What was the full recruitment process?
1. Application
2. Assessment centre
Which aspect does this report cover?
Assessment centre
Where did the assessment centre take place?
In person
What did the assessment centre involve?
Welcome
We all waited at reception and then two members of HR came over and split the group of 12 in half. 6 people went into one room for a group exercise, and 6 of us stayed and were then individually taken away by someone from the firm for an interview.
Interview
I was asked a set list of competency questions and motivation questions by two partners. It felt pretty rigid – as if the partners weren’t able to depart from the set list of questions or ask follow-up questions. Questions I was asked included:
Group exercise
We were given 20 minutes to read the brief and background materials. As part of this, we each had some information that the others were also given, as well some information that the others didn’t have. In particular, we each were allocated a different potential investment opportunity for a fictional client. These included a charity investment, a partnership opportunity, and investment in expanding into a new market.
We then had 30 minutes to discuss the information within our group of 6, in front of two associates who were posing as clients, and to prepare a group presentation. After this, we had 40 minutes to present as a group on which investment opportunity the client should pursue, and answer questions from the associates relating to why we chose the particular investment opportunity. We also had to rank the other investment opportunities and provide justification for why we didn’t go with them.
Networking
This part was unassessed. Coffee and sandwiches were laid out in the common area, and trainees and associates joined us.
What was the outcome?
Still awaiting a response.
Do you have any specific advice on how to prepare?
I was given only one day’s notice of the interview, so didn’t have much of a chance to prepare. Brush up on commercial deals.
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