Experiences
PwC's application process: clear and well structured
We regularly ask our candidates for feedback to monitor the quality of our recruitment process and their satisfaction with it. PwC commissioned HR Diagnostics AG, a company specialised in personnel selection and candidate management, to evaluate its recruitment process. A sample of 1,125 people who were involved in the PwC recruitment process between January 2007 and June 2008 were invited to take part in the survey, with 439 responding. We asked them some general questions about the recruitment process as well as detailed questions about the various steps of the process.
The main findings were as follows:
- Most applicants were satisfied or even very satisfied with the application process
- The applicants felt they were treated fairly, respectfully and honestly
- All personal contacts such as interviews and team introductions were evaluated very positively
- The assessments were evaluated positively
- Our interviews were more popular than assessments; this result is consistent with the findings of other research studies
- There were some critical comments regarding the transparency of the measured competencies
- There were no differences between feedback from graduates and feedback from experienced professionals
PwC has a quality management system in place for the recruitment process, and in response to this feedback we have, among other things, improved the way we communicate the competencies assessed.
Learn more about the experiences made with PwC's application process:
Daniel Suter
Daniel Suter has worked for PwC since April 2007 as an Assistant in Performance Improvement Consulting. He studied business IT at the University of Zurich, graduating with a master's degree in February 2007.
How did you find the application process at PwC?
“PwC's application process is clear, professional and well structured. During the interviews I had plenty of opportunity to ask questions and get to know the firm and my future team. Throughout the entire process I got good advice from the human capital people, and they were always glad to answer my questions."
How did you prepare for the tests?
“I didn't really do any special preparation. But I did make sure I was clear and focused and not under time pressure.”
Do you have any tips for other applicants?
“Before you send off your application, have someone you know read through your CV and motivation letter. And of course you can use the various forums on the Internet to get in touch with other people looking for jobs. I also recommend getting a good night's sleep before you go for your interview. If you’ve found out as much as you can about the company, its area of business, its services and structures, etc., before you go to the interview, then not much can go wrong!”
Fabian Capaul
Fabian Capaul has worked as an Assistant in the Banking team of PwC Assurance since October 2007. He graduated with a bachelor's degree in business from the University of Zurich in July 2007.
How did you find out about PwC?
“In my last year at university I went to the PwC Knowledge Fair, an interesting information event at PwC's Zurich office. I saw PwC staff present the many different joining options, and was able to talk to them about their daily work and the training opportunities."
How did you apply?
“I filled out the application form on the website and sent it in with my CV. Then I got to do an online assessment at home. The next step was an invitation to "Meet PwC”, the first opportunity for us to get to know each other and for me to find out more about the firm and the job. Then I did another assessment at the office. After a second interview (which is standardised at PwC) I got the opportunity to meet a future team colleague and ask him whatever questions I wanted."
Did you prepare for the assessments and interviews?
“No, I didn't do any special preparation for the assessments. I think it's important to give honest answers and stay calm. That also applies to the interviews, where it's worth taking something to write with and noting down a few questions in advance."
Natalie Widmer
Natalie Widmer has worked on the Human Resource Services team in Tax & Legal since October 2007. She studied in Windisch at the University of Applied Sciences of Northwestern Switzerland, graduating with a degree in business economics.
What impression did you get of PwC during the application process?
“Very professional. The people at Human Capital were always there to help, and the communication was outstanding: my questions were always answered quickly. That gave me the feeling that PwC took me seriously as an applicant."
Did you get the opportunity to meet your team during the application process?
“Yes. After the second, formal interview I got the opportunity to meet all the members of the team briefly in a relaxed setting. Meeting my future co-workers gave me an idea of whether I’d fit into the team. That was very instructive! After the application process I had a good impression of the firm, my job, and the team."
What tips would you give to applicants?
“I think it's important to take sufficient time to write applications rather than just firing them off. Ideally you should let someone who knows you well look over your application to see whether you’ve made an accurate assessment of yourself and make sure you haven't made any spelling mistakes. It's also worth taking trouble over your CV: presentation and layout are just as important as accurate information. And before your first interview I would check out the website to find out about the firm, and consider what important questions you want to ask."
