KPMG Business Consultant Interview Questions & Experience Guide

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KPMG Business Consultant Interview Questions & Experience Guide

[anonymous]

Company Name: KPMG

Position: Business Consultant

Location: Jaipuria Institute of Management, Lucknow

Application Process: Applied via campus placement in December 2022.

Interview Rounds:

• Round 1 - Resume Shortlist:

• Questions Asked: Resume screening to shortlist candidates.

• Your Approach: Ensured my resume was concise and highlighted relevant skills and experiences.

• Outcome: Successfully shortlisted for the next round.

• Round 2 - Aptitude Test:

• Questions Asked: Quantitative, reasoning, and English sections.

• Your Approach: Practiced sample aptitude questions beforehand to improve speed and accuracy.

• Outcome: Cleared the aptitude test and moved to the technical round.

• Round 3 - Technical Round:

• Questions Asked:

  1. Situation-based questions.
  2. What is KYC, and how would you handle a specific situation related to it?

• Your Approach: For situation-based questions, I used the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result). For KYC, I explained its importance and provided a structured approach to handling the scenario.

• Outcome: Performed well and received positive feedback.

Preparation Tips:

• Focus on situation-based questions and practice the STAR method.
• Brush up on basic concepts like KYC and other relevant industry terms.
• Ensure your resume is crisp and tailored to the role.

Conclusion:
Overall, the interview process was smooth and well-structured. Preparing for situation-based questions and having a clear understanding of key concepts helped me perform well. For future candidates, I’d recommend thorough preparation and staying calm during the interviews.

[anonymous]

Company Name: KPMG

Position: Business Consultant

Location: [Not specified]

Application Process: I applied via LinkedIn and was interviewed in April 2023.

Interview Rounds:

• Round 1 - Resume Shortlist:

  • Questions Asked: None (resume screening round).
  • Your Approach: Ensured my resume was concise and tailored to the role, highlighting relevant skills and experiences.
  • Outcome: Successfully shortlisted for the next round.

• Round 2 - One-on-one Interview:

  • Questions Asked:
    1. What is your experience, and how can you do auditing?
    2. As a civil engineer with a background in billing, I know how to check things since billing engineers are primary auditors.
  • Your Approach:
    • For the first question, I discussed my prior experience and how it aligns with auditing tasks.
    • For the second question, I leveraged my billing background to explain my understanding of auditing principles.
  • Outcome: [Not specified]

Preparation Tips:

• Always stay true to the profile you know and study before going to the interview.

Conclusion:
The interview was a good learning experience. Being honest about my skills and background helped me articulate my fit for the role. Future candidates should focus on aligning their experiences with the job requirements and preparing thoroughly for technical or role-specific questions.

[anonymous]

Company Name: KPMG

Position: Business Consultant

Location: [Not specified]

Application Process: Applied through an online application process. The first-round interview was a telephone conversation.

Interview Rounds:

• Round 1 - Telephone Interview:

• Questions Asked:

  • Situational judgement questions about adapting to changing projects and handling a heavy workload as a first-year analyst.
  • A question to detail a company that was performing poorly and suggest improvements.

• Your Approach:

  • Prepared answers for the competency-based questions sent in advance.
  • Used the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure responses for situational questions.
  • Researched a struggling company beforehand to provide a well-thought-out analysis.

• Outcome:

  • The interviewer typed all answers, leading to long silences between questions. Despite this, the round went smoothly, and I advanced to the next stage.

Preparation Tips:

• Review the competency questions sent in advance and prepare structured answers.
• Practice the STAR method for situational and behavioural questions.
• Research current business trends and struggling companies to be ready for case-based questions.

Conclusion:

The telephone interview was straightforward but required patience due to the typing pauses. Preparing answers in advance and using the STAR method helped me stay composed. For future candidates, I’d recommend thorough preparation for competency-based questions and staying calm during silences.

[anonymous]

Company Name: KPMG

Position: Business Consultant

Location: Not specified

Application Process: Applied online. Received an email response a couple of weeks later, and was asked to re-submit a formatted resume and re-apply through a different link. After submitting the secondary application, a phone screen was scheduled for a few days later.

Interview Rounds:

• Round 1 - Phone Screen:

• Questions Asked: The screener asked the same questions that were already answered in both the online and secondary applications. The conversation felt one-way, with the screener taking extensive notes and deferring my questions.

• Your Approach: I answered the questions clearly and concisely, reiterating the information I had already provided in my applications. I also tried to ask clarifying questions about the role and next steps, but these were deferred.

• Outcome: The call ended quickly, and I never received any follow-up from KPMG, even after sending a follow-up email.

Conclusion:

The process felt repetitive and lacked transparency, especially since the phone screen didn’t add any new information or insights into the role. It would have been helpful to receive feedback or at least an acknowledgment of my follow-up. For future candidates, I’d recommend being prepared to repeat information and to manage expectations regarding communication from the company.

[anonymous]

Company Name: KPMG

Position: Business Consultant

Application Process: Applied through a combination of campus placement and online application. Given the firm’s reputation, the process was rigorous and competitive.

Interview Rounds:

• Round 1 - Technical Interview:

  • Questions Asked: The questions were challenging, covering accounting principles, business consulting scenarios, and problem-solving skills.
  • Your Approach: I focused on demonstrating my knowledge of accounting fundamentals and how they apply to real-world business problems. I also highlighted relevant experiences from my resume.
  • Outcome: Passed this round, but the feedback emphasized the need for deeper industry-specific knowledge.

• Round 2 - Case Study Interview:

  • Questions Asked: Presented with a business case study to analyze and provide recommendations.
  • Your Approach: Structured my response by breaking down the problem, identifying key issues, and proposing actionable solutions.
  • Outcome: Advanced to the next round, but the interviewer noted that my recommendations could have been more data-driven.

• Round 3 - HR Interview:

  • Questions Asked: Behavioral questions about teamwork, leadership, and handling challenges.
  • Your Approach: Used the STAR method to frame my answers and tied them back to the role’s requirements.
  • Outcome: Successfully cleared this round.

Preparation Tips:

• Brush up on accounting principles and business consulting frameworks.
• Practice case studies to improve analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Prepare for behavioral questions using the STAR method.

Conclusion:
The interview process at KPMG was intense but rewarding. While I managed to clear all rounds, I realized the importance of industry-specific knowledge and data-driven decision-making. My advice to future candidates is to gain relevant experience and thoroughly prepare for both technical and behavioral aspects of the interview.

[anonymous]

Company Name: KPMG

Position: Business Consultant

Location: KIIT University, Bhuvaneshwar

Application Process: Applied via campus placement at KIIT University in March 2022.

Interview Rounds:

• Round 1 - Resume Shortlist:

• Questions Asked: N/A (Resume screening round)

• Your Approach: Ensured my resume was well-formatted and aligned to make it easy for recruiters to read.

• Outcome: Successfully shortlisted for the next round.

• Round 2 - Aptitude Test:

• Questions Asked: Moderate-level aptitude questions.

• Your Approach: Focused on accuracy and time management while solving the questions.

• Outcome: Cleared the aptitude test.

• Round 3 - HR Round:

• Questions Asked:

  1. “Tell me about yourself and what are your strengths and weaknesses.”
  2. “What subjects do you have in the current semester?”

• Your Approach: Prepared a concise introduction highlighting my strengths and areas for improvement. Also, reviewed my current semester subjects beforehand.

• Outcome: Successfully cleared the HR round.

Preparation Tips:

• Brush up on basic concepts and ensure you have a strong grasp of them.
• Practice aptitude questions to improve speed and accuracy.
• Be ready to discuss your resume, strengths, weaknesses, and academic background confidently.

Conclusion:
Overall, the interview process was smooth and well-structured. Proper resume formatting and thorough preparation for the HR round were key to my success. For future candidates, I’d recommend focusing on clarity in communication and being well-prepared for both aptitude and HR questions.

[anonymous]

Company Name: KPMG

Position: Business Consultant

Application Process: Applied through campus placement.

Interview Rounds:

• Round 1 - Online Test:

• Questions Asked: The test included aptitude questions, logical reasoning, and a few case-based scenarios relevant to business consulting.

• Your Approach: I focused on time management and ensured I answered all the aptitude questions first before moving to the case-based scenarios.

• Outcome: Cleared the round successfully.

• Round 2 - Technical Round:

• Questions Asked: Questions revolved around my understanding of business consulting, problem-solving skills, and a few case studies to analyze.

• Your Approach: I structured my answers using frameworks like SWOT and PESTLE to analyze the case studies. I also emphasized my analytical skills and ability to think critically.

• Outcome: Advanced to the next round.

• Round 3 - Technical Round with Senior Consultant:

• Questions Asked: This round was more in-depth, with complex case studies and questions about my previous projects and how they relate to business consulting.

• Your Approach: I linked my past experiences to the role, demonstrating how my skills could add value to the team. I also asked insightful questions about the company’s projects.

• Outcome: Received positive feedback and was selected for the role.

Preparation Tips:

• Practice case studies using common business frameworks.
• Brush up on logical reasoning and aptitude skills.
• Be ready to discuss your previous projects and how they align with the role.

Conclusion:
The interview process was thorough but well-structured. I felt prepared, but I could have practiced more case studies to improve my confidence. My advice to future candidates is to focus on understanding business consulting fundamentals and to be clear about how their skills fit the role.

[anonymous]

Company Name: KPMG

Position: Business Consultant

Application Process: Applied through campus placement.

Interview Rounds:

• Round 1 - Group Presentation:

  • Questions Asked: Presented ourselves and learned about the company.
  • Your Approach: Focused on introducing my background and skills while engaging with the company’s presentation.
  • Outcome: Successfully passed to the next round.

• Round 2 - Motivational Interview (HR Manager):

  • Questions Asked: Discussed motivations for applying and interest in the role.
  • Your Approach: Highlighted my passion for consulting and alignment with KPMG’s values.
  • Outcome: Advanced to the technical round.

• Round 3 - Technical Interview (Manager):

  • Questions Asked: Explored aspects of the role and gauged my interest.
  • Your Approach: Asked clarifying questions and expressed enthusiasm for the position.
  • Outcome: Awaiting final results.

Preparation Tips:

• Practice concise self-introductions for group rounds.
• Research the company’s values and recent projects to align answers.
• Prepare questions about the role to show genuine interest.

Conclusion:
The process was smooth and engaging. I felt well-prepared for the motivational and technical rounds but could have researched more about KPMG’s recent consulting projects to stand out further. Overall, a great learning experience!

[anonymous]

Company Name: KPMG

Position: Business Consultant

Location: [Not specified]

Application Process: The application process involved multiple rounds of interviews, including technical and HR rounds, spread over several months. The process was thorough and aimed at assessing both technical and interpersonal skills.

Interview Rounds:

• Round 1 - Technical Interview:

  • Questions Asked: The questions were focused on domain-specific knowledge and problem-solving skills relevant to the business consultant role.
  • Your Approach: I prepared by reviewing key concepts in business consulting and practiced case studies to improve my analytical thinking.
  • Outcome: Passed this round and moved to the next stage.

• Round 2 - Technical Interview:

  • Questions Asked: This round delved deeper into technical scenarios and required detailed explanations of past projects and their impact.
  • Your Approach: I highlighted my previous experiences and how they aligned with the role, ensuring clarity and relevance in my responses.
  • Outcome: Successfully cleared this round.

• Round 3 - Technical Interview:

  • Questions Asked: Focused on real-world business challenges and how I would approach them.
  • Your Approach: I used frameworks and structured thinking to break down the problems and propose solutions.
  • Outcome: Advanced to the next round.

• Round 4 - Technical Interview:

  • Questions Asked: This round tested my ability to handle complex business scenarios and think critically under pressure.
  • Your Approach: I remained calm, took my time to analyze the questions, and provided well-reasoned answers.
  • Outcome: Cleared this round and proceeded to the HR interviews.

• Round 5 - HR Interview:

  • Questions Asked: Questions about my career goals, motivations, and cultural fit within the organization.
  • Your Approach: I was honest and aligned my answers with the company’s values and the role’s requirements.
  • Outcome: Moved to the final HR round.

• Round 6 - HR Interview:

  • Questions Asked: Discussed salary expectations, relocation (if applicable), and final clarifications.
  • Your Approach: I negotiated professionally and ensured all my queries were addressed.
  • Outcome: Received the offer.

Preparation Tips:

• Focus on domain-specific knowledge and case studies.
• Practice structured problem-solving techniques.
• Be prepared to discuss past experiences in detail.
• Research the company’s culture and values to align your responses during HR rounds.

Conclusion:
The interview process was rigorous but fair, with a strong emphasis on both technical and interpersonal skills. The interviewers were knowledgeable and provided a great learning experience. I would advise future candidates to prepare thoroughly, stay confident, and be themselves throughout the process.

[anonymous]

Company Name: KPMG

Position: Business Consultant

Location: [Not specified]

Application Process: [Not specified]

Interview Rounds:

• Round 1 - Technical Interview:

  • Questions Asked: [Details not provided]
  • Your Approach: [Details not provided]
  • Outcome: Passed

• Round 2 - Technical Interview:

  • Questions Asked: [Details not provided]
  • Your Approach: [Details not provided]
  • Outcome: Passed

• Round 3 - Technical Interview:

  • Questions Asked: [Details not provided]
  • Your Approach: [Details not provided]
  • Outcome: Passed

• Round 4 - Technical Interview:

  • Questions Asked: [Details not provided]
  • Your Approach: [Details not provided]
  • Outcome: Passed

• Round 5 - HR Interview:

  • Questions Asked: [Details not provided]
  • Your Approach: [Details not provided]
  • Outcome: Passed

• Round 6 - HR Interview:

  • Questions Asked: [Details not provided]
  • Your Approach: [Details not provided]
  • Outcome: Passed

Conclusion:

The interview process at KPMG for the Business Consultant role was extensive, spanning several months with multiple technical and HR rounds. The interviewers were highly accomplished and domain experts, making the process both challenging and fair. While the specifics of the questions asked weren’t detailed, the emphasis was clearly on assessing skills relevant to the role. Overall, it was a rigorous but rewarding experience, and I would advise future candidates to thoroughly prepare for both technical and behavioral aspects of the interview.