Huge congratulations to Luke on securing a role at Sopra Steria with a start in September 2018. Whilst enjoying the summer sun in London we caught up with him and he shared with us his experience of the application process and some useful advice for future applicants.
Why did you apply to Sopra Steria?
Sopra’s obviously a massive firm in an ever-evolving industry so for me it made sense to apply for a job here. I knew that they’d be able to offer me a stimulating working environment. I also felt that I was quite a good fit for the role with my previous experiences.
Why did you apply for this role?
I secured a role as a junior digital consultant. Going into consultancy was something I had always wanted to do. I enjoy problem solving as well as interacting with people so felt that this role would give me an opportunity to do both. Also, my brother recommended that I apply for this role having already worked in the IT industry.
What was the application process like?
First, I had to submit my CV online with a cover letter and then I had to do an online video interview. Following that I had to do reasoning and logic tests online. The final stage was an assessment centre in London. At the assessment centre we had a 1-hour interview, a group project and a presentation. Overall, I felt the application process was extremely streamlined and I knew exactly what I had to do at every stage. I was kept up to date with my progress throughout and given plenty of feedback too. I felt the assessment centre and, in particular, the presentation was what I had the most difficulty with, mainly because I hadn't actually done anything like it before. From start to finish the process was a positive, if occasionally nerve-wracking, experience.
What three tips would you give to future Bright Network applicants?
- Make your CV relevant to the company and role you’re applying to, use it as an opportunity to stress your key skills and attributes.
- At any face to face interaction make sure you arrive presentable, are always smiley and come across as interested. Half the battle of the application process is simply about how you interact with your interviewers and other assessment centre attendees.
- Stay calm at all times. They’ll ask you stuff you don’t know but I felt it was just better to take your time to think it over or to ask if you didn’t know what something was.
What was the hardest interview question you faced?
If someone’s not pulling their weight in the office then how do you approach it?
