What we look for
We’re interested in how you think, how you do things with others, and how you bring our values to life. That’s why our recruitment process is built to discover your key behaviours and your mindset – to see if you would thrive here.
Skills for success
What makes our culture distinctive is that we see your success as a long-term investment. We don’t expect you to have all the answers from day one. We want you to show that you have the potential to grow and to learn by collaborating, so that you can make an even better impact longer term. What do you need to demonstrate?
Skills for Success:
- Problem solving and decision-making – approaching challenges logically, spotting patterns and making thoughtful choices.
- Focus and reasoning – staying attentive under pressure, absorbing information and applying insight effectively.
- Resilience and persistence – remaining determined when faced with setbacks and adapting positively to change.
- Collaboration and awareness – building strong relationships, showing awareness of others and contributing to team success.
- Communication – expressing ideas clearly and confidently, while listening to and learning from others.
- Leadership potential – guiding discussions, encouraging others and stepping up when needed.
- Business awareness and client focus – understanding our clients and markets, and how BDO creates value.
- Authenticity and learning agility – being yourself, reflecting on your experiences and continually developing.
These are the skills that’ll sit alongside the technical knowledge that you’ll gain in your chosen stream. The role of the assessment process is for us to identify whether you have the mindset for us to support your career growth and success.
APPLY ONLINE
There are a few stages to applying for an early careers opportunity at BDO. Each stage is designed to help you showcase your potential and your skills – so that we can see how you fit with our values and what support we could give you. From the outset, the focus is less on past experience and more on how you think, solve problems and interact with others.
Step 1: Online Application
Our initial application stage is designed to be as quick and easy as possible for applicants. For a full outline of how to send off your application, visit our hints and tips page.
Step 2: Online Task-Based assessment
The next step is the task-based assessment, an interactive and engaging way to measure cognitive ability, resilience and decision-making. These puzzle-style tasks don’t require prior preparation. Just find a calm and quiet place where you can focus and be your authentic self.
Step 3: Video Interview
If successful, you’ll move on to the video interview, where you’ll be assessed on your communication skills, awareness of the business stream you applied to, and how you align with BDO’s values. Preparation is important here: research what we do, practice your responses, and remember to speak clearly and with confidence about what you know.
Step 4: Assessment Centre and Interview
If you are successful in your video interview, the next is the virtual assessment centre, in which you’ll take part in a range of activities that simulate real work at BDO. For graduates and school leavers, the assessment centre consists of two parts. The first part is the case study presentation, where you’ll analyse information and present your recommendations to assessors. The second part is the group exercise, in which you’ll work in a team to analyse a business problem and present your recommendations.
For Interns and IPs, in addition to these tasks, you’ll also have an interview as part of the virtual assessment centre. If you’re applying for a graduate or school leaver programme, your final stage during the assessment centre is a face-to-face interview in the office that you applied to. This is your chance to reflect on your motivations, strengths, and experiences, while asking thoughtful questions about the role.
The use of AI in our assessment process
AI tools can be a useful way to prepare for assessments, write applications, and for researching and refining your ideas. However, our assessment process is designed to measure your authentic skills, see how you work in specific situations and to uncover your potential. We want to see your skills shine through.
Where AI can help:
- Preparing for video interviews by practicing questions or researching BDO.
- Summarising application guidance or assessment instructions.
- Polishing your application draft to make your experience clearer and more impactful.
Where AI is not to be used:
- Completing or assisting with the Online Task assessments (these are based on quantitative and inductive reasoning and AI won’t help you).
- Generating answers during video interviews or assessment centre exercises (we want your authentic responses).
- Creating or inventing work experience or achievements for your application.
Our expectations:
We value fairness, authenticity and integrity. Using AI in a way that hides your thinking, replaces your responses, or gives you an unfair advantage undermines the process. Any misuse of AI may result in your removal from the recruitment process.
AI is a supportive tool. It can help you to prepare, reflect and improve. When it comes to assessments and interviews, it’s your thoughts and skills that we want to see, so we can determine how we can support your potential.
Your Development Guide
The development guide is your tool for personal growth and career advancement. You've completed your task-based assessment and received a report detailing your natural tendencies. Now, it's time to put these insights into action.
This guide empowers you to take charge of your learning and progression. Reflect on how to harness your strengths and address your development areas to reach your career goals. It's all about taking ownership and making the most of your unique abilities. Please note, we cannot provide feedback beyond what is included in the guide.
Set yourself up for success.
Preparing For Your Video Interview
We know video interviews can feel unfamiliar. That’s why you’ll always get the chance to test things before you begin. Once you log into the interview platform, you’ll be guided through a short practice stage where you can do the following:
- Check your camera, microphone and internet connection
- Answer a sample practice question
- Get comfortable with the format before starting the real interview
These tools are built directly into the platform, so that you can feel confident and get ready before the first question appears. You won’t be assessed until the real interview begins.
Additional Tip: Take a moment to adjust your lighting, position your camera, and test your audio. Small details that can help you feel more relaxed and prepared. Remember, we’re not looking for perfection. We’re looking at how you share your ideas in a way that reflects your personality.
Application Hints & Tips
Our recruitment team have prepared some useful hints and tips to help you succeed in your application to join us, here at BDO.