Unilever Intern - Finance Interview Questions & Experience Guide

Company Name: Unilever

Position: Intern - Finance

Location: [Location (if applicable)]

Application Process: I applied for the internship through my university’s campus placement program. The process was streamlined, and I received an email notification about the interview schedule after my application was shortlisted.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Online Assessment:

    • Questions Asked: The assessment included a mix of quantitative aptitude, logical reasoning, and basic finance-related questions. There were also a few situational judgment questions to gauge problem-solving skills.
    • Your Approach: I focused on maintaining accuracy while managing time efficiently. For the finance questions, I relied on my coursework and some basic financial concepts I had revised beforehand.
    • Outcome: I cleared this round and was invited for the next stage.
  • Round 2 - Technical Interview:

    • Questions Asked: The interviewer asked about my understanding of financial statements, key financial ratios, and how I would analyze a company’s financial health. There were also scenario-based questions, like how I would handle a budget constraint in a project.
    • Your Approach: I structured my answers by first defining the concepts and then applying them to practical examples. For the scenario-based question, I used the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to frame my response.
    • Outcome: The interviewer seemed satisfied with my answers, and I moved on to the final round.
  • Round 3 - HR Interview:

    • Questions Asked: This round focused on my motivation for joining Unilever, my career goals, and how I handle teamwork and conflict resolution. There were also questions about my previous experiences and how they relate to the internship role.
    • Your Approach: I emphasized my passion for finance and how the internship aligns with my long-term goals. I also shared specific examples of teamwork and problem-solving from my academic projects.
    • Outcome: The HR round went well, and I received positive feedback about my communication skills.

Preparation Tips:

  • Brush up on basic financial concepts like financial statements, ratios, and budgeting.
  • Practice situational judgment questions to improve problem-solving skills.
  • Use the STAR method for behavioral questions to structure your answers clearly.
  • Research the company thoroughly to align your answers with their values and goals.

Conclusion:
Overall, the interview process was well-organized and gave me a chance to showcase my skills and enthusiasm for finance. I could have prepared more for the technical round by practicing more case studies, but the experience was valuable. My advice to future candidates is to stay calm, be confident, and ensure your answers reflect both your knowledge and your passion for the role.

Company Name: Unilever

Position: Intern - Finance

Application Process: I applied through a fast-track process, which allowed me to skip initial rounds and proceed directly to the manager interview. The competition was intense, with around 150 applications for this role.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Manager Interview (Online):
    • Questions Asked:
      • Tell me about yourself.
      • Solve some Excel problems (specifics not mentioned).
    • Your Approach: I focused on presenting my background concisely, highlighting relevant skills and experiences. For the Excel problems, I ensured I understood the requirements before attempting to solve them.
    • Outcome: The interview lasted about 20 minutes, and I felt it went well, though the competition was tough.

Preparation Tips:

  • Brush up on Excel skills, especially practical problem-solving.
  • Prepare a clear and concise self-introduction, tailored to the role.
  • Research the company and role to align your answers with their expectations.

Conclusion:
Overall, it was a challenging but insightful experience. The fast-track process was efficient, but the competition reminded me of the importance of standing out. For future candidates, I’d recommend thorough preparation and confidence in showcasing your skills.

Company Name: Unilever

Position: Intern - Finance

Application Process: The process began with an aptitude test, which included math and reading questions focusing on accuracy and speed. Those who cleared the test moved on to the interview rounds.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - HireVue Interview:

  • Questions Asked:

    • 4-5 pre-recorded behavioral questions.
    • A 10-minute case interview.
  • Your Approach: For the behavioral questions, I focused on structuring my answers using the STAR method to ensure clarity. For the case interview, I quickly analyzed the problem, identified key points, and presented a logical solution within the time limit.

  • Outcome: Cleared this round and advanced to the final round.

  • Round 2 - Final Round Interviews:

  • Questions Asked:

    • Excel Case Interview: A practical case to solve using Excel with one interviewer.
    • Behavioral Interview: Conducted by two interviewers, focusing on past experiences and situational questions.
    • Behavioral/Technical Interview: A mix of behavioral and technical finance-related questions with one interviewer.
  • Your Approach: For the Excel case, I ensured my analysis was thorough and my spreadsheet was well-organized. In the behavioral interviews, I again used the STAR method and tied my answers back to the role’s requirements. For the technical part, I brushed up on basic finance concepts beforehand.

  • Outcome: Successfully cleared all interviews and received the internship offer.

Preparation Tips:

  • Practice aptitude tests under timed conditions to improve speed and accuracy.
  • Familiarize yourself with the STAR method for behavioral questions.
  • Brush up on basic Excel functions and finance concepts for the technical rounds.

Conclusion:
Overall, the process was well-structured and tested both technical and behavioral skills. I found the STAR method incredibly helpful for the behavioral rounds, and practicing timed case studies improved my performance. For future candidates, I’d recommend focusing on clarity and structure in answers and ensuring you’re comfortable with Excel for the practical round.

Company Name: Unilever

Position: Intern - Finance

Application Process: I applied through the company’s online application form, which included multiple short essay questions. After submitting the application, I was required to complete a logical and math test. The difficulty was manageable, but the time constraints were tighter compared to tests from other companies.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Online Application & Test:

  • Questions Asked: The online application had short essay questions, and the test included logical reasoning and math problems.

  • Your Approach: For the essays, I focused on clarity and relevance to the role. For the test, I practiced similar questions beforehand to manage time effectively.

  • Outcome: I passed this round and was invited for a phone interview.

  • Round 2 - Phone Interview:

  • Questions Asked: The interviewer asked 3 main questions with follow-ups. The questions were behavioral and situational, focusing on teamwork and problem-solving.

  • Your Approach: I used the STAR method to structure my answers, ensuring I provided concrete examples.

  • Outcome: I advanced to the next stage after this round.

  • Round 3 - Assessment Centre/Offer:

  • Questions Asked: This round involved group activities and further interviews, likely assessing teamwork and role-specific skills.

  • Your Approach: I stayed engaged in group discussions and ensured my contributions were meaningful. For interviews, I reiterated my skills and enthusiasm for the role.

  • Outcome: Received an offer for the internship.

Preparation Tips:

  • Practice logical and math tests under timed conditions.
  • Prepare for behavioral questions using the STAR method.
  • Research the company’s values and recent initiatives to align your answers.

Conclusion:
Overall, the process was smooth but required thorough preparation. The key was balancing speed and accuracy in the tests and being articulate in interviews. I’d advise future candidates to practice extensively and stay calm during the process.

Company Name: Unilever

Position: Intern - Finance

Application Process: The process was very convenient and included two fun games—one to test personality and another to assess mathematical skills—followed by an online HireVue interview.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Personality Assessment Game:

    • Questions Asked: The game was designed to evaluate traits like teamwork, adaptability, and problem-solving.
    • Your Approach: I focused on being authentic and showcasing my natural responses to the scenarios presented.
    • Outcome: Passed this round and moved to the next stage.
  • Round 2 - Mathematical Skills Game:

    • Questions Asked: The game tested basic to intermediate mathematical and analytical skills.
    • Your Approach: I took my time to ensure accuracy and double-checked my calculations where necessary.
    • Outcome: Successfully cleared this round.
  • Round 3 - Online HireVue Interview:

    • Questions Asked: Behavioral questions like “Tell me about a time you worked in a team” and “How do you handle deadlines?”
    • Your Approach: I used the STAR method to structure my answers and provided specific examples from past experiences.
    • Outcome: The interview went well, and I felt confident about my responses.

Conclusion:
The overall experience was great! The games made the process engaging, and the HireVue interview was straightforward. I’d advise future candidates to be themselves during the personality game and brush up on basic math skills for the second game. For the HireVue interview, practicing the STAR method beforehand is a huge plus!

Company Name: Unilever

Position: Intern - Finance

Application Process: Applied online through the company’s career portal. The process began with an initial screening round involving recorded video responses.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Online Recorded Questions:
    • Questions Asked:
      • 5 recorded questions, mostly marketing-related despite the finance role.
      • A 10-minute final case question.
    • Your Approach:
      • Took time to analyze each prompt before recording responses.
      • Focused on aligning answers with Unilever’s values and business model, even for marketing questions.
    • Outcome:
      • Advanced to the next round, though the questions felt obscure for a finance role.

Preparation Tips:

  • Research the company thoroughly, including its values and recent campaigns, as questions may not always align directly with the role.
  • Practice recording responses to case questions to improve clarity and conciseness under time pressure.

Conclusion:
The process was challenging due to the unexpected focus on marketing topics. However, adapting quickly and demonstrating alignment with Unilever’s broader goals helped. Future candidates should prepare for a diverse range of questions, even if they seem unrelated to the role.

Company Name: Unilever

Position: Intern - Finance

Application Process: I submitted an online application and was invited to a Discovery Day about one month later after receiving a call from HR. The process included 2 rounds of one-on-one interviews, a case study with a group presentation, and technical questions on Excel.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Discovery Day (Group Case Study + Presentation):

  • Questions Asked: We were given a case study related to a financial scenario and had to work in groups to analyze it and present our findings. The case study tested our problem-solving skills, teamwork, and ability to communicate financial insights.

  • Your Approach: I focused on understanding the financial metrics involved, collaborated with my team to brainstorm solutions, and ensured our presentation was clear and concise.

  • Outcome: Our group did well, and I was selected to move forward to the next round.

  • Round 2 - One-on-One Interviews (Technical + Behavioral):

  • Questions Asked: The interview included technical questions on Excel (e.g., pivot tables, VLOOKUP, financial modeling) and behavioral questions like “Tell me about a time you worked in a team under pressure.”

  • Your Approach: For the technical part, I demonstrated my Excel skills by explaining how I would approach the tasks. For behavioral questions, I used the STAR method to structure my answers.

  • Outcome: I felt confident about my performance, and later received positive feedback from the interviewer.

Preparation Tips:

  • Practice case studies in a group setting to simulate the Discovery Day experience.
  • Brush up on Excel skills, especially pivot tables, VLOOKUP, and financial modeling.
  • Prepare for behavioral questions using the STAR method to structure your answers clearly.

Conclusion:
Overall, the interview process was well-structured and gave me a good insight into Unilever’s work culture. The group case study was challenging but fun, and the one-on-one interviews were a great opportunity to showcase my skills. For future candidates, I’d recommend practicing both technical and soft skills to excel in all rounds.

Company Name: Unilever

Position: Intern - Finance

Application Process: The application process for Unilever’s Finance Intern position involved multiple stages. It started with an initial screening that included a personality-based assessment, a problem-solving/basic calculation assessment, and a HireVue interview. Candidates who cleared these stages moved on to the subsequent rounds. The process was quite extensive compared to other internship positions.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Initial Screening:

    • Questions Asked:
      • Personality-based questions to assess fit.
      • Problem-solving and basic calculation tasks.
      • Video responses via HireVue on situational and behavioral questions.
    • Your Approach:
      • For the personality assessment, I answered honestly to reflect my true self.
      • For the problem-solving section, I took my time to ensure accuracy in calculations.
      • In the HireVue round, I practiced common behavioral questions beforehand and kept my responses concise and structured.
    • Outcome: Cleared this round and moved to the next stage.
  • Round 2 - [Next Round Type]:

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

Preparation Tips:

  • Practice basic calculations and problem-solving to ensure speed and accuracy.
  • Prepare for behavioral and situational questions, as they are common in the initial stages.
  • Be yourself in the personality assessment to ensure a good cultural fit.

Conclusion:
The interview process for Unilever’s Finance Intern position was thorough and multi-staged. While the initial rounds were manageable with preparation, the later stages required deeper knowledge and skills. I recommend future candidates to start early, practice consistently, and stay authentic throughout the process.

Company Name: Unilever

Position: Intern - Finance

Application Process: I was hired very late, so the process was expedited with just one interview round.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Behavioral Interview & Excel Test:
    • Questions Asked: The interview was conducted by three finance managers and lasted about an hour. While the email mentioned technical questions, the focus was primarily on behavioral questions. There was also an Excel test component.
    • Your Approach: I stayed calm and focused on answering the behavioral questions honestly and thoughtfully. For the Excel test, I made sure to showcase my proficiency by working methodically and double-checking my work.
    • Outcome: The interviewers were very friendly, and the overall vibe was relaxed. I enjoyed the conversation and felt it went well.

Conclusion:

Despite the late hiring process, the interview was a great experience. The team was welcoming, and the questions were straightforward. My advice for future candidates would be to prepare for both behavioral and technical aspects, even if the email suggests one over the other. Staying adaptable and confident is key!

Company Name: Unilever

Position: Intern - Finance

Application Process: In-person interview process.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Group Case Study:

    • Tasks:
      • Worked on a 1-hour group case study, primarily using Excel.
      • Prepared findings in PowerPoint and presented them to members of the finance team.
    • Your Approach: Collaborated with the group to analyze the case, divide tasks, and ensure a clear presentation. Focused on accuracy in Excel and clarity in the PowerPoint.
    • Outcome: Successfully presented findings and advanced to the next round.
  • Round 2 - Behavioural Interviews:

    • Questions Asked:
      • General behavioural questions (e.g., teamwork, problem-solving).
      • A few questions testing Excel skills.
    • Your Approach: Used the STAR method for behavioural questions and demonstrated Excel proficiency with practical examples.
    • Outcome: Felt confident in responses and moved forward.
  • Round 3 - Additional Interviews:

    • Questions Asked:
      • More behavioural questions.
      • Follow-up on Excel skills.
    • Your Approach: Maintained consistency in answers and provided detailed examples for Excel tasks.
    • Outcome: Completed all rounds successfully.

Preparation Tips:

  • Practice case studies in Excel and PowerPoint beforehand.
  • Review common behavioural questions and use the STAR method.
  • Brush up on Excel functions and shortcuts.

Conclusion:
Overall, the process was well-structured and engaging. The group case study was a great way to showcase teamwork and analytical skills. The behavioural interviews were straightforward but required clear, concise answers. Excel skills were tested lightly but were still important. For future candidates, I’d recommend practicing case studies and being prepared to present confidently.

Company Name: Unilever

Position: Intern - Finance

Location: [Location not specified]

Application Process: I applied through my university’s campus placement program. The process was streamlined, and I received an invitation for the interview rounds shortly after submitting my application.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Online Assessment:

  • Questions Asked: The assessment included aptitude questions, logical reasoning, and a few basic finance-related scenarios to test analytical skills.

  • Your Approach: I practiced aptitude and logical reasoning questions beforehand and ensured I understood fundamental finance concepts. I took my time to read each question carefully before answering.

  • Outcome: Passed this round and was invited for the next stage.

  • Round 2 - Technical Interview:

  • Questions Asked: Questions revolved around financial statements, ratio analysis, and a case study on budgeting. The interviewer also asked about my understanding of Unilever’s business model.

  • Your Approach: I revised key financial concepts and practiced case studies. I also researched Unilever’s recent financial performance and business strategies to align my answers with their context.

  • Outcome: The interviewer seemed satisfied with my responses, and I advanced to the final round.

  • Round 3 - HR Interview:

  • Questions Asked: Typical HR questions like “Tell me about yourself,” “Why Unilever?” and “Where do you see yourself in 5 years?” There were also situational questions to gauge teamwork and problem-solving skills.

  • Your Approach: I prepared a concise introduction and linked my career goals with Unilever’s values. For situational questions, I used the STAR method to structure my answers.

  • Outcome: The conversation was smooth, and I received positive feedback.

Preparation Tips:

  • Brush up on basic finance concepts like financial statements, ratios, and budgeting.
  • Practice aptitude and logical reasoning questions regularly.
  • Research the company thoroughly, including its business model and recent financial performance.
  • Prepare for HR questions by reflecting on your experiences and aligning them with the company’s values.

Conclusion:
Overall, the interview process was well-structured and gave me a chance to showcase my skills. I could have been more confident during the technical round, but thorough preparation helped me compensate for it. My advice to future candidates is to stay calm, prepare well, and be authentic in your responses.