Congratulations, you have reached the final stage of the application process and we’re delighted to invite you along to our assessment centre!
What to expect
The assessment centre will consist of a competency-based interview and a case study presentation which will last approximately 2.5 hours including a break between exercises. We advise to plan on the basis of assessment centres taking 3 hours to allow for any delays.
The assessment centre will begin with a competency-based interview. You will be interviewed by a Partner and a member of the HR team.
The 15-minute interval will commence once the interview has ended.
After the break, you will be asked to discuss the research topic provided in the link below. Please note you will be seen by a different Partner and HR member for your case study presentation.
Interview
Your interview time and location have been confirmed in an email sent to you via Candid. If you have any questions, please contact Graduate Recruitment and we’ll be pleased to help.
Ahead of your assessment centre, could you please send a headshot photo of yourself to gradrecruitment@burnesspaull.com.
Top tips for your interview:
- Prepare questions for the interviewers in advance. If your prepared questions have been answered before you have the chance to ask, don’t be afraid to say this - it shows you have prepared but you feel they have been already addressed.
- To prepare for competency questions consider specific examples of where you have demonstrated key skills, for example in your part time work or university studies. Competency questions will focus on past experiences, so it is useful to have examples prepared.
- Practice using the STAR technique. This is the best way to structure competency examples in an interview.
- Motivational questions focus on your ambition and motivation for the role. These are a really good opportunity to showcase what you know about the firm and your understanding of the skills you need to be a successful trainee.
- Commercial awareness is also a key attribute we expect candidates to demonstrate when applying for a traineeship or vacation placement. You can improve your commercial awareness by doing research and keeping up with current affairs and industry challenges, using social media to keep up with current events and topical discussions, and developing your own opinions on these matters, so you are able to provide your thoughts or recommendations on key issues.
Research task
You can access your case study topic here.
It’s not necessary to prepare a PowerPoint presentation, but you are welcome to if you prefer.
You’ll be invited to give your presentation after the interval, where you will have 10 minutes to present your findings, followed by questions from the interview panel.
If you are using a presentation please ensure you send this to gradrecruitment@burnesspaull.com no later than 24 hours before your assessment centre time/date.
Top tips for your presentation:
- Consider your structure. You will only have 10 minutes to communicate your key points and highlight your knowledge on the topic. Consider the best structure for you to demonstrate your skills most effectively.
- Practice your presentation with a friend or family member before you present, to make sure you’re covering all the key information in the allotted time.
We look forward to meeting you on the day but if you have any questions meantime please contact GradRecruitment@burnesspaull.com.
