KPMG Profile

Reflect

When you’re ready to dive into the depths of a job search, it’s always a good idea to assess what you’re good at and what you’re most passionate about.

Self-assurance will assist you in selecting a role that excites you and, as a result, in developing a fulfilling career. Consider the following before applying for the position:

• What do you excel at? What has been your most rewarding job in the past? How did you pull it off?
• What piques your interest, and what do you prefer to work on?
• Are you a good team player or do you prefer to be an individual contributor?
• Are you good at problem solving or moving a discussion forward?

Search and apply

• You will be able to choose the better role from the available options after some self-evaluation.
• Knowing just the role is not enough; learn about the company, its culture, presence, and lines of business to better understand your fit with them.
• Create a resume that is succinct but comprehensive, connecting the dots between your profile and the job description. Proofread your resume and application before submitting to avoid careless errors or muddles.
• Understand and complete each step of the application process (online, email, or walk-in) from the company’s resources.
• In due course, follow-up. Overeagerness can be misinterpreted as desperation or meddling behavior.

Before the interview

• Do your research. Read the job description and company profile thoroughly. Speak with your friends/network to gain a better understanding.
• Prepare your questions in advance. If the interviewer allows it, have any questions answered during the interview.
• Remove any items that may cause distraction. Throughout the interview, make sure your phone is set to silent mode.
• In the case of a virtual/digital interview, test your audio/video and required software a few hours before the evaluation process, ensuring constant internet connectivity. Allowing yourself time before the selection process begins can help you relax and boost your confidence.
• Make sure the room is well-lit and there is minimal background noise while on the video call. Ascertain a professional background/setup.
• Dress for success. Understand the company’s preferred dress code. When in doubt, choose corporate/business/formal clothing and footwear.
• Work out a strategy for dealing with stress.
  
• Prepare for interview questions. Prior experiences or achievements, case studies, behavioral or skill-based questions are all common interview topics. Consider how you might respond to the questions ahead of time. Take some time to discuss such issues with a friend. You could also videotape a mock interview and analyze your performance for areas for improvement.
• Don’t overlook the statistics. Remember to back up your examples for highlighting personal achievements and/or contributions with stats and data so the interviewer can interpret and validate your thoroughness and detail.

During the interview

• Be true to yourself. Be truthful in your responses. The interviewers have been trained to spot unethical behavior.
• First impressions are important. What can we say, the adage is correct. When meeting in person, give a firm handshake and a confident smile. In the case of virtual/digital meetings, a warm greeting can take the place of the handshake.
• Take notice: Don’t let your attention wander during the interview, and give detailed but succinct responses.
• Take note of your body language. Maintain eye contact and avoid being too rigid (yet not overly relaxed either). Don’t get too comfortable.
• Allow yourself plenty of time. Listen carefully and organize your thoughts before responding to technical or case-based questions.
• The question should be questioned. If you’re unsure about a question, ask. It demonstrates that you are paying attention.
• Be inventive, but not at the expense of context.
• Avoid defending your idea/point of view at all costs by being open to feedback.
• Don’t use the words “umm” or “uhh.” Fill the pause with silence rather than fumbling.
• Keep an eye on the time so it doesn’t slip away unnoticed.
• Deep breathing or any other technique that helps you relax and manage tension should be used.

After the interview

• When asked if you have any questions or need clarification, ask insightful questions that genuinely interest you. Reiterate your interest in the position and reflect on some of the interview’s highlights. Remember to be brief, gracious, and timely.
• A closing note such as “thank you for your time” goes a long way toward demonstrating your professional demeanor.
• Allow time for a response/feedback. Wait for the interviewer/recruiter to respond within the timeframe and deadlines established. If that deadline has passed, please send an email follow-up to the employer.

Some of the interview questions that were posed to the candidate recently are as follows:

For the Consultant Role:

• Do you have much experience with financial modeling in the context of this business unit?
• What is your weakest professional trait?
• Why this field and why now?
• Why should we hire you?

For Senior Consultant Role:

• What do you do to keep up-to-date and current with developments and best practices in your chosen career path?
• Tell me about yourself, in brief.
• Why are you applying for this role?
• What is KPMG’s share price?
• Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
• How many routers & repeaters will you apply for in an institution?
• What are your strengths & weaknesses?
• What are a few technologies you’re excited about and explain their use case.
• How can we find a renovation cost?
• What is the trend in the retail banking industry?

For the Manager role:

• Why are you interested in working for the specific function of KPMG you are applying for?  
• How do you deliver impact?
• How do you seek growth?
• How do you inspire trust?
• What was the biggest challenge in your career?
• How are you dealing with budget management (planning/overruns)?
• What are your 3 biggest strengths?
• Which type of upward and downward feedback did you receive?
• What is your motivation to come to KPMG [location]?