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The Application Process at Grant Thornton

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Recruiters at Grant Thornton have outlined each stage of the application process.

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We know applying for a job can be stressful. But we’ve got your back. These pages will show you what to expect at every stage and you’ll have a dedicated recruiter to help you feel confident throughout.

You’ll start your application by filling in a quick and easy online form. We’ve tried to keep this as painless as possible and only ask for the essentials. It shouldn’t take more than 20 minutes to complete.

  1. Online Assessment

Our online test was created with Cappfinity (specialists in strengths, potential based recruitment) and combines situational judgement and cognitive (numerical reasoning and critical thinking) testing into an assessment that gives a realistic preview into life here at Grant Thornton. 

The test works by judging your typical reactions, feelings or behaviours against a realistic scenario-based set of questions. You will also complete technical questions based on a case study of information, testing your verbal and numerical skills.

At the end of your assessment, you’ll get a personalised report of your strengths and the areas you need to work on. If you have any questions about the assessment, your recruiter will be able to answer them.

  1. Digital Interview

Why a digital interview?

We do digital interviews because they’re better for us and for you.

  • You get to do them at a time when you feel ready and at your best. Not at a time we have decided for you.
  • It allows for us to connect and engage with more candidates without the restrictions that telephone interviews can sometimes bring
  • It gives you a chance to be yourself. It’s much easier to get a sense of your energy and impact on video vs over the phone.

What it involves

In the interview, you’ll respond to a series of questions. These are linked to the competencies we look for in our trainees. You’ll have up to 1 minute of preparation time and then between 2-3 minutes of speaking time to answer it.

If you’re a school leaver, you’ll start the interview by answering a few video recorded strengths-based questions. You’ll then complete a written case study where you’ll type your response. 

  1. Written Case Study

If you are applying for an apprentice, graduate or undergraduate programme, you will be asked to complete this assessment if you pass the earlier assessment stages. 

The written case study is a great opportunity to find out more about the type of work you’d be doing at Grant Thornton and the different clients we can work with. This assessment is assessing your ability to understand and interpret written content and data. We are looking at how you read and understand the question, how you use the data and the way in which you provide your written response. We are assessing your analytical skills, critical reasoning, and written language.    

We understand this is a different type of assessment from what you may be familiar with, and have created a ‘top tips’ guide and a practice assessment so you can prepare ahead of this stage. We would strongly encourage you to read the guide and have a practice ahead of this stage and if you are an apprentice, ahead of completing the digital interview.  

This stage will take twenty-two minutes to complete. You will need to use a computer or laptop to complete this assessment due to the data you’ll be reviewing and to help you write your mini report.  

  1. Group Exercise

The penultimate stage of the application process is a group exercise, which will take place virtually and be led by a member of our recruitment team. 

The group exercise allows to get an insight into how you would work in a professional environment and how you collaborate and work as part of a team. It’s a chance to share your ideas but also show you can listen and understand requirements. Encourage your teammates and bounce off their suggestions to get to the best result. Time management is also at play here, so keeping everyone on track will be key.

  1. Final Interview

If you are successful in the group exercise stage, you will be invited to the final round of the application process, an individual interview. 

The interview will take place virtually, and will be with one, or two, of the managers from the service line you have applied for. We try to make this a relaxed conversation. Nothing too formal. Questions will range from the usual ‘Why Grant Thornton?’ or ‘Why audit?’ to some centred on our values and what interests you.

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If you’re interested in learning more and want to apply to one of their roles, take a look at Grant Thornton’s profile here.