KPMG Associate Consultant Interview Questions & Experience Guide

Interview Preparation
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61

Company Name: KPMG

Position: Associate Consultant

Location: [Location not specified]

Application Process: Applied through the KPMG careers website and received a call for the interview process. The recruitment process consisted of 2 rounds of interviews.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1:

    • Questions Asked: [Details not provided]
    • Your Approach: [Details not provided]
    • Outcome: [Results not revealed yet]

  • Round 2:

    • Questions Asked: [Details not provided]
    • Your Approach: [Details not provided]
    • Outcome: [Results not revealed yet]

Preparation Tips: [Not provided]

Conclusion: [Not provided]

62

Company Name: KPMG

Position: Associate Consultant

Application Process: I received a direct call from the KPMG HR team. After a brief discussion about the position, the first round of the interview was scheduled with a Manager (who later became my Reporting Manager).

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Manager Interview:

  • Questions Asked: The interview lasted for 30 minutes, and the questions were primarily based on my previous experience. The focus was on understanding how my skills and knowledge could be applied to the new role.

  • Your Approach: I highlighted my relevant experiences and explained how they aligned with the responsibilities of the Associate Consultant role. I also emphasized my ability to adapt and learn quickly.

  • Outcome: I successfully cleared this round and was invited for the next round with the Partner.

  • Round 2 - Partner Interview:

  • Questions Asked: This round lasted for an hour and delved deeper into my experience, knowledge, and how I could leverage my learnings for the new role. The Partner was interested in understanding my strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities.

  • Your Approach: I focused on providing concrete examples of how I had applied my skills in past roles and how I could bring value to KPMG. I also asked thoughtful questions about the team and the company’s expectations.

  • Outcome: The interview went well, and I was selected for the Associate Consultant position.

Conclusion:

The overall interview process was smooth and focused on assessing my fit for the role based on my experience and potential. The key was to clearly articulate how my background aligned with the job requirements and to demonstrate my enthusiasm for the opportunity. For future candidates, I would recommend thoroughly understanding the role and preparing to discuss your experiences in a way that highlights their relevance to the position.

63

Company Name: KPMG

Position: Associate Consultant

Application Process: The application process involved multiple rounds, including face-to-face interviews and a telephonic round. The process was structured and focused on assessing problem-solving and consulting skills.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Telephonic Interview:

    • Questions Asked: General questions about my background, interest in consulting, and a brief case study to assess problem-solving skills.
    • Your Approach: I focused on structuring my answers clearly and logically, especially for the case study. I used frameworks like MECE (Mutually Exclusive, Collectively Exhaustive) to break down the problem.
    • Outcome: Successfully cleared this round and moved to the next stage.

  • Round 2 - Face-to-Face Interview (Case Study):

    • Questions Asked: A detailed case study related to a business problem. The interviewer also asked about my approach to solving the case.
    • Your Approach: I took a structured approach, defining the problem, identifying key stakeholders, and proposing actionable solutions. I also validated my assumptions with the interviewer.
    • Outcome: Passed this round and advanced to the next.

  • Round 3 - Face-to-Face Interview (Puzzles and Storyboarding):

    • Questions Asked: Puzzles to test logical thinking and an exercise on storyboarding to assess communication skills.
    • Your Approach: For puzzles, I took my time to think through the problem before answering. For storyboarding, I focused on clarity and coherence in presenting my ideas.
    • Outcome: Cleared this round successfully.

  • Round 4 - Final Face-to-Face Interview (HR and Fit):

    • Questions Asked: Questions about my motivation for joining KPMG, my long-term goals, and how I handle teamwork and challenges.
    • Your Approach: I answered honestly, aligning my responses with the company’s values and culture. I also shared examples from my past experiences to demonstrate fit.
    • Outcome: Received positive feedback and an offer for the role.

Preparation Tips:

  • Practice case studies using frameworks like MECE and SWOT analysis.
  • Brush up on logical puzzles and problem-solving techniques.
  • Work on storytelling and communication skills for the storyboarding exercise.
  • Research the company’s culture and values to align your answers during the HR round.

Conclusion:
The interview process at KPMG was thorough but fair. The key to success was a structured approach to problem-solving and clear communication. I would advise future candidates to practice case studies extensively and focus on presenting their ideas logically. Also, being genuine during the HR round helps in showcasing cultural fit.

64

Company Name: KPMG

Position: Associate Consultant

Application Process: The process began with an HR call for basic verification of experience and qualifications. This was followed by 2-3 rounds of technical interviews, which were quite standardized. The final steps involved negotiations and receiving the offer letter.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - HR Call:

    • Questions Asked: Basic verification of experience, qualifications, and understanding of the role.
    • Your Approach: I ensured my resume was clear and concise, and I was prepared to discuss my background and interest in the role.
    • Outcome: Passed this round and moved to the technical rounds.

  • Round 2 - Technical Interview 1:

    • Questions Asked: Standardized technical questions related to the role, problem-solving scenarios, and case studies.
    • Your Approach: I reviewed common technical topics and practiced case studies to prepare. I focused on structuring my answers clearly.
    • Outcome: Successfully cleared this round.

  • Round 3 - Technical Interview 2:

    • Questions Asked: More in-depth technical questions, situational judgment tests, and behavioral questions.
    • Your Approach: I revisited key concepts and practiced behavioral questions to articulate my experiences effectively.
    • Outcome: Cleared this round as well.

  • Final Round - Negotiations and Offer:

    • Questions Asked: Discussions about salary expectations, role expectations, and joining timelines.
    • Your Approach: I researched industry standards for the role and was transparent about my expectations.
    • Outcome: Received the offer letter.

Preparation Tips:

  • Review your resume thoroughly and be ready to discuss every detail.
  • Practice standardized technical questions and case studies relevant to the role.
  • Prepare for behavioral questions by reflecting on past experiences.
  • Research salary benchmarks to negotiate effectively.

Conclusion:
The interview process at KPMG was structured and professional. The technical rounds were challenging but manageable with proper preparation. I would advise future candidates to focus on clarity in communication and thorough preparation for both technical and behavioral aspects. Overall, it was a great learning experience!

65

Company Name: KPMG

Position: Associate Consultant

Location: [Not specified]

Application Process: Campus placement

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Written Test:

  • Questions Asked: [Details not provided]

  • Your Approach: [Details not provided]

  • Outcome: Passed to the next round

  • Round 2 - Technical Interview:

  • Questions Asked: [Details not provided]

  • Your Approach: [Details not provided]

  • Outcome: Passed to the next round

  • Round 3 - HR Interview:

  • Questions Asked: [Details not provided]

  • Your Approach: [Details not provided]

  • Outcome: Successful

Conclusion:

The entire process took roughly half a day, and it was a good experience overall. The interview rounds were well-structured, and the interactions were smooth. If I could do anything differently, I would prepare more thoroughly for the technical round to ensure I could answer any specific questions in detail. For future candidates, I recommend brushing up on both technical and soft skills, as KPMG values a well-rounded approach.

66

Company Name: KPMG

Position: Associate Consultant

Application Process: I applied through an employee referral. After about two weeks, I was called for the interview process, which consisted of two rounds: a technical round followed by an HR round.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Technical Interview:

  • Questions Asked:

    • Can you walk us through your resume and highlight key projects or experiences relevant to this role?
    • How would you approach solving a business problem for a client in the consulting domain?
    • Explain a time when you analyzed data to derive insights. What tools did you use?
    • How do you stay updated with industry trends and technologies?

  • Your Approach:

    • I structured my resume walkthrough to focus on projects where I demonstrated problem-solving and analytical skills.
    • For the business problem question, I used the STAR method to outline a hypothetical scenario and solution.
    • I discussed a specific project where I used Excel and SQL for data analysis, emphasizing the impact of my findings.
    • I mentioned following industry blogs and attending webinars to stay updated.

  • Outcome: Passed this round and moved to the next stage.

  • Round 2 - HR Interview:

  • Questions Asked:

    • Why do you want to work at KPMG?
    • Describe a situation where you worked in a team and faced a conflict. How did you resolve it?
    • Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years?
    • What are your salary expectations?

  • Your Approach:

    • I highlighted KPMG’s reputation and alignment with my career goals.
    • Shared a team conflict example and focused on collaboration and communication as resolution tools.
    • Aligned my 5-year plan with growth in consulting and leadership.
    • Provided a salary range based on my research.

  • Outcome: Received positive feedback and an offer for the Associate Consultant role.

Preparation Tips:

  • Brush up on case study frameworks for consulting interviews.
  • Practice the STAR method for behavioral questions.
  • Research the company’s recent projects and values to align your answers.

Conclusion:

The overall experience was smooth, and the interviewers were very approachable. I felt well-prepared, but I could have practiced more case studies to feel even more confident. My advice to future candidates is to focus on both technical and soft skills, as KPMG values a balanced approach.

67

Company Name: KPMG

Position: Associate Consultant

Application Process: Applied through a recruitment process, likely online or campus placement.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Face-to-Face Interview:
    • Questions Asked: Very simple questions were asked during the interview.
    • Your Approach: Answered the questions confidently and cleared all rounds, including the stakeholder round.
    • Outcome: Cleared all rounds but faced issues with the offer due to notice period constraints.

Conclusion:

The overall experience was disappointing. Despite clearing all interview rounds, the offer was denied due to a 3-month notice period, which was initially agreed upon but later became a point of contention. The lack of communication about candidature status was frustrating, and the entire process felt like a waste of time. My advice to future candidates would be to clarify all terms, especially notice periods, upfront and ensure consistent communication with the HR team throughout the process.

68

Company Name: KPMG

Position: Associate Consultant

Location: [Not specified]

Application Process:
I was acquired by KPMG for the project as I was already working on the same project earlier. The selection process was skill-based.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Technical Round:

  • Questions Asked:

    • Questions were focused on my previous experience and skills relevant to the project.

  • Your Approach:

    • I highlighted my prior work on the project and how my skills aligned with the role.

  • Outcome:

    • Successfully cleared the round.

  • Round 2 - HR Round:

  • Questions Asked:

    • General HR questions about my background, motivation, and fit for the role.

  • Your Approach:

    • I answered honestly and emphasized my enthusiasm for continuing work on the project.

  • Outcome:

    • Cleared the round and received the offer.

Preparation Tips:

  • Focus on your relevant experience and how it aligns with the role.
  • Be prepared to discuss your previous work in detail.

Conclusion:
The process was smooth, and my prior experience on the project played a key role in my selection. For future candidates, I’d advise clearly articulating your skills and how they match the project requirements.

69

Company Name: KPMG

Position: Associate Consultant

Location: [Location not specified]

Application Process: The application process involved a combination of HR and technical interviews conducted on the same day, with results communicated immediately afterward.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - HR Interview:

  • Questions Asked: General HR questions about my background, motivation for applying, and understanding of the role.

  • Your Approach: I focused on aligning my skills and experiences with the job requirements and emphasized my enthusiasm for the role.

  • Outcome: Successfully cleared this round.

  • Round 2 - Technical Interview (Team Manager):

  • Questions Asked: Questions testing logical reasoning and conceptual understanding relevant to the role.

  • Your Approach: I tackled the questions methodically, ensuring I understood the underlying concepts before answering.

  • Outcome: Cleared this round and moved to the next.

  • Round 3 - Technical Interview (Onshore Manager):

  • Questions Asked: More in-depth logical and conceptual questions, with a focus on real-world applications.

  • Your Approach: I applied practical examples to demonstrate my understanding and problem-solving skills.

  • Outcome: Successfully cleared this round as well.

Preparation Tips:

  • Brush up on logical reasoning and conceptual understanding relevant to consulting.
  • Practice explaining your thought process clearly during technical discussions.
  • Be prepared to align your experiences with the role’s requirements in the HR round.

Conclusion:
The interview process was well-structured and efficient, with all rounds conducted on the same day. I felt prepared for the technical aspects but could have practiced more real-world scenarios beforehand. My advice to future candidates is to focus on both conceptual clarity and practical applications of the concepts tested.

70

Company Name: KPMG

Position: Associate Consultant

Location: [Location not specified]

Application Process: [Application process details not provided]

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Interview:
    • Questions Asked: Asked about my work in the previous organisation.
    • Your Approach: I discussed my responsibilities and achievements in my previous role, highlighting relevant skills.
    • Outcome: The interviewer was knowledgeable, and the process was smooth.

Conclusion:

The interview process was positive, and the interviewer was well-informed. I felt comfortable discussing my experience, and the interaction was professional. For future candidates, I’d recommend being clear and concise about your past work and how it aligns with the role.

71

Company Name: KPMG

Position: Associate Consultant

Application Process: An employee referred my resume.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - HR Interview:

    • Questions Asked: Basic HR questions were asked.
    • Your Approach: I answered honestly and kept my responses concise and professional.
    • Outcome: Passed this round.

  • Round 2 - Technical Interview (Telephonic):

    • Questions Asked: Focused on my internal audit experience in the Manufacturing and Telecom sectors.
    • Your Approach: I highlighted my relevant experience and provided specific examples of my work in these sectors.
    • Outcome: Successfully cleared this round.

Conclusion:

The interview process was smooth, and the questions were aligned with the role’s requirements. I felt well-prepared due to my prior experience, but I could have researched KPMG’s recent projects in the Manufacturing and Telecom sectors to add more depth to my answers. For future candidates, I’d recommend brushing up on sector-specific audit challenges and being ready to discuss real-world examples from your experience.

72

Company Name: KPMG

Position: Associate Consultant

Location: [Location not specified]

Application Process: Campus hiring

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Excel Round:

  • Questions Asked: 20 questions (10 Excel-based and 10 finance-based)

  • Your Approach: Focused on accuracy and efficiency while solving the Excel problems. For the finance questions, relied on basic financial concepts and logical reasoning.

  • Outcome: Cleared the round successfully.

  • Round 2 - Group Discussion:

  • Questions Asked: Topics related to current scenarios and new developments.

  • Your Approach: Actively participated, shared relevant points, and ensured a balanced discussion without dominating.

  • Outcome: Advanced to the next round.

  • Round 3 - Technical Interview:

  • Questions Asked: Technical questions related to the role of an Associate Consultant.

  • Your Approach: Answered confidently, backed by examples from coursework and projects.

  • Outcome: Cleared the round.

  • Round 4 - HR Interview:

  • Questions Asked: Behavioral and situational questions to assess fit for the company culture.

  • Your Approach: Stayed honest and composed, aligning answers with the company’s values.

  • Outcome: Received positive feedback and an offer.

Preparation Tips:

  • Practice Excel functions and shortcuts beforehand.
  • Stay updated with current affairs for group discussions.
  • Revise technical concepts relevant to the role.
  • Prepare for behavioral questions by reflecting on past experiences.

Conclusion:
Overall, the interview process was smooth and well-structured. The key was staying calm and confident throughout. For future candidates, I’d recommend thorough preparation for each round and maintaining a positive attitude.

73

Company Name: KPMG

Position: Associate Consultant

Application Process: Applied through campus placement.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - HR Call:

    • Questions Asked:
      • Are you genuinely interested in this role?
      • Why KPMG?
      • What are your career aspirations?
    • Your Approach: I kept my answers concise and aligned them with the company’s values and the role’s requirements.
    • Outcome: Passed to the next round.

  • Round 2 - Technical Call (Basic Logical Questions):

    • Questions Asked:
      • Basic logical puzzles and situational questions.
      • How would you approach a problem in a team setting?
    • Your Approach: I focused on clear, structured thinking and explained my reasoning step-by-step.
    • Outcome: Cleared this round successfully.

  • Round 3 - Technical Call (Deep Dive):

    • Questions Asked:
      • Detailed questions about my technical expertise and past projects.
      • How do you stay updated with industry trends?
    • Your Approach: I highlighted my hands-on experience and shared examples of how I applied my skills in real-world scenarios.
    • Outcome: Advanced to the next round.

  • Round 4 - Management Round:

    • Questions Asked:
      • Functional questions about the role.
      • Salary expectations and negotiation.
    • Your Approach: I was honest about my expectations and backed them up with market research.
    • Outcome: Moved to the final round.

  • Round 5 - Partner Round:

    • Questions Asked:
      • High-level discussion about my fit for the company culture.
      • Long-term goals and how KPMG aligns with them.
    • Your Approach: I emphasized my enthusiasm for the role and how my values align with KPMG’s mission.
    • Outcome: Selected for the role.

Preparation Tips:

  • Brush up on logical reasoning and situational judgment.
  • Be prepared to discuss your technical skills in depth.
  • Research the company’s culture and recent projects to align your answers.

Conclusion:
Overall, the interview process was thorough but fair. I felt well-prepared, but I could have practiced more situational questions. My advice is to stay calm, be yourself, and showcase how you can add value to the company.

74

Company Name: KPMG

Position: Associate Consultant

Application Process: The process began with a written test, followed by two rounds of face-to-face interviews and one telephonic round. The HR initially expressed satisfaction with my candidature but later became unresponsive during compensation negotiations.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Written Test:

    • Questions Asked: Details of the written test were not specified.
    • Your Approach: Prepared thoroughly for the test, focusing on analytical and problem-solving skills.
    • Outcome: Cleared the written test and proceeded to the next rounds.

  • Round 2 - Face-to-Face Interview:

    • Questions Asked: Questions were likely technical and situational, though specifics were not provided.
    • Your Approach: Answered confidently, aligning responses with the role’s requirements.
    • Outcome: Feedback was positive, and I advanced to the next round.

  • Round 3 - Telephonic Interview:

    • Questions Asked: Details of the questions were not shared.
    • Your Approach: Maintained clarity and professionalism during the call.
    • Outcome: HR later confirmed they were happy with my performance.

Conclusion:

The interview process started well, with positive feedback from the HR. However, the experience turned disappointing due to unprofessional behavior during compensation negotiations. The HR stopped communicating after initial discussions, leaving me uncertain about the final outcome. My advice to future candidates would be to clarify compensation expectations early and be prepared for potential delays or lack of follow-up from the company.

75

Company Name: KPMG

Position: Associate Consultant

Location: New York

Application Process: Applied through the college portal for on-campus recruitment. After initial screening, I was called for an on-campus interview, followed by a final round on-site at their New York office.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - On-Campus Interview:

    • Questions Asked:
      • Tell me about yourself.
      • Why do you want to join KPMG?
      • Describe a situation where you worked in a team and faced a conflict. How did you resolve it?
      • A case study question about improving client satisfaction for a hypothetical scenario.
    • Your Approach:
      • For the behavioral questions, I focused on structuring my answers using the STAR method to keep them concise and impactful.
      • For the case study, I took a structured approach, breaking down the problem into smaller parts and proposing logical solutions.
    • Outcome: Cleared this round and was invited for the final on-site interview.

  • Round 2 - On-Site Interview (Final Round):

    • Questions Asked:
      • Walk me through your resume in detail.
      • How do you handle tight deadlines and prioritize tasks?
      • A more complex case study about optimizing operational efficiency for a client.
      • Questions about my understanding of the consulting industry and KPMG’s role in it.
    • Your Approach:
      • I ensured my resume walkthrough was crisp and highlighted relevant experiences.
      • For the case study, I asked clarifying questions before diving into the solution and validated my assumptions.
      • I researched KPMG’s recent projects and aligned my answers to show my interest and understanding of their work.
    • Outcome: Successfully cleared the final round and received the offer.

Preparation Tips:

  • Practice case studies using frameworks like SWOT, Porter’s Five Forces, etc.
  • Brush up on behavioral questions using the STAR method.
  • Research the company thoroughly, including recent news, projects, and their culture.
  • Mock interviews with peers helped me gain confidence and refine my answers.

Conclusion:
Overall, the interview process was smooth and well-structured. The key was staying calm and being prepared for both technical and behavioral aspects. I could have practiced more case studies to improve my speed and accuracy. My advice to future candidates is to focus on clarity, structure, and confidence in your answers.

76

Company Name: KPMG

Position: Associate Consultant

Location: [Location not specified]

Application Process: The interview was well managed and timely conducted. There were 2 rounds, and both took place on the same day. Overall, it was a great experience. Later, I received a job offer and have been working here for about 1.5 years.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - [Round Type not specified]:

    • Questions Asked: [Details not provided]
    • Your Approach: [Details not provided]
    • Outcome: Passed to the next round

  • Round 2 - [Round Type not specified]:

    • Questions Asked: [Details not provided]
    • Your Approach: [Details not provided]
    • Outcome: Received a job offer

Conclusion:
The interview process was smooth and well-organized. It was a positive experience, and I am happy to have joined KPMG as an Associate Consultant. For future candidates, I would recommend staying calm and being yourself during the interview. Good luck!

77

Company Name: KPMG

Position: Associate Consultant

Location: [Location not specified]

Application Process: The application process involved participating in a Group Discussion (GD) followed by Personal Interview (PI) rounds. The selection was based on both GD performance and CV evaluation.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Group Discussion (GD):

  • Questions Asked: The topics for the GD were general and not overly technical. The focus was on assessing communication skills, teamwork, and the ability to articulate thoughts clearly.

  • Your Approach: I tried to actively participate without dominating the discussion, ensuring my points were relevant and well-structured. I also listened to others and built on their ideas where appropriate.

  • Outcome: I was selected for the next round based on my GD performance and CV.

  • Round 2 - Personal Interview (PI-1):

  • Questions Asked: This round had a mix of technical and behavioral questions. The technical questions were basic, while the behavioral ones focused on teamwork, problem-solving, and past experiences.

  • Your Approach: For technical questions, I answered concisely and confidently. For behavioral questions, I used the STAR method to structure my responses, highlighting relevant experiences.

  • Outcome: I cleared this round and moved to the final PI round.

  • Round 3 - Final Personal Interview (PI with Partner):

  • Questions Asked: The partner asked in-depth technical questions, some of which were directly from my CV, while others were more general but challenging. There were also situational questions to assess problem-solving skills.

  • Your Approach: I took my time to think before answering and ensured my responses were thorough. For CV-based questions, I elaborated on my projects and experiences. For situational questions, I broke down the problem logically.

  • Outcome: The round was intense, but I managed to perform well and received positive feedback.

Preparation Tips:

  • Brush up on basic technical concepts related to your field.
  • Practice the STAR method for behavioral questions.
  • Be thorough with your CV, as interviewers often ask detailed questions about your projects and experiences.
  • Work on your communication skills for the GD round—practice speaking clearly and listening actively.

Conclusion:
Overall, the interview process at KPMG was rigorous but well-structured. The GD round was a good icebreaker, and the PI rounds tested both technical and behavioral competencies. I could have prepared more for situational questions in the final round, but the experience was valuable. My advice to future candidates is to be confident, stay calm, and ensure you know your CV inside out!

78

Company Name: KPMG

Position: Associate Consultant

Location: [Location not specified]

Application Process: I applied through the company’s career portal after seeing the job posting online. The process was straightforward, and I received a response within a couple of weeks.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Manager Interview:

    • Questions Asked: The interview was conducted by two managers from the specific area I was applying for. They asked about my background, relevant experience, and how I would approach common challenges in the role. There were also situational questions to assess problem-solving skills.
    • Your Approach: I focused on aligning my past experiences with the role’s requirements and used the STAR method to structure my answers for situational questions.
    • Outcome: I passed this round and was invited to the next phase.

  • Round 2 - Director Interview:

    • Questions Asked: The director of the area interviewed me next. The questions were more strategic, focusing on long-term goals, industry trends, and how I could contribute to the team’s success.
    • Your Approach: I emphasized my understanding of the industry and shared ideas on how I could add value to the team. I also asked insightful questions about the company’s direction.
    • Outcome: This round went well, and I advanced to the final stage.

  • Round 3 - HR Interview:

    • Questions Asked: The HR round was more about cultural fit, salary expectations, and general questions about my motivation for joining KPMG.
    • Your Approach: I was honest about my expectations and shared my enthusiasm for the company’s culture and values.
    • Outcome: I received positive feedback and was offered the position.

Preparation Tips:

  • Research the company thoroughly, especially the specific area you’re applying for.
  • Practice situational and behavioral questions using the STAR method.
  • Be prepared to discuss industry trends and how they relate to the role.

Conclusion:
The entire process was smooth and well-structured. I felt prepared for each round, but I could have spent more time researching recent company developments. My advice to future candidates is to stay confident, be yourself, and ensure your answers reflect both your skills and alignment with the company’s values.

79

Company Name: KPMG

Position: Associate Consultant

Application Process: The application process involved multiple telephonic interview rounds conducted by managers and partners. The competition was high, and only the top candidates were selected. However, the HR team did not always provide feedback or responses if a candidate was not selected.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Telephonic Interview (Manager):

    • Questions Asked: General questions about my background, experience, and interest in the role. Some situational questions to assess problem-solving skills.
    • Your Approach: I focused on being concise and clear in my responses, highlighting relevant experiences and skills. For situational questions, I used the STAR method to structure my answers.
    • Outcome: Advanced to the next round.

  • Round 2 - Telephonic Interview (Partner):

    • Questions Asked: More in-depth questions about my technical knowledge, industry trends, and how I would handle specific challenges in the role.
    • Your Approach: I prepared by researching KPMG’s recent projects and aligning my answers with the company’s values and goals. I also emphasized my adaptability and teamwork skills.
    • Outcome: The competition was tough, and I was not selected for the role.

Preparation Tips:

  • Research the company thoroughly, including recent projects and industry trends.
  • Practice answering situational and behavioral questions using the STAR method.
  • Be prepared for high competition and ensure your responses stand out.

Conclusion:
The interview process was rigorous, and while I didn’t make it to the final round, it was a great learning experience. I realized the importance of thorough preparation and tailoring my responses to the company’s specific needs. For future candidates, I’d advise staying confident and showcasing how your skills align with KPMG’s expectations.

80

Company Name: KPMG

Position: Associate Consultant

Application Process: My CV was posted on a job-search website. I received a call from an external recruiter, who coordinated my interview process with the hiring manager. The process consisted of three rounds: one with HR, the second with an Assistant Manager, and the third with the Associate Director.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - HR Interview:

    • Questions Asked:
      • Tell me about yourself.
      • Why are you interested in this role at KPMG?
      • Describe a challenging situation you faced and how you handled it.
      • What are your strengths and weaknesses?
    • Your Approach: I kept my answers concise and tailored them to highlight my relevant skills and experiences. I also researched KPMG’s values and recent projects to align my responses with their culture.
    • Outcome: Passed to the next round.

  • Round 2 - Assistant Manager Interview:

    • Questions Asked:
      • Walk me through your resume and explain your career choices.
      • How do you handle working under tight deadlines?
      • Can you give an example of a time you worked in a team and resolved a conflict?
      • What do you know about the consulting industry?
    • Your Approach: I focused on providing specific examples from my past experiences to demonstrate my problem-solving and teamwork skills. I also brushed up on industry trends to answer the consulting-related question confidently.
    • Outcome: Advanced to the final round.

  • Round 3 - Associate Director Interview:

    • Questions Asked:
      • How would you approach a problem where the client’s requirements are unclear?
      • Describe a time you had to learn something new quickly.
      • Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
      • Do you have any questions for us?
    • Your Approach: I used the STAR method to structure my answers for behavioral questions. For the client-related question, I emphasized adaptability and communication. I also prepared thoughtful questions about the team and growth opportunities at KPMG.
    • Outcome: Received a positive response and was offered the role.

Preparation Tips:

  • Research the company thoroughly, including its values, recent projects, and industry position.
  • Practice behavioral questions using the STAR method.
  • Prepare questions to ask the interviewers to show your interest in the role and company.

Conclusion:
Overall, the interview process was smooth and well-structured. I felt prepared, but I could have practiced more case-study-type questions to feel even more confident. My advice to future candidates is to focus on storytelling in your answers and to stay calm and composed throughout the process.