How to apply

It is important for us to get to know more than just your qualifications and grades! We want to know what else is important to you outside of your studies, what experiences you have had and what motivates you.

In order for us to get a full picture of you, our online application will require you to provide us with the following information:

Application form

• There are a few basic questions to answer on the application form, some questions that tell us a bit more about what is important to you, and some important pre employment checks

Your most recent academic transcripts

• Unofficial transcripts are fine at this stage of the process, however at a later stage we will require your official transcripts.

Your resume

• Your resume should have some essential information on it, but it is also an opportunity to tell us more about yourself.
  The essential stuff:
  • Your full name and all your contact details, so we can easily get in touch with you
  • Your education to date, including where you have studied, the dates and your majors and any other projects or thesis’ you’ve done
  • Work experience you have had to date
• The information that will give us a broader picture of you:
  • Work and volunteer experience, including where, when and what you did
  • Any extracurricular activities you have been involved in
  • Awards, achievements, things you are proud of
  • What you love to do outside of work and studies?
  • Anything else you think will help us understand more about who you are as a person and your personality

This step is where you are asked to complete a short online video interview. It is not as daunting as it sounds – it’s just three easy questions, and it should not take you more than about 5 minutes to complete. The key is to be yourself and have fun.

Video Interview Tips:

• It’s important to find a quiet place to record your online interview
• We suggest you present yourself as if you were attending an actual interview, so dress appropriately
• You’ll get a chance to do a practice test beforehand

At some point in our process there will be an online assessment. Again, depending on the location you are applying for the assessments might differ slightly, and could include verbal, numerical, logical/abstract reasoning tests.

These tests are obviously an important part of the process, but they are also only one part of the process. So your results will be reviewed as a whole alongside your previous online application and video interview.

The good news is you’ll be able to do some practice tests beforehand to give you an idea of the types of assessments and questions you might be faced with.

If you’ve been successful to get to this stage of the process, you will be invited to come and spend some time with us in our offices. This could be in Christchurch, Wellington or Auckland.

Depending on the location the day will differ slightly, but it’s guaranteed to be fun and informative. It is the perfect opportunity to find out a whole lot more about us, talk directly to current BDO grads, Managers and Partners to gain a true sense of what a career at BDO could mean for you.

It is also an opportunity for us to get to know you better. Although some people can find these days a bit daunting, we want you to feel as comfortable as possible and just be yourself. Its guaranteed to be a very worthwhile experience.

By this stage, you probably have a range of feelings from excitement, apprehension, perhaps even a bit fatigued by the process. We really do appreciate the time and effort that has gone into your application – it’s a big decision for you and us.

Again, depending on the location you are applying for, the one-on-one interview might have taken place during the day you spend in our offices, or it might happen after this. Either way, it’s one more opportunity to ask any lingering questions for both you and us.

Tips on one on one interviews

Before your interview, make sure you do your own research. You can find a load of information about BDO on our website, as well as our social media pages.

Be prepared in terms of knowing who you are meeting with, getting here on time, and refreshing your memory on your experience to date as we are likely to ask you about work and university experience.

Dress professionally and be well groomed. Remember, it is better to be over-dressed than under-dressed for any job interview. 

Interviews at BDO are typically behavioural based as past behaviour is often the best predictor of future behaviour. Typical questions that are likely to be asked will often begin with ‘tell me about a time when...’, and ‘can you give an example of when...’. Rehearse examples of previous situations you have been in. You will need to clearly explain the situation, what you did in the particular situation, the reason for your approach, and the outcome of your actions.

The interview is not only about us interviewing you. This is also your chance to ask any questions you may still have. We suggest that you prepare some questions in advance. Questions you may consider asking include:

• Expectations for a Graduate at BDO
• The culture of the firm
• The management style
• Your growth potential
• Learning and development opportunities

A few more tips – arrive on time and allow extra time in case the interview runs over. Never answer questions with a simple ‘yes’ or ‘no’; always elaborate. Be yourself!

The final part of the process will be one reference check. The reference check is likely to be with someone you have previously reported to in a position you have held – it might be a part time role you have had while studying or perhaps some volunteer work you have done, or something similar.

Don’t worry, we’ll talk to you during the process about who might be most appropriate person to act as a referee for you. We’ll also give you lots of time to get their permission for us to talk to them.

The best part of the process, where you get an offer from us to become a BDO Graduate or Intern. You’ll get a call from us to share this exciting news with you. The verbal offer will be followed by all the important official offer documents and welcoming you to the BDO whanau.