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Master the Big 4 Selection: Your Ultimate 2024 Guide to Job Simulations and Case Interviews

Writer's picture: ProHireAssessmentProHireAssessment

Updated: Jun 3, 2024

In today’s job market, credentials alone are not enough for recruiting new employees. Increasingly, organizations are using job simulation assessments to predict a candidate’s ability and suitability for the role and the company’s culture. 


Our preparation pack is tailored specifically for the Finance Job Simulation assessment. It will familiarize you with the different types of job simulations used in the hiring process of big banks and investment firms, the questions you will face, and the cultural values and attitudes that match them.


It includes:

  • Written & Recorded Simulations: HR questions and tasks that mimic pre-recorded interviews. 

  • SJT Simulations: Work-related scenarios typical in the finance sector.

  • Values and Attitudes Assessment Simulations: Match the personality traits, tendencies, and values requested in the financial industry. 

  • Study Guides: Answering strategies and tips to align your response with the organization’s values and attitudes.


Medium level complexity example:




What Is a Job Simulation?

A job simulation assessment is a test that mimics different aspects of the sought-after position. It imitates work-related tasks, assignments, and behaviors you will demonstrate in your position. 

Job simulations can be administered at various stages of the recruitment process, either at the beginning to screen the first batch of applicants or in the final stages to determine the best fit for the job.

Different types of job simulations assess various aspects of the job, conforming to the role you applied for, the industry, and the organization. These assessments are usually conducted online but can also be on-location or at an assessment center.

Organizations like HSBC, Big 4, Deloitte, and EY use various types of job simulations in their hiring processes and our products and simulation guides could help you in this journey.


 

Big 4 Job Simulation Guide / Assessment Types

Take-Home Assignment

  • A remote assignment to complete within a designated timeframe.

  • Tasks vary according to your role: coding for programmers, writing for journalists, or creating campaigns for social media specialists.

In-Basket Exercise

  • Tests your work process, prioritization, and organization skills.

  • Tasks include sorting and addressing emails, answering phone calls, and handling customer grievances.

  • Common for administrative and managerial roles.

Virtual Job Tryout

  • A more advanced in-basket exercise using technology.

  • Can include live chat support simulations, writing email responses, or cognitive assessments, such as in the Deloitte Job Simulation assessment.

Situational Judgement Test (SJT)

  • Evaluates your approach and handling of situations.

  • Presents work-related scenarios requiring you to choose or rank the most effective actions.

  • Common across various positions and industries, from firms like HSBC to the Civil Service.

Role-Playing

  • Assesses your ability to communicate and convey messages.

  • You act out responses to work-related scenarios.

  • Often part of group assignments but can be individual as well, especially in companies that use the HireVue platform.

Case Interview

  • Assesses your ability to analyze information, think critically, and make data-based decisions.

  • You will interpret data, plan strategic solutions, and present your findings.

  • Can be part of group or individual assignments. For example, in a Deloitte Case Interview, you might analyze factors surrounding the launch of a new product, while a McKinsey case interview could involve analyzing a company's acquisition.




Group Test

  • Assesses communication skills, leadership abilities, and peer relationships. 

  • Involves group assignments such as case interviews, role-playing exercises, group presentations, and practical tasks.




Pre-recorded Interview

  • Acts as a substitute for an in-person interview, including various evaluation assignments.

  • You record responses to work-related questions or tasks within a limited timeframe.

  • Increasingly popular, often AI-based, used by companies like Goldman Sachs, Cathay Pacific, and Coca-Cola.

Ability Assessments

  • Measure your knowledge, skills, competencies, and cognitive aptitudes.

  • Common tests include numerical reasoning and verbal reasoning, as in the Deloitte Job Simulation assessment.

Personality Profile

  • Also called a Values Assessment.

  • Questionnaire where you report traits and preferences or rank statements regarding your characteristics.


 

Popular Finance Job Simulations

Deloitte Job Simulation

  • Includes a video interview, written responses, cognitive evaluation, and a Situational Judgment Test.

HSBC Job Simulation

  • Comprises four assessments: a video interview, two SJTs, including a personality profile, and a virtual job tryout.

EY Job Simulation

  • Includes a video interview, SJT, personality profiling, and a virtual job tryout involving email responses.

BDO Amberjack Assessment

  • Combines traditional ability assessments and job simulations, including critical reasoning, numerical reasoning, SJT, and a video interview.


 

Job Simulation Preparation Tips

Do the Research

  • Investigate the job description and company’s culture to highlight relevant traits and competencies during the simulation.

Track Your Time

  • Many simulations have restricted timeframes. Manage your time effectively to complete tasks without obstacles.

Practice Beforehand

  • Understand which simulation you will take and use tailored preparation tools to familiarize yourself with the format and content.



By following these guidelines and using our preparation pack, you can enhance your readiness for job simulations, giving you a competitive edge in the finance sector recruitment process.



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