean highlight your own capabilities, whilst explaining how you can use these to help the team. It's also important to try and relate your skills to the skills that are required to succeed in the insurance/reinsurance industry if possible.
Expect a 1-2 month wait before progressing to the next stage.
Assessment Centre
The assessment centre was really good, genuinely some of the nicest interviewers I have faced at any AC I've ever taken part in! It takes up most of the day and consists of 4 main activities. Depending on your performance here, this is the stage that could result in a job offer. Alternatively, you may be asked to attend one more final stage after this one.
The Assessment centre takes up most of the day and consists of the following exercises. In no particular order, you will complete an 'E-Tray exercise', which is a computer-based simulation of a real work situation and replicates an email inbox that contains information relating to a particular issue. There will also be a group assessment, which is a great opportunity to work collaboratively with other prospective candidates (these may be your future colleagues!) You will also be asked to prepare and present a presentation (topic selection varies year on year) to the interviewers, so I'd recommend brushing up on public speaking/presentation skills. Finally, you will have an Individual interview.
Example task
The E-Tray exercise was deceptively time pressured, so make sure you are aware of what's going on in the industry as well as knowing about Aon (e.g. number of colleagues, revenue, growth etc.). With regard to the presentation you get some scope to choose your own topic, so use this to your own advantage. Remember to have a short practice before presenting if you can! In the Individual interview expect standard questions, and try your best not to be nervous, the people are nice and easy to talk to!
How to respond for success
Try not to dominate the conversation in the group assessment. It's best to try and get your points across without always insisting on your way. You need to show that you have thought about other ideas and that you can surrender your idea if it's not the best suggestion made. I'd also strongly recommend that you practice your presentation. Throughout the day, don't worry about making mistakes here and there, nobody is expecting perfection!
Final interview
This final interview is a deep dive into your CV, so it's imperative that you know the content of it like the back of your hand! Make sure you can explain your experiences, skill sets and any qualifications that may stand out. The interviewers are trying to get to know you rather than trying to test you so try not to think that they're just assessing your academic profile!
Example task
How has your previous experience helped you to get where you are now?
How to respond for success
Make sure you emphasise your ambition to learn. I'd advise you also show that you want to be involved in Aon's future growth as a company and your professional goals are at least somewhat aligned with the goals of Aon. Try your best to not come off as over-confident, stay grounded and let your skills, experiences and profile speak for themselves.
Expect a 1-month wait before progressing to the next stage.
