Online Application
In this part of the application you have to fill out: Personal details, work experience and education along with two written questions. This process will take around 30 minutes. It is key here to tailor your previous experience to match the job role. The written question was “tell us about your motivations in applying for the role”
How to respond for success
Here I ensured to tailor my experiences to match the role and its requirements. From my previous work experience I focused on areas that were based around the use of data, data manipulation and spotting numerical trends. My BSc Finance degree works well in terms of being able to talk about the numerical aspect of the job. This looks more favourable on you as you are already matched with the role from the employer perspective.
Expect a 2 week wait before advancing to the next stage.
Video Interview
This part of the assessment was a standard HireVue video interview which consisted of around 7 questions. In these questions you had 1 minute to prepare and 3 attempts to record each question. I tended to use the first to practise, make sure to use all the attempts if you need. These questions were about a mixture of role-based and competency-based.
Example
“Why have you chosen to apply at VW”
“Tell us about a time where you have worked in a team”
“Introduce yourself and why you are suited to the role”
How to respond for success
My first main advice would be to do thorough research on both the role and the company. I stood out because I showed my passion and research on the automotive industry. If you can bring in key news stories or industry trends you will definitely impress. Additionally try and bring in a range of experiences. The wider variety you have the more initiative you are seen to have. Even pick out learning points from experiences that may seem insignificant. Finally, ensure you speak clearly, look into the camera and have positive body language.
Expect a 2-4 week wait before advancing to the next stage.
Assessment Centre
The assessment centre was a full day in Volkswagen learning centre in Milton Keynes. There was 3 sections: Group Task, Individual presentation and Competency based interview.
Group task:
The group task meant working with 4 other individuals and we had to complete a task in which we had to discuss options and present. We had 25 minutes to prepare and then 15 minutes for questions and presentations. Every member of the group had to prepare. The presentation was to 6 assessors.
Individual presentation:
This presentation topic was sent to me 1 week before the assessment centre day. You had to pick out key information, present sales solutions, consider risk and implementation issues. This presentation should be around 10 slides and last no more than 10 minutes. It was delivered to two hiring managers.
Individual interview:
This interview did not take a standard form. It took a “speed-dating form”. There were 4 tables each with 2 assessors on each. You moved from table to table answering one question at each within a two minute timeframe. The whole process took around 10 minutes. The questions were focused purely on competencies, each table focusing on a competency.
Example
Video Interview
This part of the assessment was a standard HireVue video interview which consisted of around 7 questions. In these questions you had 1 minute to prepare and 3 attempts to record each question. I tended to use the first to practise, make sure to use all the attempts if you need. These questions were about a mixture of role-based and competency-based.
Example
“Why have you chosen to apply at VW”
“Tell us about a time where you have worked in a team”
“Introduce yourself and why you are suited to the role”
How to respond for success
My first main advice would be to do thorough research on both the role and the company. I stood out because I showed my passion and research on the automotive industry. If you can bring in key news stories or industry trends you will definitely impress. Additionally try and bring in a range of experiences. The wider variety you have the more initiative you are seen to have. Even pick out learning points from experiences that may seem insignificant. Finally, ensure you speak clearly, look into the camera and have positive body language.
Expect a 2-4 week wait before advancing to the next stage.
Assessment Centre
The assessment centre was a full day in Volkswagen learning centre in Milton Keynes. There was 3 sections: Group Task, Individual presentation and Competency based interview.
Group task:
The group task meant working with 4 other individuals and we had to complete a task in which we had to discuss options and present. We had 25 minutes to prepare and then 15 minutes for questions and presentations. Every member of the group had to prepare. The presentation was to 6 assessors.
Individual presentation:
This presentation topic was sent to me 1 week before the assessment centre day. You had to pick out key information, present sales solutions, consider risk and implementation issues. This presentation should be around 10 slides and last no more than 10 minutes. It was delivered to two hiring managers.
Individual interview:
This interview did not take a standard form. It took a “speed-dating form”. There were 4 tables each with 2 assessors on each. You moved from table to table answering one question at each within a two minute timeframe. The whole process took around 10 minutes. The questions were focused purely on competencies, each table focusing on a competency.
Example
Group task:
Our task was a survival scenario in which you had to pick 7 essential items from 20 to survive. It is designed to test your ability to work as a team, not the items you actually pick. An example question (during presentation) was “how did you find managing disagreements”
Individual presentation:
The task was to provide a sales solution to a struggling branch of Skoda (VW group brand). You had to analyse and present data on which branch to pick. You then had to present your solution. Sources included sales figures, customer satisfaction rates and footfall numbers.
Individual interview:
“Tell us a time where you challenged traditional models”
“Tell us a time where it was difficult to manage a workplace relationship”
How to respond for success
Group task:
Here my main advice is to listen and build on the suggestions of others. Many were keen to talk deeply about essential items but it's important to realise it's more about the approach and teamwork capability. I made sure to suggest organisation tips and deliver the end result. When presenting I made sure to show confidence and passion along with answering questions honestly.
Individual presentation:
Here I wanted to make sure my presentation was well timed and rehearsed. I wanted to be confident in my approach and solution. I took two solution: one focusing on direct solutions such as discounts and the other on building a more positive culture. It took a long term perspective, considered industry trends and was achievable. The content I provided was different, valuable and in-depth. This allowed me to stand out.
Individual Interview:
Due to the pressured scenario it was important to focus on the individual questions rather than making good impressions on the assessors. Don’t be afraid to call on the same experiences for each set of accessors and tailor it to the individual competency. I made sure to be passionate, proactive and intuitive.
