Prepare for the Grant Thornton Online Numerical, Verbal Reasoning Tests, and Interview Questions

The first step in the Grant Thornton recruitment process is the completion of the application form. This is a fairly detailed form with a particular emphasis on the key competencies of Grant Thornton. You are asked for basic details about yourself and work history. In addition, you must provide written answers to competencies questions. You have a 500-word limit so make sure to write as clearly and concisely as possible. Showing your motivation for working at the company is highly important here. You can also include your CV and Cover letter in your application so make sure you use the opportunity to show off your best assets. If your application is successful you will move on to the next part of the Grant Thornton recruitment process.

The Grant Thornton competencies are known as the CLEARR values and they stand for:

• Collaboration
• Leadership
• Excellence
• Agility
• Respect
• Responsibility

For those applying to the Grant Thornton graduate programme (and possibly for a Grant Thornton Internship as well) you will be sent two online tests that are designed by IBM's Kenexa.

The first test is the Grant Thornton numerical test. You are required to answer 20 questions within a 20-minute time limit. You are ordinarily given multiple sources of complex data in the form of graphs, tables and ratios. After a careful analysis of the data, you have to answer the multiple-choice questions. This is difficult, but with practice, you will be able to master the techniques required to succeed. Whilst the questions are often not too complicated, your ability to work under extreme time pressure is being put to the test. Hence the necessity of practising for this test if you want to get through to the next stage. Our Kenexa-style Numerical Reasoning packages have been designed to give you a real taste of the tests and complete preparation for what lies ahead. They also come with full explanations of every question in each test to help you learn.

The second test is the Grant Thornton verbal test which assesses your ability to understand and analyse written information. You are presented with a text to read and analyse and then must decide if a statement about the text is either True/False/Cannot Say. Your success on this test is a good indicator of your verbal skills as well as your ability to work under time constraints. As these tests can sometimes be tricky, getting plenty of practice is a good idea. Our Kenexa-style verbal reasoning practice tests are a great way to prepare.

If you do well enough in this stage of the Grant Thornton recruitment process you will be invited to take part in the Grant Thornton video interview.

Grant Thornton has replaced their previous telephone interview with a new pre-recorded video interview. This interview is designed to explore your academic and vocational decisions as well as your reasons for applying for a job at Grant Thornton.The interview questions are prerecorded, meaning that you are sent a link to website where you are given questions and must record your answers. Although this is not a live interview, you should treat it as such. Grant Thornton assesses candidates on two main categories, competencies and commercial awareness. You can expect general competency questions and should refer back to CLEARR when thinking about your answers.

Listed below are some popular Grant Thornton interview questions:

• What differentiates Grant Thornton from the big 4?
• Why do you want to go into accounting?
• Why do want to work for this division in particular?
• Why did you choose this particular branch?
• How is the current economic climate affecting Grant Thornton?
• How could this affect any specific divisions of the company?
• Why do you want to work for Grant Thornton more than another company?
• Can you please describe a situation in which you solved a difficult problem?
• Did you ever use your own initiative to work out a way of improving an existing issue?
• Please describe a time when you led a team.

It is a good idea to keep a copy of your CV and original application in front of you as this is going to be the base for many of the questions that you will be asked. You can also make notes of these answers that you can refer to during this interview such as examples of competencies from real life experience. Taking your time to think about your answers during the interview is looked at highly as this shows that you are fully analysing the question before giving an answer. Sharpen you interview skills with our interview preparation resources to help give you the best possible chance of success. 

If you are successful, you will be invited to the Grant Thornton assessment day.