Graduate scheme interview questions, and how to answer them
Graduate schemes have some of the most structured recruitment in the UK: online tests, a video interview, an assessment centre and a final interview. Each stage is predictable once you know what it's testing. Here's how to prepare for every one.
How graduate scheme recruitment works
| Stage | What happens | What it tests |
|---|---|---|
| Online application | Your CV, grades and sometimes short written answers | Eligibility and motivation for the scheme |
| Online tests | Numerical, verbal or logical reasoning, and situational judgement tests | Reasoning ability and how you'd handle work situations |
| Video interview | Pre-recorded questions you answer on camera, usually with a short time to prepare | Communication, motivation and competencies |
| Assessment centre | A day of group exercises, a case study or in-tray task, a presentation and interviews | How you work with others, analyse information and present |
| Final interview | Often with a senior manager or partner | Motivation, commercial awareness and fit |
Not every scheme uses every stage, and the order varies. The careers page for each scheme usually explains its process, so check before you apply.
Motivation questions
Graduate recruiters see thousands of applications, so they want to know you've chosen them on purpose.
- Why do you want to join our graduate scheme?Name two or three specific things: the rotations, the training, a project or value that genuinely appeals, and link each to your own goals.
- Why this industry?Show what first interested you and what you've done to explore it, such as a module, internship, society or reading.
- Why should we hire you?Two or three strengths that match what the scheme asks for, each backed by a quick example.
- Where do you see yourself in five years?Ambitious but realistic, and connected to the scheme's career path rather than a different career.
- What do you know about our company?Recent news, how they make money, their main competitors and one thing that sets them apart.
Competency questions for graduates
You don't need years of work experience. University projects, part-time jobs, societies, sport, volunteering and caring responsibilities all count. Answer with the STAR method.
- Tell me about a time you worked in a team.A group project, society or job. Be clear about your role and what you personally did.
- Describe a time you showed leadership.You don't need a title. Organising an event, leading a project or helping a team member all count.
- Tell me about a time you overcame a challenge.What made it hard, how you adapted and what you learned.
- Give an example of when you managed competing deadlines.Exam season with a part-time job is a perfectly good example.
- Tell me about a time you influenced someone.Persuading a group to change approach, or recruiting members to a society.
Strength-based interviews
Some large graduate employers use strength-based questions instead of, or as well as, competency questions. They're quick-fire and focus on what you enjoy and do naturally well, such as "What energises you?", "Do you prefer starting or finishing tasks?" or "Tell me about something you've done recently that you were proud of". Answer honestly and with energy. There's no right answer, but they're listening for whether what you enjoy matches the job.
Video interviews
- Practise talking to a camera. It feels odd at first. Record yourself answering a few questions and watch them back.
- Use the preparation time to jot down a STAR outline, not a script.
- Look at the camera, not the screen, and check your lighting and sound beforehand.
- Watch the timer. Most give you a fixed time per answer, so aim to finish with a few seconds spare.
Assessment centre tips
- Group exercise: contribute early, build on other people's ideas, bring quieter people in and keep an eye on time. Assessors score how you work with others, not who talks most.
- Case study or in-tray: read everything first, prioritise, and state your assumptions. A clear recommendation beats a perfect analysis.
- Presentation: one main message, a clear structure and a strong close. Practise to time.
- You're assessed all day, including over lunch. Be friendly and professional throughout.
Commercial awareness
Many schemes, especially in finance, consulting, law and business, ask about commercial awareness: "Tell me about a business story in the news", or "What challenges is our industry facing?". Read business news for a few weeks beforehand, pick two or three stories relevant to the employer, and be ready to say what happened, why it matters and what it might mean for them.
Frequently asked questions
What questions are asked in a graduate scheme interview?
Usually motivation questions such as 'Why this scheme?', competency questions answered with STAR examples, sometimes strength-based questions about what you enjoy, and questions on commercial awareness or the industry.
What if I don't have any work experience?
Use examples from university, societies, sport, volunteering, part-time jobs or personal projects. Graduate recruiters expect this and assess the skills you show, not where you showed them.
How do I prepare for a graduate assessment centre?
Practise presenting to time, read business news relevant to the employer, prepare STAR examples for each competency, and in group exercises focus on collaborating and helping the group reach a decision.
How long should video interview answers be?
Use most of the time you're given, usually one to three minutes, without running out. Structure each answer with STAR and aim to finish with a few seconds to spare.