* Telephone Interview: 

- What they’re looking for: A genuine interest in the firm, enthusiasm and a polite nature. 

- What they’re not looking for: Unprepared answers or distractions

- Handy hints: Find a quiet spot to take the call 

* Group exercise: 

- What they’re looking for: Teamworking ability and a logical, analytical approach to the task at hand

- What they’re not looking for: Domineering personalities who don’t actually contribute

- Handy hints: Read up on current affairs and be supportive of other members of the group

* Presentation: 

- What they’re looking for: Confidence, flair and good communication skills

- What they’re not looking for: Arrogance or a nervous breakdown

- Handy hints: Structure your presentation so it has a beginning, middle and end and keep to the assigned timescale

* Panel interview: 

- What they’re looking for: Good eye contact and confident, succinct answers

- What they’re not looking for: Someone who can’t work within a group

- Handy hints: Engage with each person on the panel and take a breath before answering so you can consider the question fully

* Lunch interview: 

- What they’re looking for: Common sense and a sociable personality

- What they’re not looking for: Abuse of the alcohol

- Handy hints: Eat (to give yourself strength and energy) but make sure you talk to everyone

* Personality profile: 

- What they’re looking for: Evidence of the type of person you are and the skills you have

- What they’re not looking for: Answers you think recruiters want to hear

- Handy hints: Answer honestly – recruiters want to get to know the real you  

* Aptitude test

- What they’re looking for: Reasoning skills, numeracy and literacy 

- What they’re not looking for: Einstein

- Handy hints: Try to do some practice tests beforehand. Once in the interview, read the questions carefully before answering

* Case studies: 

- What they’re looking for: Initiative, leadership qualities and problem-solving and analytical abilities 

- What they’re not looking for: Intricate knowledge and MBA-level analysis 

- Handy hints: Get involved, articulate what you’re thinking and ask clarifying questions if you’re not sure