Our application process
From your application to starting work with us
Learn about the stages your application will pass through, about our selection criteria for new hires, and what we value in our new colleagues. To determine the latter, we asked our clients and staff to tell us what makes people at PwC successful. We have based our core competencies on their answers:
- Team-oriented outlook
- Motivation
- Client focus
- Ability to analyse and solve problems
Our selection process is based on these core competencies.
Working together step by step
We see the application process as a convergence: As we learn more and more about each other, so we can find out if we're well matched. Only then can we successfully work towards common goals.
During the application process you will gain know-how about PwC which you have to keep confidential.
Our application process for:
Online Application
First you need to register online and upload your application documents. As soon as your application has been received you will receive an email from us.
Tips and tricks
The first impression counts. And you don’t get a second chance to make a first impression. Here are a few tips on how to do things right and make a good impression on us.
- Fill out everything on the online form, and don’t make any mistakes.
- Attach your CV, your final academic certificate or transcript, and any employment references. We also advise you to send a short cover letter with your application.
- Give us a private email address that you use regularly.
- Make your CV short and clear, and make sure it’s up to date.
- Make sure there are no gaps in your CV. We’re also interested in what you did during breaks.
- You can make it much easier for us to look at your application if you merge different documents into a single file.
- If you want to make a spontaneous application, first check out our website to find out which lines of service and offices might be right for you.
Online Assessment
If your application meets our criteria, we will invite you to complete an online assessment. This will allow us to assess your personality and your skills.
The online assessment can be completed at home and takes around 90 minutes. Afterwards, a report containing a personal and confidential response will be sent to you.
Tips and tricks
A calm mind can work wonders. Here are some tips on how to make yourself feel at ease.
- Make sure you have enough time to do the assessment: around 90 minutes.
- Find a quiet place where you won’t be distracted by phone calls, visitors, emails, etc.
- Check to make sure your Internet connection is stable.
- It’s important for you to do the assessment yourself: it will be very clear later on in the application process whether we’re dealing with the same person.
- Show yourself as you are. That’s the only way you and we can find out whether we’re a good match.
Telephone Call
If you impress us with your CV or online assessment, a member of the recruitment team will give you a call for a short conversation so that we can get to know you a little better.
Tips and tricks
- Make sure you have 5 to 10 minutes time available. If not, let us know so that we can arrange a suitable appointment.
- Find a quiet place and ensure you have a stable telephone connection.
- Be conscious of your motivation for the role you applied for.
- Think about your own expectations for this job.
- Be honest.
- You are also welcome to ask essential questions.
"WELLcome to PwC" Interview
Now it’s time to meet each other in person!
Meeting PwC
Along with your interview date, we’ll also send you the link to our “Warm up” platform. On it you’ll find some information that we’ve put together on who we are and what sets us apart. This will give you a preview of your future area of work and is the best way to prepare for your first interview.
First interview: “WELLcome to PwC”
When you come to see us, we’ll be able to concentrate on you and your strengths, interests and experience, and we can also answer any questions you might have. We’ll also ask you some questions about the skill areas that are important for PwC and the job for which you’ve applied.
- Your interviewers will be colleagues from your future area of work and from the recruitment team.
- The interview will last approximately 75 minutes.
Tips and tricks
We’d like to find out more about you, and give you an idea of what life’s like at PwC. Here are a few tips on how to make a good impression.
- Get an idea of what we’re about, and think about what you'd like to know from us.
- Inform yourself about the job, the company and the industry.
- Take something with you to write with so you can note down things that are important.
- Make sure you’re wearing appropriate (business) clothes.
- Arrive relaxed and on time. If you’re going to be late, please call the person who’s interviewing you to let them know.
- Greet the person you’re talking to by name, and maintain eye contact.
"Meet PwC" Interview
You’ll find out even more about us during further interviews!
Interviews “Meet PwC”
Depending on your team you'll be invited to further interviews, the "Meet PwC".
During these interviews, we’ll both be able to clear up any last questions. These interviews will also help us to reach our final decision.
- Your interviewers will be colleagues from your future area of work and, if need be, from the recruitment team.
- These interviews will last approximately 30 minutes.
Meeting the team
This is also your opportunity (time constraints permitting) to meet your future team over a relaxed cup of coffee or lunch.
We will then inform you by telephone shortly after your second interview whether or not you got the job. If both parties agree, you will also receive your contract of employment
Tips and tricks
Our tips on how to approach WELLcome to PwC also apply to the Meet PwC interview. And don’t forget:
- Prepare properly so you can give us a brief and informative description of your professional and personal development.
- Illustrate your qualities with concrete examples from your professional and private life.
- Be spontaneous and honest.
- Just remember that if you’re a little bit nervous, it shows us that the interview’s important to you. We’ll make sure the atmosphere is pleasant so you quickly feel at ease.
- Your team wants to get to know you. Think about whether you can imagine working with them as well.
Conclusion of the Contract
Once your contract of employment is signed, we’ll begin your integration into the team as soon as possible. Before your first day you’ll be given access to our New Joiner portal, which has lots of useful information, including what you can expect during your first few days with us.
Your first two days at work with us are known as your “Welcome Days”, when you will find out everything there is to know about PwC and your area of responsibility. In order to make your start as uncomplicated as possible, you’ll have a personal “buddy” by your side for the first months to help with any issues that might arise. You’ll also have a coach to support you in your personal and professional development.
Tips and tricks
We want to make joining as straightforward for you as possible. Here are some initial tips on how to make sure things run smoothly:
- Visit the New Joiner portal to find out about our values and services and browse our personnel regulations and policies.
- Even before you join PwC, take the opportunity to take part in any social events your future team is involved in.
- Networking’s really important at PwC, and you’ll be making many new contacts from your very first day. So keep your social network profiles up to date.
- Register for your training as an auditor or tax expert in good time to be sure you meet the deadline.
Online Application
First you need to register online and upload your application documents. As soon as your application has been received you will receive an email from us.
Tips and tricks
The first impression counts. And you don’t get a second chance to make a first impression. Here are a few tips on how to do things right and make a good impression on us.
- Fill out everything on the online form, and don’t make any mistakes.
- Attach your CV, your final academic certificate or transcript, and any employment references. We also advise you to send a short cover letter with your application.
- Give us a private email address that you use regularly.
- Make your CV short and clear, and make sure it’s up to date.
- Make sure there are no gaps in your CV. We’re also interested in what you did during breaks.
- You can make it much easier for us to look at your application if you merge different documents into a single file.
- If you want to make a spontaneous application, first check out our website to find out which lines of service and offices might be right for you.
Telephone Call
If your application fulfils our criteria, a member of the recruitment team will give you a call for a short conversation so that we can get to know you a little better.
Tips and tricks
- Make sure you have 5 to 10 minutes time available. If not, let us know so that we can arrange a suitable appointment.
- Find a quiet place and ensure you have a stable telephone connection.
- Be conscious of your motivation for the role you applied for.
- Think about your own expectations for this job.
- Be honest.
- You are also welcome to ask essential questions.
"WELLcome to PwC" Interview
If you make a good impression, we would love to meet you in person.
Meeting PwC
Along with your interview date, we’ll also send you the link to our “Warm up” platform. On it you’ll find some information that we’ve put together on who we are and what sets us apart. This will give you a preview of your future area of work and is the best way to prepare for your first interview.
First interview: “WELLcome to PwC”
At our first meeting, we’d like to tell you more about your future area of responsibility and get a first impression of you in person. Naturally, you’ll also have the opportunity to ask us a few questions – we believe it’s important that you have a clear picture of PwC and your role with us.
- Your interviewers will be colleagues from your future area of work and from Human Capital.
- The interview will last approximately 60 minutes.
Tips and tricks
We’d like to find out more about you, and give you an idea of what life’s like at PwC. Here are a few tips on how to make a good impression.
- Get an idea of what we’re about, and think about what you'd like to know from us.
- Inform yourself about the job, the company and the industry.
- Take something with you to write with so you can note down things that are important.
- Make sure you’re wearing appropriate (business) clothes.
- Arrive relaxed and on time. If you’re going to be late, please call the person who’s interviewing you to let them know
Online Assessment
After your first interview, you will complete an online assessment tailored to the position for which you have applied. This allows us to verify whether you have the skills and expertise we consider vital in our employees.
The online assessment can be completed at home and takes between 55 and 70 minutes depending on the job. Afterwards, a report containing a personal and confidential response will be sent to you. We will then contact you by telephone.
Tips and tricks
A calm mind can work wonders. Here are some tips on how to make yourself feel at ease.
- Make sure you have enough time to do the assessment: around 90 minutes.
- Find a quiet place where you won’t be distracted by phone calls, visitors, emails, etc.
- Check to make sure your Internet connection is stable.
- It’s important for you to do the assessment yourself: it will be very clear later on in the application process whether we’re dealing with the same person.
- Show yourself as you are. That’s the only way you and we can find out whether we’re a good match.
"Meet PwC" Interview
You’ll find out even more about us at your second interview!
Second interview: “Meet PwC”
During your second interview, we’ll both be able to clear up any last questions. This interview will also help us to reach our final decision.
- Your interviewers will be colleagues from your future area of work and from the recruitment team.
- The interview will last approximately 60 minutes.
Meeting the team
This is also your opportunity (time constraints permitting) to meet your future team over a relaxed cup of coffee or lunch.
We will then inform you by telephone shortly after your second interview whether or not you got the job. If both parties agree, you will also receive your contract of employment.
Tips and tricks
Our tips on how to approach WELLcome to PwC also apply to the Meet PwC interview. And don’t forget:
- Prepare properly so you can give us a brief and informative description of your professional and personal development.
- Greet the person you’re talking to by name, and maintain eye contact.
- Illustrate your qualities with concrete examples from your professional and private life.
- Be spontaneous and honest.
- Just remember that if you’re a little bit nervous, it shows us that the interview’s important to you. We’ll make sure the atmosphere is pleasant so you quickly feel at ease.
- Your team wants to get to know you. Think about whether you can imagine working with them as well.
Conclusion of the Contract
Once we receive the signed contract of employment from you, things can get started right away – we want to get you integrated into the team as quickly as possible. Before your first day you’ll be given access to our New Joiner portal, where you’ll find lots of useful information. For example, you can find out what to expect during your first few days at PwC.
Your first two days at work with us are known as your “take-off days”, when you will find out everything there is to know about PwC and your area of responsibility. In order to make your start as uncomplicated as possible, you’ll have a personal “buddy” by your side for the first months to help with any issues that might arise. You’ll also have a coach to support you right from day one in your personal and professional development.
Tips and tricks
We want to make joining as straightforward for you as possible. Here are some initial tips on how to make sure things run smoothly:
- Visit the New Joiner portal to find out about our values and services and browse our personnel regulations and policies.
- Even before you join PwC, take the opportunity to take part in any social events your future team is involved in.
- Networking’s really important at PwC, and you’ll be making many new contacts from your very first day. So keep your social network profiles up to date.
Your first step? A first-class application
Please apply in writing if you want to train with us. Your application should include:
- Your cover letter explaining why you are the right person for a job at PwC.
- A clear and well-presented CV.
- Your school reports covering the last four semesters.
- All certificates or diplomas you've already gained, for example those awarded for language courses.
- Your commercial apprenticeship Multicheck results.
Our first step? To take a close look
Your future vocational trainer will look over your application together with our HR experts. Within five days we'll let you know if you have convinced us. If so, we'll invite you to a selection day.
The decisive factor: a personal discussion
For a successful training experience, it's essential that students and trainers are as closely matched as possible. So we allow plenty of time for our selection process. You'll meet with your vocational trainer and supervisor, and some other candidates, at your chosen location. There will be lots of time to get to know you better through conversations, small practice tasks, and over lunch. Afterwards, we'll give you open and honest feedback on what we have seen of you - and of course we'll want to know something about your impressions too.
A few days after the selection event we'll contact you by phone to confirm whether you are among PwC's August intake of new students.
If things worked out for you, you'll start at PwC with a two-day induction. On the first working day you'll meet in Bern with all the first-year apprentices. There, you'll learn all the important things about PwC Switzerland and your apprenticeship with us. On your second induction day, Swiss/German-speaking apprentices will go to Zurich, and French-speaking apprentices will go to Geneva. After these induction days you will then join the team in your first training department.
Tips and tricks
- Be yourself
At PwC, we want our apprentices to be bright young people who are already very independent. However, anyone expecting a checklist of all the important points we're looking for is probably on the wrong website. But we do have some tips for you. - Application
We like short, clear CV which should be up to date. And of course, your spelling must be accurate across all your application documents. - Selection day
On selection day we want to get to know you properly, so don't try to make changes. We understand that many applicants will naturally be nervous, but that usually wears off quite quickly. Our dress code demands business clothes, so apprentices should make an appropriate choice of clothing. And most importantly: arrive punctually and refreshed, otherwise you will spoil everything else by creating a poor first impression.
Data protection
Your personal documents and data that you provide to us during the application process will be treated confidentially and according its intended purpose. You can access, change or delete your candidate profile at any time. Further information can be found in the privacy policy in our application tool and on the PwC Switzerland Privacy Statement page.
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