Graduate interview preparation: the complete guide
Assessment centres, competency interviews, case studies and the questions to ask back — without the cliches.
Graduate hiring is the most structured part of the interview market. The process is long, the assessors are trained, and the rubric is explicit — which means preparation has unusually high leverage.
This guide walks through what each stage is testing, how to prepare for it specifically, and the mistakes graduate candidates most often make.
The stages and what each one tests
Competency questions you will almost certainly be asked
The group exercise
The questions you should ask back
Frequently asked
How early should I start preparing?
Six to eight weeks is realistic for the major UK graduate schemes. SJTs and case studies need repeated practice, not last-minute cramming.
Do I need consulting experience to pass a case study?
No. You need a clear structure (issue → drivers → recommendation), stated assumptions, and a willingness to think out loud. Frameworks are bonuses, not requirements.
What if I do not have much work experience?
Academic projects, society leadership, volunteering and part-time work all count. The competency is the same; the surface is different.
Sources
About PRACTICE
PRACTICE is an interview practice platform that helps candidates prepare for real interviews through realistic, on-camera mock interviews and structured, rubric-based feedback. For support, partnership or press enquiries, email office@ipractice.app.