Practical tips on how to approach your assessment

So, you’ve successfully applied to a role at Rothschild & Co and are now faced with an assessment. Whether this be a first round interview, or later stage assessment centre, these can be difficult. They vary from company to company and often ask you to demonstrate a broad range of skills.

This guide is here to help you feel confident and prepared, with practical tips on how to approach your assessment; what you can expect, and how to showcase your unique strengths.

Once you’ve completed your job application, keep a close eye on your emails. You may be invited to book into an assessment slot - and it’s best to do this promptly. From there, the all-important preparation begins.

It can be tricky to know exactly what to focus your preparation on. Start with research. You’ll likely have already explored company news and values for your application, but now’s the time to go deeper.

Make sure you understand what Rothschild & Co does, how we operate, and what sets us apart from competitors. Reflect on your motivations for applying. Why do you want to work within this field, why us, why this division, and why this role?

We’re looking for candidates who demonstrate strong commercial awareness, look into current affairs and even the recent deals we have been working on. Think about how they relate to your skill set or interests and demonstrate to us that you have the ability to think strategically.

You’ll also want to brush up on your technical skills. While we don’t expect you to perform a full DCF or LBO analysis, having a solid grasp of financial concepts and being able to talk through your thought process is important. We welcome candidates from all academic and professional backgrounds, so don’t worry if you haven’t studied finance - what matters most is how you approach problems and communicate your ideas clearly.

In addition to being motivated and commercially aware, we are also looking for candidates to be self-awareness, curios, and have a genuine enthusiasm for the industry.

Assessments may be conducted virtually or in person, depending on the stage and format. For virtual interviews, ensure you have a stable internet connection and a quiet space. For in-person assessments, business dress is expected, and punctuality is key. If you’re delayed due to unforeseen circumstances, contact your coordinator as soon as possible. If you have any questions about the process, we always encourage you to reach out to who is co-ordinating your interview and ask them ahead of time.

It’s completely normal to feel nervous - but remember, we’re not here to catch you out. We want to see your potential. We’re interested in how you think, how you communicate, and how you approach challenges.

You may meet members of the business, so it’s important to make a strong impression.

Maintain good body language, make eye contact, and be yourself. Let your personality come through - we want to get to know the real you.

One piece of advice I always hold closely is that when you meet senior people, remember they are highly skilled in the role you aspire to. This is a valuable opportunity to learn from them, so don’t hesitate to ask questions at the end of their interview. Their insights can help shape your journey, regardless of the outcome.

• Be punctual
• Dress appropriately for the format
• Introduce yourself confidently
• Take a breath if you feel nervous
• It's okay to pause before answering - just don’t leave it too long
• Ask questions - you don’t need to be prompted
• Thank your assessors for their time

Assessments are a fantastic opportunity to show us who you are beyond your CV. Preparation is key, but so is authenticity - be yourself, stay calm, and let your enthusiasm for the role and the industry shine through. We’re not looking for perfection; we’re looking for potential.

Good luck - you’ve got this!