Hi everyone, this topic is for sharing Preparation guidelines and interview experience for PUMA Group Summer Intern
The Summer Intern at PUMA Group involves a multi-stage assessment and interview process, designed to evaluate both technical skills and business proficiency. Below is a summary of the process and key points from the interviews you provided:
Interview Process Summary
Application: Typically via PUMA’s internship/careers portal.
Round 0 – Casual Intro (in some cases): Brief, friendly conversation where the team introduces the company and department and confirms your ability to complete a role-aligned task.
Round 1 – HR/Behavioral Interview: Conversational; often facilitated by previous interns. Focus on background, motivation, teamwork, problem-solving, adaptability, and a walkthrough of your CV.
Round 2 – Departmental/Role-Specific Interview: Deep dive into your CV and skills relevant to the specific department; includes hypothetical scenarios to assess structured thinking and problem-solving.
No separate online assessment tests were mentioned in the shared experiences.
Company/Role Motivation
Why do you want to intern at PUMA?
What do you know about PUMA and the department you’re applying to?
What about this role excites you?
HR/Personality/Behavioral
Tell me about yourself and your background.
Walk me through your CV/resume.
Which experiences and skills on your CV are most relevant to this internship?
Tell me about a time you worked effectively in a team.
Describe a challenging problem you faced and how you solved it.
Give an example of how you adapted to change or ambiguity.
Situational/Problem-Solving
Here’s a hypothetical scenario related to the department: how would you approach solving it?
If you were assigned an unfamiliar task with a short deadline, how would you proceed?
How would you structure your approach to a new problem to ensure a logical solution?
Department-Specific/Technical
What specific skills relevant to this department do you have, and how have you applied them?
Can you connect your past projects/experiences to the responsibilities of this internship?
Talk about a project from your CV that aligns with PUMA’s business (e.g., retail, e-commerce, marketing, product, supply chain, or finance).
Logistics/Task-Readiness
We have a role-related task for you—are you able to complete it within the expected timeline?
Are you comfortable handling tasks relevant to the internship independently?
Interview Preparation Tips
Know your CV inside out; be prepared to discuss every bullet with examples.
Research PUMA and the specific department so you can align your answers to their goals.
Practice common behavioral questions using the STAR framework (teamwork, problem-solving, adaptability).
Prepare for scenario-based questions; practice structuring your approach logically.
Be genuine and keep the conversation natural—interviews were described as relaxed and friendly (often led by previous interns).
Be flexible; some rounds can be casual and focus on your ability to complete a practical task.
Questions Asked: The interview was very casual and friendly. They introduced the company and the department and asked if I could complete a task.
Your Approach: I had prepared many questions, but it turned out to be unnecessary as the conversation was more about the role and the task.
Outcome: [Not specified]
Preparation Tips:
Focus on understanding the company and the role rather than over-preparing specific questions.
Be ready to discuss your ability to handle tasks relevant to the internship.
Conclusion:
The interview was relaxed and straightforward. While I over-prepared with questions, the discussion was more about the practical aspects of the role. For future candidates, I’d recommend balancing preparation with flexibility to adapt to the flow of the conversation.
Application Process: I applied online, and the process was quite fast. The manager contacted me directly to set up the interview.
Interview Rounds:
Round 1 - Resume Walkthrough & Casual Interview:
Questions Asked: The manager and team head asked me to walk them through my resume. The conversation was very casual and focused on my background and experiences.
Your Approach: I kept it conversational, highlighting key projects and skills relevant to the role. I also made sure to ask questions about the team and the work culture to show my interest.
Outcome: I passed this round and was invited for the next interview.
Round 2 - Case Study:
Questions Asked: I was given a case study to work on. The details of the case weren’t shared in advance, so it was a bit of a surprise.
Your Approach: I tackled the case methodically, breaking it down into smaller parts and proposing practical solutions. I also made sure to communicate my thought process clearly.
Outcome: The next day, I received an offer for the internship!
Conclusion:
Overall, the interview process was smooth and straightforward. The casual nature of the first round made it less stressful, and the case study round was a great opportunity to showcase my problem-solving skills. My advice for future candidates would be to stay relaxed, be yourself, and prepare to think on your feet, especially for case studies. Good luck!
Application Process: Applied online and received a call after two weeks. The process was highly disorganized, with multiple cancellations and rescheduling issues.
Interview Rounds:
Round 1 - Initial Coordination:
Details: The first interview was canceled two days prior. On the same day, minutes before the scheduled time, they contacted me to conduct the interview. Since I wasn’t at home, it was rescheduled for the next day.
Outcome: Rescheduled.
Round 2 - Second Attempt:
Details: The second interview was canceled five minutes before the scheduled time.
Outcome: Canceled.
Round 3 - Third Attempt:
Details: Waited for over an hour. The Teamhead called to apologize and rescheduled for the next day.
Outcome: Rescheduled.
Round 4 - Ghosting:
Details: No communication from the Teamhead or HR.
Outcome: Ignored.
Round 5 - Final Attempt:
Details: After minutes of waiting, someone finally showed up for the interview. The interview was brief, and it was evident they hadn’t reviewed my CV. I was frequently interrupted, and the interviewer seemed disinterested. Despite meeting the basic requirements, I was rejected.
Outcome: Rejected.
Conclusion:
The entire process was extremely disorganized and stressful. The lack of professionalism and communication left a very negative impression. While I was grateful for the opportunity, the experience was disappointing and frustrating. If you’re applying to PUMA, be prepared for potential disorganization and delays.
Application Process: [Application process details not provided]
Interview Rounds:
Round 1 - Introduction & Fit Assessment:
Questions Asked:
Tell us about yourself and how you came to apply for PUMA.
Explanation of the entire process and workflow at PUMA.
How do you see yourself establishing in this field, and do you see yourself in this position?
Your Approach:
I introduced myself briefly, highlighting my background and interest in the role.
I listened carefully to the explanation of the workflow and asked clarifying questions to show engagement.
For the last question, I shared my career aspirations and how they align with the role at PUMA.
Outcome: [Result of this round not provided]
Preparation Tips:
Research the company’s culture and values to align your answers.
Practice explaining your background and motivations clearly.
Prepare questions about the role and company to show genuine interest.
Conclusion:
Overall, the interview was conversational and focused on fit. I felt prepared but could have asked more specific questions about the team dynamics. For future candidates, I recommend thoroughly understanding the role and being ready to discuss how you fit into the company’s vision.
Application Process: Applied online and received an email invitation for the interview after a few days.
Interview Rounds:
Round 1 - Skype Interview:
Questions Asked: Simple introductory questions.
Your Approach: Answered confidently and kept the conversation professional.
Outcome: Advanced to the next round.
Round 2 - In-Person Interview at Headquarters:
Questions Asked: More detailed questions about the role and fit for the company.
Your Approach: Prepared by researching the company and aligning my answers with PUMA’s values and goals.
Outcome: Results were communicated by the HR department the following week.
Conclusion:
The overall experience was smooth and professional. The Skype round was a good warm-up, and the in-person interview allowed me to showcase my enthusiasm for the role. Researching the company beforehand definitely helped. For future candidates, I’d recommend being well-prepared and staying confident throughout the process.
Application Process: Applied through the company’s career portal. The process involved a 3-step interview process.
Interview Rounds:
Round 1 - HR Interview:
Questions Asked: General questions about my background, interest in the role, and why I wanted to intern at PUMA.
Your Approach: I focused on aligning my skills and interests with the company’s values and the role’s requirements.
Outcome: Successfully cleared this round and moved to the next stage.
Round 2 - Team Interview (Video Chat - 1.5 hours):
Questions Asked: A mix of technical and behavioral questions, including problem-solving scenarios and how I would handle specific tasks related to the internship.
Your Approach: I tried to stay calm and structured in my responses, providing examples from past experiences where applicable.
Outcome: Unfortunately, I did not progress to the final round.
Conclusion:
Overall, it was a great learning experience. The HR round was straightforward, but the team interview was quite intensive. Reflecting on it, I could have prepared more thoroughly for the technical aspects of the role. For future candidates, I’d recommend researching the company’s recent projects and practicing problem-solving scenarios related to the internship.
Application Process: The application was submitted online, and the interview process was conducted virtually. The entire process was completed in a single day.
Interview Rounds:
Round 1 - HR Interview:
Questions Asked:
Brief introduction about yourself.
Discussion about projects mentioned in the resume.
Your Approach: I kept my introduction concise and focused on relevant experiences. For the projects, I highlighted my contributions and learnings.
Outcome: The round went well, and the hiring manager was very friendly, making it feel like a conversation rather than a formal interview.
Preparation Tips:
Review your resume thoroughly to speak confidently about your projects and experiences.
Practice a clear and concise self-introduction.
Stay relaxed and treat the interview as a conversation to build rapport with the interviewer.
Conclusion:
The overall experience was positive, and the hiring manager’s approach made the process less stressful. I would advise future candidates to be genuine and prepared to discuss their resume in detail.
Application Process: Applied through the company’s internship portal.
Interview Rounds:
Round 1 - Behavioral Interview:
Questions Asked: General behavioral questions about teamwork, problem-solving, and adaptability. The interviewers were previous interns and made the conversation very relaxed.
Your Approach: Stayed calm and answered honestly, focusing on past experiences that demonstrated the skills they were looking for.
Outcome: Successfully passed the round and secured the internship.
Preparation Tips:
Practice common behavioral questions and think of specific examples from past experiences.
Be yourself and keep the conversation natural, as the interviewers were very approachable.
Conclusion:
The interview was a great experience overall. The team was friendly, and the questions were straightforward. I’d advise future candidates to relax and be genuine in their responses.
Behavioral question: “Imagine your daily work routine if you were chosen.”
Your Approach:
Prepared a concise and engaging introduction.
Highlighted relevant skills and experiences that align with the role.
Used the STAR method to structure the behavioral response.
Outcome: [Not specified]
Preparation Tips:
Practice common behavioral questions using the STAR method.
Research the company culture and values to tailor your responses.
Be ready to discuss your previous experiences in detail.
Conclusion:
The interviewers were warm and professional, making the experience comfortable. Focusing on clear communication and aligning my skills with the role helped me feel confident. Future candidates should prepare thoroughly for behavioral questions and ensure they understand the company’s expectations.
Application Process: Applied online for the summer internship position.
Interview Rounds:
Round 1 - Presentation & Excel Exercise:
Tasks: Had to create a presentation and complete an Excel exercise.
Your Approach: Prepared the presentation with relevant data and insights, and completed the Excel exercise by applying analytical skills.
Outcome: Uncertain, as no feedback was provided immediately after this round.
Round 2 - Interview:
Questions Asked: The interview questions were very challenging and covered a wide range of topics.
Your Approach: Tried to answer as best as I could, but found the questions quite difficult.
Outcome: It has been over 4 weeks with no response, so I assume I didn’t get the offer.
Conclusion:
Overall, the process was rigorous, especially the interview round. If I could do it differently, I would prepare more thoroughly for challenging interview questions. For future candidates, I’d recommend practicing both presentation skills and Excel, as well as preparing for tough interview scenarios.
Application Process: Applied through an online portal. The process began with a phone screening by HR, followed by a call with a manager.
Interview Rounds:
Round 1 - Phone Screening (HR):
Questions Asked:
Current status as a student.
How I would benefit and aid the company.
Your Approach: I discussed my academic background, relevant coursework, and how my skills align with the internship role. I also highlighted my enthusiasm for the industry.
Outcome: Passed this round and moved to the next stage.
Round 2 - Manager Interview:
Questions Asked:
Strengths and weaknesses.
Job prospects and interest in the industry.
Skills relevant to the internship.
Your Approach: I was honest about my strengths (e.g., teamwork, adaptability) and weaknesses (e.g., time management, which I’m improving). I also shared my passion for the industry and how this internship aligns with my career goals.
Outcome: Successfully cleared this round and received the internship offer.
Preparation Tips:
Research the company thoroughly, especially its culture and recent projects.
Reflect on your strengths and weaknesses beforehand to answer confidently.
Be prepared to discuss why you’re interested in the industry and how the internship fits into your career plans.
Conclusion:
Overall, the interview process was smooth and conversational. The HR and manager were very approachable, which made it easier to express myself. I would advise future candidates to be genuine and prepared to discuss their skills and interests in detail.
Application Process:
The application process began with submitting a CV and a Statement of Purpose (SOP). The SOP included responses to specific questions posed by PUMA. This was the initial screening round.
Interview Rounds:
Round 1 - HR Interview:
Questions Asked:
Tell me about yourself.
Why do you want to intern at PUMA?
How do your skills align with the role?
Describe a situation where you demonstrated teamwork.
Your Approach:
I prepared concise answers highlighting my academic background, relevant skills, and enthusiasm for the role. I also linked my experiences to PUMA’s values and the internship’s requirements.
Outcome:
I passed this round and moved to the next stage.
Round 2 - Departmental Interview:
Questions Asked:
What do you know about PUMA’s operations in your department of interest?
How would you handle a challenging project with tight deadlines?
Share an example of a problem you solved creatively.
Your Approach:
I researched PUMA’s recent projects and initiatives in the department beforehand. For situational questions, I used the STAR method to structure my responses.
Outcome:
The interviewer seemed satisfied with my answers, and I received positive feedback.
Preparation Tips:
Research the company thoroughly, especially the department you’re applying to.
Practice answering common HR and situational questions.
Use the STAR method for behavioral questions to keep your answers structured.
Conclusion:
Overall, the interview process was smooth and well-organized. I felt prepared, but I could have been more specific about my contributions in past projects. My advice to future candidates is to tailor your SOP and interview responses to PUMA’s culture and the role’s requirements.
Application Process: Applied through the company’s career portal. The process was straightforward, and I received an invitation for an interview after submitting my application and CV.
Interview Rounds:
Round 1 - HR Interview:
Questions Asked:
Tell me about yourself.
Why do you want to intern at PUMA?
What do you know about our company?
Describe a time you worked in a team and faced a challenge.
Your Approach: I kept my answers concise and tailored them to highlight my enthusiasm for the role and my understanding of PUMA’s brand and values. For the teamwork question, I used the STAR method to structure my response.
Outcome: Passed this round and moved to the next interview.
Round 2 - Departmental Interview:
Questions Asked:
How do your skills align with the requirements of this internship?
Can you walk us through a project or coursework relevant to this role?
What are your expectations from this internship?
How do you handle tight deadlines?
Your Approach: I focused on connecting my academic and extracurricular experiences to the internship’s responsibilities. For the project question, I explained a recent project in detail, emphasizing my role and the outcomes.
Outcome: Successfully cleared this round and received an offer for the internship.
Preparation Tips:
Research the company thoroughly, including its mission, values, and recent initiatives.
Review your CV and be ready to discuss any part of it in detail.
Practice common behavioral questions using the STAR method.
Prepare questions to ask the interviewers about the role or company culture.
Conclusion:
Overall, the interview process was smooth and conversational. The interviewers were friendly and made me feel comfortable. I think preparing well and being confident in my responses helped me succeed. For future candidates, I’d recommend practicing answers to common questions and ensuring you can articulate why you’re a good fit for the role and the company.
Application Process: Applied online and received an email from the talent acquisition team within a few weeks, inviting me for a phone interview.
Interview Rounds:
Round 1 - Phone Interview with Talent Acquisition:
Questions Asked:
Brief discussion about the role and my interest in it.
General questions about my background and why I wanted to intern at PUMA.
Your Approach:
I kept my answers concise and aligned them with the company’s values and the role’s requirements.
Highlighted relevant experiences and enthusiasm for the brand.
Outcome:
Passed this round and was invited for an in-person interview at the headquarters.
Round 2 - In-Person Interview at Headquarters:
Questions Asked:
Met with multiple team members who asked about my skills and how they fit the role.
Behavioral questions like teamwork scenarios and problem-solving examples.
Questions about my understanding of the industry and PUMA’s market position.
Your Approach:
Prepared by researching PUMA’s recent campaigns and market trends.
Used the STAR method for behavioral questions to structure my answers clearly.
Outcome:
Successfully cleared this round and received positive feedback about my preparation and fit for the role.
Preparation Tips:
Research the company thoroughly, including recent news, campaigns, and market position.
Practice behavioral questions using the STAR method to structure your answers.
Be ready to discuss how your skills align with the role and the company’s values.
Conclusion:
The interview process was smooth and well-organized. I felt prepared, but I could have practiced more industry-specific questions to feel even more confident. My advice for future candidates is to focus on aligning your experiences with the role and showing genuine enthusiasm for the brand.
Application Process: Applied through the company’s internship portal. The process was straightforward, and I received a prompt response for the interview scheduling.
Interview Rounds:
Round 1 - Personal Interview:
Questions Asked:
Can you walk us through your educational background?
What are your hobbies and interests?
How do you think your skills align with this internship role?
Your Approach: I kept my answers concise and relevant, highlighting my academic achievements and how my hobbies (like sports and teamwork) align with PUMA’s brand values.
Outcome: Passed this round and was invited for the next interview.
Round 2 - Skype Interview:
Questions Asked:
Why do you want to intern at PUMA?
Describe a time when you worked in a team and faced a challenge. How did you handle it?
What do you know about PUMA’s recent initiatives or campaigns?
Your Approach: I researched PUMA’s recent campaigns beforehand and linked my answer to their brand ethos. For the teamwork question, I used a real-life example from a college project.
Outcome: Successfully cleared this round and received the internship offer shortly after.
Preparation Tips:
Research the company thoroughly, especially their recent campaigns and values.
Prepare examples from your past experiences that align with the role.
Keep your answers structured and concise.
Conclusion:
The overall experience was smooth and professional. The interviewers were friendly, which made the process comfortable. I would advise future candidates to be well-prepared with company-specific knowledge and to stay calm and confident during the interviews.
Application Process: Applied through [method not specified, e.g., online application, campus placement, or referral].
Interview Rounds:
Round 1 - HR Interview:
Questions Asked: Basic Q&A about my background, interests, and why I wanted to intern at PUMA. Also, a review of my CV to discuss my experiences and skills.
Your Approach: I kept my answers concise and relevant, highlighting my enthusiasm for the role and how my skills align with the internship.
Outcome: Passed to the next round.
Round 2 - Departmental Interview:
Questions Asked: More in-depth questions about my CV, specific skills related to the department I applied for, and hypothetical scenarios to assess my problem-solving abilities.
Your Approach: I focused on connecting my past experiences to the role, demonstrating my ability to adapt and contribute. For scenarios, I structured my answers logically.
Outcome: Successfully cleared the round.
Preparation Tips:
Review your CV thoroughly and be ready to discuss every point in detail.
Research the company and the specific department to align your answers with their goals.
Practice common HR and technical questions related to your field.
Conclusion:
Overall, the interview process was smooth and engaging. The HR round was more conversational, while the departmental round tested my technical and analytical skills. I could have prepared more for scenario-based questions, but my familiarity with my CV helped a lot. For future candidates, I’d recommend knowing your CV inside out and practicing structured responses for situational questions.