M&A Advisory Analyst

Applied online in July and did online assessment which included SJT, competency, numerical and verbal tests; all very usual. The competency and SJT was structured as having to act as an analyst and advising the client on strategy and management Had to wait a couple of months before I progressed to video interview as I applied very early. The video interview involved the exact same context as the initial assessment, advising clients, only with far more depth, including having to choose between acquisition options and justify this. A few weeks after, was offered a place at the assessment centre. This involved a group presentation, again in the same context of advising a client. Here we had to come up with a strategy and innovation from scratch; bouncing ideas off each other worked very well. Afterwards, we had to repeat the numerical test from the very first assessment under exam conditions. Finally, I met with a director for the 1-on-1 interview. The questions were entirely about motivation and competency; not technical at all. Essentially had to list why I wanted to work there, why that role particularly, why not other firms, etc. Competency was the classic 'give me an example of when you worked under pressure". Towards the end we had 5 minutes to ask questions.

I would say that the culture and the people there are very diverse, and for the lack of a better word, the firm seemed very "chilled" compared to others I have interviewed at. Half of the assessment centre day was non-assessed spiritual and life-lesson activities. Would definitely recommend if you enjoy M&A but value freedom more than typical financial analysts do.