I applied through university. The process took 4 weeks. I interviewed at KPMG in Oct 2008
Interview
I initially signed up to interview with KPMG through our on campus recruiting office. KPMG contacted me by email where I was told that I had been selected for an interview. The email also included an invitation to a dinner (business casual) the night before where I would get the chance to meet members of the firm and others who would be interviewing for positions at KPMG. Even though the dinner was not mandatory, my career counselor strongly advised me against declining the invitation. The dinner was very casual and all the employees were very outgoing and extremely positive about their experiences at KPMG. Most of the KPMG employees in attendance were 1-4 years into their KPMG careers. They spent most of the night convincing us that KPMG was a great place to work. Some students were definitely in “interview mode” and tried all night to impress any and everyone who they thought might be a decision maker. This seemed to make everyone uncomfortable (both the KPMG employees and the other students).
The following day was an interview with a Manager in Advisory Services. She was very relaxed (non-threatening) and began what was more like a conversation vs. an interview. After talking about her background and asking questions about mine she casually asked two or three interview questions. Each referred to dealing with pressure or leading in difficult situations. After that I was able to ask questions for about 20-30 minutes about her career and the firm. She said she was pleased with the interview and stated that she would like to get me in the office later on for another round of interviews.
Approximately 2 weeks later I was contacted by email and invited to spend a day in the office for another round of interviews. I called the KPMG campus recruiter to confirm my attendance. I was sent an email with directions, instructions and the resumes/bios of the 3 managers I would interview with. The instructions clearly said business casual, however, almost everyone interviewing wore a suit. After introductions and a continental breakfast the groups of candidates were given about 30 minutes to interact with each other and the people that would conduct the interviews. Unfortunately (maybe intentionally) I was told that I would not interview with the people I had been given a bio on. This was a little frustrating but I assumed it was part of their plan and just dealt with it. I had 3 interviews each lasting about 45-60 minutes. These were not difficult but definitely not as relaxed as the campus interview. I was asked numerous questions related to leadership, dealing with adversity, and being part of a team. After asking them about their careers, the office culture, corporate culture and my career I got the perception that many in the office weren’t happy, but they knew working there was a means to an end. One interviewer actually stated that after 2-3 years it would be easy to leave the firm and find a job that one really enjoyed.
After the interviews I was taken to lunch by two associates. Lunch was more relaxed, however, you still felt like you were part of an interview process. After lunch I went back to the office where I was told that they would contact me in about a week with an offer or rejection letter. I heard back from them approximately 4 weeks later.
Interview questions [2]
Question 1
Describe a situation where you had to convince someone in a position of authority that their opinion/position on a situation was wrong.
Advisory Internship interview. Two behavioral 30-minute interviews with a manager and an MD. received the offer over the phone after around 2 weeks. accepted the full time offer post internship.
2 rounds of behavioral interviews; come prepared to speak about yourself, answer scenario-based questions, and ask thoughtful questions of your interviewers.
They will ask questions specific to the Advisory practice you applied to, so come prepared with relevant accomplishments and solutions you've implemented in that domain previously.
I applied through a recruiter. The process took 2 months. I interviewed at KPMG (San Francisco, CA)
Interview
It was fluid! The interviewer didn’t ask me anything out of the ordinary. It was primarily a fit check rather than technical. I’ve heard it varies, i may have just gotten a chill recruiter.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
Why KPMG?
What is something you wish you did different?