We recently visited PwC and met with their recruitment team to find out about this year’s recruitment and how YOU can stand out in a highly competitive process.

During 2022-23, PwC received over 100,000 applications for just over 2,700 opportunities, so standing out is essential!

1. Eligibility:

As you can only apply for 1 role every 6 months, its essential to understand what type of role you are eligible to apply for:

First year /Level 4 undergraduates	Black Talent in Business; Women in Business
Second year /Level 5 undergraduates	Work Placements; Summer Internships
Final year /Level 6 / Postgraduates	Graduate Opportunities

2. Research the business area

Researching the business area is essential for demonstrating your motivation to do the job and helping your application to stand out.

What business areas are you considering? Do you really know what the job involves?

PwC Business areas include: Audit, Business Solutions, Consulting, Legal, Risk, Tax, Tech

How can you do this?

• Start by analysing the job description thoroughly: https://jobs.pwc.co.uk/student/uk/en/home
• Check out the career pathway videos on Engageplus, also Bright network career path guides; Targetjobs
• Speak to someone who does a similar job: Do you or your friends, family know anyone who works in similar role, whether in the UK or internationally? Don’t be afraid to ask questions about their job, the tasks involved and the skills they use.
• Attend PwC Events, both online at the Virtual Park or in-person
• Connect with alumni working at PwC on LinkedIn – don’t be afraid to introduce yourself and ask questions

3. Demonstrate the skills PwC are looking for:

See PwC Professional Framework here, make sure you share examples of how you are developing these skills:

Whole leadership	Can you lead others?
Business Acumen	Can you develop the business and add value?
Technical & Digital	Can you engage productively in a digital world?
Global & Inclusive	Can you demonstrate global & cultural curiosity?
Relationships:	Can you communicate with impact?

4. Be ready for the recruitment process

The recruitment process for PwC includes:

• Application form
• Online assessment:
  • Behavioural tests – candidates are given a variety of statements and are asked to choose which statement suits them best.
  • Cognitive test – an ability test including numerical, inductive and deductive reasoning.
• Video Interview
• Assessment centre – half day virtual assessment
  • Consisting of an interview, a task including analysis & presentation, a group discussion
• Senior Interview (only for some roles)

Key advice:

• Get your first applications checked – by friends, family or Career Consultant – are you answering the questions clearly?
• Remember to share examples of your skills from all areas of your CV: such as student societies, volunteering, part time work or any other activity which demonstrates your skills
• Practice the online tests: Aptitude tests on Engageplus, SHL tests on the PwC Employability hub
• Get comfortable with speaking to the camera – Using Shortlist Me for online interview practice

Most important: being able to deal with rejection is essential for applying for graduate programmes. Try not to take it personally and remember it happens to everyone – try to refocus your energy on how to improve next time. See advice from TargetJobs, here, and Graduate Fog

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Please be reminded that if you need careers support, your Careers Team is only an email / a message away!

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