I completed the first stage of my application at the beginning of April 2016 which, along with submission of my CV, required answers to three questions about the company, my background, and current financial affairs. This was soon followed by an online maths test, and a checking test, in order to determine my numerical accuracy and competency for the role.
I was then invited to take part in a telephone interview. This was carried out approximately 6 weeks after I began the application process, and consisted of 20-30 minutes worth of questions about the company, the role, my background and my skills, as well as my views on particular areas of the industry. Despite falling victim to a shocking phone signal on the day, the interviewer was patient, professional and seemed genuinely interested in learning about me; a refreshing change to simply feeling like 'a number' as I had in previous applications. Indeed, the way in which the company corresponded with me and treated me throughout the entire process was fantastic.
Following confirmation that I had made it through the telephone interview, I was invited to an Assessment Centre Day which took place in June 2016. The three other candidates and I were introduced to those who would be assessing us on the day, before being given a presentation about the company, including its values, visions and structure. We then undertook a 30 minute group task in front of the assessors, which essentially tested our communication, negotiation, team-work and decision making, before being asked to present our findings. Finally, I was interviewed by two senior employees, which dealt with more specific examples of my background, competencies, alignment with company values and suitability for the role.
I was given a date by which I would receive correspondence regarding the outcome of the day, which helped hugely in managing my expectations; and sure enough, one day early, I received this call, along with detailed feedback of my performance.
The ways in which the application, interviews and feedback were provided on such a personal level not only gave me the confidence to express myself as an individual, but further developed my enthusiasm for the role, and working for Columbia Threadneedle Investments.
