Application Process: I appeared for an interview for the role of Business Associate in KPMG Global Services Gurgaon.
Interview Rounds:
Round 1 - Technical Interview:
Questions Asked: Not specified.
Your Approach: Focused on showcasing my technical skills and experience relevant to the role.
Outcome: Cleared the round.
Round 2 - Technical Interview:
Questions Asked: Not specified.
Your Approach: Continued to emphasize my expertise and alignment with the role’s requirements.
Outcome: Cleared the round.
Conclusion:
The interview experience with the team was positive, but the HR process was disappointing. Initially, I was offered a salary of 7.5-7 LPA with a joining bonus of 1-2 Lacs. However, after clearing both rounds, the offer was reduced to 6.5 LPA with a 50K joining bonus, which was not even a 10% hike on my previous salary. I rejected the offer. Later, the HR contacted me again for another round for the same role in a different team, but the hike offered was less than 5%. I requested a standard 30% hike, and my candidature was rejected. Overall, it was a frustrating and time-consuming experience.
Application Process: I received a call from HR informing me that I had been shortlisted for further interview rounds. They asked for my availability to schedule an online interview.
Interview Rounds:
Round 1 - HR Interview:
Questions Asked:
Availability confirmation for the interview.
Basic introduction and background.
Why KPMG and why this role?
Your Approach:
I confirmed my availability promptly.
Prepared a concise introduction highlighting my relevant skills and experiences.
Researched KPMG’s values and the role to align my answers.
Outcome:
Successfully moved to the next round.
Preparation Tips:
Research the company’s culture, values, and recent projects.
Prepare a clear and concise introduction.
Align your skills and experiences with the job description.
Conclusion:
The initial interaction with HR was smooth, and being prepared with my introduction and company knowledge helped me advance. I would advise future candidates to be prompt in their responses and thoroughly research the company.
Application Process: Applied through a referral and the company’s career portal.
Interview Rounds:
Round 1 - Manager and Department Head Interview:
Questions Asked:
Tell us about your current experience.
Why are you looking to switch roles?
Situation-based questions to assess problem-solving skills.
Your Approach:
I focused on highlighting my relevant experience and how it aligns with the role. For the situation-based questions, I used the STAR method to structure my answers.
Outcome: Successfully cleared this round and moved to the next stage.
Round 2 - Head of Business Unit Interaction:
Questions Asked:
More of a conversational round discussing the role, company culture, and my expectations.
Your Approach:
I treated this as a two-way conversation, asking questions about the team and projects to show my interest.
Outcome: The round went well, and I received positive feedback.
Preparation Tips:
Research the company and role thoroughly.
Practice the STAR method for situation-based questions.
Prepare thoughtful questions to ask the interviewer about the team and projects.
Conclusion:
Overall, the interview process was smooth and conversational. I felt well-prepared, but I could have researched more about recent company initiatives to add more depth to my answers. My advice for future candidates is to stay calm, be yourself, and engage actively in the conversation.
Application Process: The company conducted an aptitude exam, and after shortlisting, students had to go through 3 rounds of interviews—2 technical and 1 HR round.
Interview Rounds:
Round 1 - Technical Interview:
Questions Asked: The interviewer asked situational questions to assess quick thinking and problem-solving skills.
Your Approach: I tried to stay calm and structured my answers logically, ensuring I addressed the core of the problem.
Outcome: Passed this round and moved to the next technical interview.
Round 2 - Technical Interview:
Questions Asked: More situational and scenario-based questions, along with some domain-specific queries.
Your Approach: I focused on applying my knowledge to practical situations and provided clear, concise answers.
Outcome: Successfully cleared this round as well.
Round 3 - HR Interview:
Questions Asked: General HR questions about my background, strengths, weaknesses, and why I wanted to join KPMG.
Your Approach: I answered honestly and highlighted my enthusiasm for the role and the company.
Outcome: The interviewer was friendly, and I felt confident about my responses.
Preparation Tips:
Practice situational and behavioral questions to improve quick thinking.
Brush up on domain-specific knowledge relevant to the role.
Be prepared to discuss your resume and experiences in detail.
Conclusion:
The overall interview experience was positive, with friendly interviewers who made the process comfortable. I could have prepared more situational examples beforehand, but staying calm and structured helped me perform well. For future candidates, I’d recommend practicing quick-thinking exercises and being confident in your responses.
Application Process: Applied through campus placement.
Interview Rounds:
Round 1 - Team Lead Interview:
Questions Asked:
Tell me about your experience.
What are your interests?
Your Approach: Answered honestly, highlighting relevant experience and aligning my interests with the role.
Outcome: Cleared the round.
Round 2 - [Details Not Provided]:
Questions Asked: [Not specified]
Your Approach: [Not specified]
Outcome: Cleared the round, but no offer or rejection received.
Conclusion:
The interview experience was positive, and I managed to clear both rounds. However, the lack of communication regarding the final decision was disappointing. For future candidates, I’d advise preparing well for behavioral questions and following up with HR if there’s no update post-interview.
Application Process: I was interviewed at my campus, which involved CV shortlisting followed by an aptitude test and multiple interview rounds.
Interview Rounds:
Round 1 - Aptitude Test:
Questions Asked: The test was moderate in difficulty, covering quantitative aptitude, logical reasoning, and verbal ability.
Your Approach: I practiced previous aptitude questions and focused on time management to ensure I could attempt all sections.
Outcome: Cleared the round and moved to the next stage.
Round 2 - Technical Round 1 (Guesstimates and Case Study):
Questions Asked: The interviewer, a Manager, asked guesstimate questions like “Estimate the number of smartphones in Delhi” and a case study on market entry strategy for a new product.
Your Approach: I structured my answers logically, breaking down the guesstimate into smaller parts and using assumptions. For the case study, I followed a framework to analyze the market, competition, and potential challenges.
Outcome: The interviewer seemed satisfied with my approach, and I advanced to the next round.
Round 3 - Technical Round 2 (Guesstimates and Case Study):
Questions Asked: This round was taken by an Associate Director and involved another guesstimate (“Estimate the annual revenue of a mid-sized hotel in Mumbai”) and a case study on cost optimization for a retail chain.
Your Approach: I used a similar structured approach, ensuring clarity in my assumptions and calculations. For the case study, I focused on identifying key cost drivers and potential savings.
Outcome: The feedback was positive, and I was selected for the HR round.
Round 4 - HR Round:
Questions Asked: Typical HR questions like “Tell me about yourself,” “Why KPMG?” and situational questions like “How would you handle a conflict in a team?”
Your Approach: I kept my answers concise, highlighting my skills and alignment with KPMG’s values. For situational questions, I used the STAR method.
Outcome: The round went well, and I received a positive response.
Preparation Tips:
For aptitude tests, practice previous year papers and focus on speed and accuracy.
For guesstimates, learn frameworks like top-down or bottom-up estimation and practice common questions.
Case studies require familiarity with business frameworks (e.g., SWOT, Porter’s Five Forces).
HR rounds are about confidence and clarity—prepare answers for common questions and know your resume well.
Conclusion:
Overall, the interview process was smooth and well-structured. The key was staying calm and thinking logically during the technical rounds. I could have practiced more guesstimates beforehand, but the frameworks I learned helped me navigate them. For future candidates, focus on structured thinking and clear communication—it makes a huge difference!
Application Process: The process began with a written test to assess my grammar skills in English. This was followed by two rounds of technical interviews.
Interview Rounds:
Round 1 - Written Test:
Questions Asked: Grammar-based questions in English.
Your Approach: I focused on brushing up on basic grammar rules beforehand and took my time to read each question carefully during the test.
Outcome: Passed this round and moved on to the technical interviews.
Round 2 - Technical Interview (Hiring Manager):
Questions Asked: Questions were more about my intent for the role and my apprenticeship experience rather than deeply technical.
Your Approach: I highlighted my eagerness to learn and grow, and I discussed my apprenticeship experience in detail, emphasizing how it prepared me for this role.
Outcome: Successfully cleared this round.
Round 3 - Technical Interview (Senior Manager):
Questions Asked: Similar to the previous round, with a focus on my motivation and how I could contribute to the team.
Your Approach: I reiterated my enthusiasm for the role and tied my past experiences to the responsibilities of a Business Associate.
Outcome: Cleared this round as well.
Preparation Tips:
Brush up on basic grammar rules if the written test is part of the process.
Be clear about your intent for the role and how your past experiences align with it.
Practice discussing your apprenticeship or any relevant experiences in a structured manner.
Conclusion:
Overall, the interview process was smooth and focused more on my intent and fit for the role rather than technical depth. Being a fresher, I appreciated the emphasis on my potential and willingness to learn. For future candidates, I’d advise being genuine about your motivations and preparing to discuss your experiences in a way that aligns with the role.
Application Process: I applied via LinkedIn and was interviewed before September 2021.
Interview Rounds:
Round 1 - Aptitude Test:
Questions Asked: Logical reasoning and basic maths questions.
Your Approach: I focused on solving the questions systematically and double-checked my answers for accuracy.
Outcome: Passed this round successfully.
Round 2 - Group Discussion:
Questions Asked: Discussion on Indian GDP among the group.
Your Approach: I actively participated, shared relevant points, and listened to others to contribute meaningfully.
Outcome: Made it through to the next round after a waiting period.
Round 3 - One-on-One Round:
Questions Asked: Questions about EBITDA, Revenue, Sales, Ratio Analysis, and Financial concepts.
Your Approach: I answered confidently, drawing from my knowledge of financial terms and their practical applications.
Outcome: Cleared the round and received positive feedback.
Preparation Tips:
Be confident in what you’ve learned.
Prepare thoroughly for exams to contribute at the highest level.
Conclusion:
Overall, the interview process was smooth, and I felt well-prepared. Being confident and articulate during the group discussion and one-on-one round made a significant difference. For future candidates, I’d recommend brushing up on financial terms and practicing logical reasoning to ace the aptitude test.
Application Process: I applied through my campus placement process, which involved CV shortlisting followed by an aptitude test and multiple interview rounds.
Interview Rounds:
Round 1 - Aptitude Test:
Questions Asked: The test was of moderate difficulty, covering quantitative aptitude, logical reasoning, and verbal ability.
Your Approach: I practiced previous aptitude tests and focused on time management to ensure I could attempt all questions.
Outcome: Cleared the round successfully.
Round 2 - Technical Round 1 (Guesstimates):
Questions Asked: The interviewer asked me to estimate the number of smartphones sold in India in a year.
Your Approach: I broke down the problem into smaller parts, considering population, age groups, and smartphone penetration rates. I also justified my assumptions.
Outcome: The interviewer seemed satisfied with my approach, and I moved to the next round.
Round 3 - Technical Round 2 (Case Study):
Questions Asked: I was given a case study about a company facing declining sales and asked to propose solutions.
Your Approach: I analyzed the problem, identified potential causes (like market competition or product issues), and suggested actionable strategies.
Outcome: The interviewer appreciated my structured thinking, and I advanced to the HR round.
Round 4 - HR Round:
Questions Asked: Questions about my background, why I wanted to join KPMG, and how I handle teamwork and challenges.
Your Approach: I answered honestly, aligning my responses with the company’s values and culture.
Outcome: The round went well, and I received positive feedback.
Preparation Tips:
For aptitude tests, practice regularly and focus on speed and accuracy.
For guesstimates, practice breaking down problems logically and making reasonable assumptions.
For case studies, work on structuring your thoughts and presenting solutions clearly.
For HR rounds, research the company and be prepared to discuss your experiences and motivations.
Conclusion:
Overall, the interview process was smooth and well-structured. I felt prepared, but I could have practiced more case studies to refine my approach. My advice to future candidates is to stay calm, think logically, and be confident in your answers.
Application Process: I applied through the company’s career portal after seeing the job posting. The process was straightforward, and I received a call for the interview rounds within a couple of weeks.
Interview Rounds:
Round 1 - HR Interview:
Questions Asked:
Tell me about yourself.
Why do you want to join KPMG?
What do you know about the role of a Business Associate?
Your Approach: I kept my answers concise and focused on my relevant skills and enthusiasm for the role. I also researched KPMG’s values and recent projects to align my answers.
Outcome: I passed this round and was invited for the next stage.
Round 2 - Excel Test:
Questions Asked:
Create a pivot table from the given dataset.
Use VLOOKUP to merge data from two sheets.
Apply basic formulas like SUMIF and COUNTIF.
Your Approach: I practiced Excel functions beforehand, especially VLOOKUP and pivot tables, which helped me complete the tasks efficiently.
Outcome: I cleared the test and moved to the next round.
Round 3 - Hiring Manager Interview:
Questions Asked:
How would you handle a situation where a client is unhappy with the deliverables?
Describe a time you worked in a team to solve a problem.
What are your strengths and weaknesses?
Your Approach: I used the STAR method to structure my answers and gave examples from my past experiences.
Outcome: The feedback was positive, and I advanced to the next round.
Round 4 - Team Lead Interview:
Questions Asked:
How do you prioritize tasks when handling multiple deadlines?
Can you explain a complex concept in simple terms? (They asked me to explain a business process I was familiar with.)
Your Approach: I focused on my organizational skills and ability to simplify information, using real-life examples.
Outcome: I passed this round and was called for the final HR round.
Round 5 - Final HR Interview:
Questions Asked:
What are your salary expectations?
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Do you have any questions for us?
Your Approach: I was honest about my expectations and asked about the company culture and growth opportunities.
Outcome: I received a positive response and was offered the role.
Preparation Tips:
Brush up on Excel skills, especially VLOOKUP, pivot tables, and basic formulas.
Research the company and role thoroughly to align your answers.
Practice the STAR method for behavioral questions.
Conclusion:
Overall, the interview process was smooth and well-structured. I felt prepared because I focused on the key areas mentioned in the job description. If I could do anything differently, I would practice more Excel scenarios to speed up my responses during the test. My advice for future candidates is to stay calm, be yourself, and prepare thoroughly for each round. Good luck!
Application Process: Applied through campus placement.
Interview Rounds:
Round 1 - HR Interview:
Questions Asked: General HR questions about my background, why I wanted to join KPMG, and my understanding of the role.
Your Approach: I focused on aligning my skills with the job requirements and shared my enthusiasm for the company.
Outcome: Passed to the next round.
Round 2 - Excel Test:
Questions Asked: The test included tasks related to VLOOKUP, Pivot Tables, and other basic Excel formulas.
Your Approach: I practiced Excel functions beforehand and ensured I understood how to apply them efficiently.
Outcome: Cleared the test successfully.
Round 3 - Hiring Manager Interview:
Questions Asked: Questions about my problem-solving skills, how I handle deadlines, and my experience with teamwork.
Your Approach: I provided examples from past projects to demonstrate my abilities.
Outcome: Advanced to the next round.
Round 4 - Team Lead Interview:
Questions Asked: More in-depth questions about my technical skills and how I would handle specific scenarios in the role.
Your Approach: I emphasized my adaptability and willingness to learn.
Outcome: Moved forward to the final round.
Round 5 - Final HR Interview:
Questions Asked: Discussed salary expectations, work culture fit, and any final clarifications.
Your Approach: I was honest about my expectations and reiterated my interest in the role.
Outcome: Received a positive response.
Preparation Tips:
Practice Excel functions like VLOOKUP, Pivot Tables, and basic formulas thoroughly.
Be ready to discuss your problem-solving skills and teamwork experiences with concrete examples.
Research the company culture and align your answers to reflect your fit.
Conclusion:
The interview process was structured and thorough. I felt well-prepared for the Excel test, which was a key part of the process. For future candidates, I’d recommend focusing on Excel skills and being ready to provide detailed examples of your work experiences. Overall, it was a great learning experience!
Application Process: Applied through campus placement.
Interview Rounds:
Round 1 - HR Interview:
Questions Asked: General questions about my background, why I wanted to join KPMG, and my understanding of the role.
Your Approach: I focused on aligning my skills with the job description and shared my enthusiasm for the company.
Outcome: Cleared this round and moved to the next stage.
Round 2 - Excel Test:
Questions Asked: The test included tasks related to VLOOKUP, Pivot Tables, and basic Excel formulas.
Your Approach: I practiced these functions beforehand and ensured I was comfortable with them. During the test, I double-checked my work for accuracy.
Outcome: Passed the test and proceeded to the next rounds.
Round 3 - Hiring Manager Interview:
Questions Asked: Behavioral questions, situational scenarios, and how I would handle specific tasks in the role.
Your Approach: I used the STAR method to structure my answers and provided examples from past experiences.
Outcome: Successfully cleared this round.
Round 4 - Team Lead Interview:
Questions Asked: More in-depth questions about teamwork, problem-solving, and how I would contribute to the team.
Your Approach: I emphasized collaboration and shared instances where I worked effectively in a team.
Outcome: Cleared this round and moved to the final HR round.
Round 5 - Final HR Interview:
Questions Asked: Discussions about salary expectations, joining timelines, and any final clarifications.
Your Approach: I was honest about my expectations and asked questions about the company culture.
Outcome: Received a positive response and an offer.
Preparation Tips:
Practice Excel functions like VLOOKUP, Pivot Tables, and basic formulas thoroughly.
Prepare for behavioral questions using the STAR method.
Research the company and role to align your answers with their expectations.
Conclusion:
The interview process was smooth, and the recruiters were very supportive. Practicing Excel and preparing for behavioral questions helped me a lot. I would advise future candidates to focus on these areas and stay confident throughout the process.