Application and interview advice
Online application
Making a good application takes time, energy and thought. Like most employers, we
do receive a large volume of applications for some roles.
The key to success lies in preparation and careful reflection on the role and your
skills. For this reason the most important work comes long before you log on to
your PC.
You need to gather as much information as possible about yourself, us – BDO
Stoy Hayward – and the accountancy profession to ensure you’re making
the right choice.
Here are some common sense points to consider when completing your online application
to us:
- Be sure you have the academic requirements we're looking for. If you don't, but there are extenuating circumstances, we'd still be very interested in hearing from you.
- Make sure you answer each question fully and properly. Your objective is to ensure
that you have presented clear evidence that you possess all the qualities and skills
that we require.
- We are interested in what you've done, but we are even more interested in what you
have achieved or learned from the experience.
- Write in rough first, reflect and re-write before completing detailed questions
on-line.
- Please keep to the suggested word limits. Accurate, concise answers are generally better received.
- Remember to save your application regularly – you don’t have to complete it all at once. You can save and come back to it later to make sure you include all the information you want to submit.
- Grammar and spell-check, and get someone to proof read your application.
- Print a copy of your application; you might need to refer to it again.
Online ability tests
If you’ve never completed a numerical or verbal ability test before, it’s
worth getting in some practice.
Before we ask you to start the online tests for real, we’ll give you a number
of example questions that are marked immediately and feed back your score. You won’t
be able to start a test until all practice questions are answered
correctly. This way you’ll understand the idea of the questions before the
test begins in earnest. Further tips are:
- Make sure you are relaxed and ready before you start the test.
- Ensure the environment in which you take the test allows you to concentrate.
- Don’t get stuck on an individual question, move on to the next one if you
don’t know the answers.
- Make sure you take the tests yourself as you may be chosen to be part of a random
selection of applicants who will be re-tested.
Interviews
Preparation is key to a successful interview. Following the tips below will assist you prior to, and during the interview.
Before the interview
- Make sure you know where you are going and who you are meeting. (We have location
maps on our website for you to print).
- Leave yourself plenty of time. It is better to arrive early then late!
- Research is vital. Be prepared to discuss why you want to join us and the business
sector to which you’ve applied. Impress them by knowing key facts about the
firm, the business area you’re applying to and the qualification route.
- Review your application before your interview. Your interviewer will be referring
to this during your interview so it’s important you remember what you put
down.
During the interview
The interview will be competency based and your interviewer will be looking for
behavioural evidence from your past that shows you are strong in certain competencies.
- Be yourself! We want to know the real you. Relax and answer the questions
as honestly as you can… and don’t forget to smile.
- Speak clearly and concisely.
- Listen to the question and make sure that your answers are relevant to the question and cover the competency you are being asked about.
- Think about questions that you want to ask the interviewer. Remember, an interview is a two-way process and you should be making a decision as to whether you want to work for us as well.
Assessment day
Before attending an assessment day, we advise that you undertake the following tasks:
- Check travel options and ensure you know where you are going.
- Arrive on time.
- Review your first interview to highlight areas for improvement. Try to think of
different examples to use during your partner interview.
- Carry out additional research using newspapers/websites, for example.
- Research the company and the role you are applying for.
- Enjoy and learn from the experience.
- BE YOURSELF!
Finally, remember that attending an assessment day is a valuable learning experience.
If you are unsuccessful, don’t forget to request feedback so that you can
improve on your performance for next time.