There were many stages to the interview process: (Apprentice Level 7)
1. Online Application
- For this application, they ask standard questions about why Mazars, and why audit. (I would suggest getting all of your research together at this stage as it makes it easier if you are chosen to continue with the process)
2. Online Tests
You are required to complete an online numerical and verbal reasoning test. Both of these tests are fairly standard and done with external companies. The numerical test was around 30 minutes long and had around 30 questions. You should have a calculator ready and the questions are challenging to a small extent, however if you have any understanding of statistics and maths you should be fine. The verbal reasoning test was a standard test you can practice online about filling in gaps and missing words in sentences. Don't worry if you don't think you did well, my results came back as performing 'under average' for all of the tests, and they let me continue with the application.
3. Telephone interview.
You should have all research done about Mazars in time for this interview. They give you a few questions to plan an answer to in the invitation email, but from my experience, these are some useful tips of what to plan:
- Mazars key statistics
-Mazars value
- key problems affecting the financial industry
-The role you applied for
-The relevant exams you will be taking
-Any standard competencies and examples of when you portrayed them (eg Teamwork, Leadership, a time you were under pressure)
4. Assessment Centre (FINAL STAGE!!)
The assessment centre consists of a variety of different elements, all done on a rotational basis.
a. Written task and maths test
- For this, you have 1 hour to complete a written task and maths assessment. I suggest dividing the time equally between both tests. For the written assessment, you need to write 2 emails to clients and a manager about a task gone wrong. Remember to put the client first and address the manager in a respectful way. For the maths test, the questions are similar to that of the online test, and mainly made up of finding percentages. If you would like to practice for this, I suggest using an old-fashioned calculator as buttons are in different places and they don't let you use your own, which can distract you and make you perform badly.
b. Group task
- There are around 6 fellow applicants for this process. The activity can be whatever, just make sure everyone collaborates and you get your voice heard, but do not dominate. Allow time at the end to present, and make sure everyone gets an opportunity to express their input.
c. Final Partner Interview
- There are two stages to this interview:
i) prepare a presentation on something that is interesting in helping their field of financial services that lasts around 3 minutes and be prepared for the partner to ask you questions. I suggest doing something you know a lot about and are interested in talking about, so it comes across when you answer questions.
ii) Prepare the same way you did for the telephone interview and make sure you have answers to certain questions that I will address below. Make sure you know a lot about the company and its competitors, as well as the industry and service in general.
d. Networking
You get the opportunity to interact with other trainees during breaks and lunch. Make sure you network and ask them about their experience, as often they have an impact in saying how you interact with others, which could help you get the job.