We recently got the chance to catch up with Daniel about how they secured a Business Analyst role with Efficio, their top tips for going through the application process and how they tackle tough interview questions.
What stood out to you about Efficio?
Firstly, it would be Efficio's emphasis as a leading company in procurement. Procurement consulting is something which I had not come across extensively throughout my research into other consultancies, and when further digging into Efficio, it came very clear that the work they do would be right up my street. The Business Analyst position available was also a perfect opportunity to start my consulting journey, as it offered a wide range of client work over multiple industries and the training and mentoring to succeed at it. This brings me to my second point. The people I have had contact with during the recruitment process have all been very friendly and eager to allow you to learn.
How did you build your commercial awareness before the interview?
I researched the Efficio website extensively, as well as got a grasp of their social media platforms. In particular, there were Vimeo interviews, and videos from senior consultants to Business Analysts that gave me such a better understanding of the type of work Efficio do, and how they differ from other consultancies. Reading case studies was also very helpful. This gave an insight into the type of work Efficio does, and how they conduct it.
What would be your top tip to members going through the application process?
Efficio wants to see if you are in line with their values. Being yourself and being able to communicate effectively and coherently is thus vital to the work they do. Interviews are of course nerve-racking, and at times very daunting, but being able to remind yourself that you are in this position for a reason should make you proud and eager to impress. From experience, being yourself paints the picture perfectly, as a company knows straight away whom they are dealing with. You are no longer just a name on a CV.
How did Bright Network help you secure this role?
I had subscribed to the Bright Network email after completing the Internship Experience UK Consulting stream last July, and from one of those weekly emails, Efficio was introduced to me. Internship Experience UK 2020 made me not just interested in applying to consultancies, but also showed me how to present myself on my CV, and list the key skills and qualities, consultancies look for in their graduate intakes. Without this, I don't believe I would be in the position I am today.
What’s been the toughest interview question you've faced and how did you tackle it?
My case study question in my final interview. I knew case study interviews were commonplace when applying to consultancies, and I of course had practised and prepped for this scenario. But unlike most HR interview questions, you can be caught off guard. In my case, I discussed procurement levers in dealing with a bottling company for a fruit juice brand. This was not your typical market sizing case study and was completely different, and relevant to the work Efficio do. Having practised market sizing questions beforehand, this threw me off balance, and I struggled at the start. However, I believe what is best in this situation is to just be yourself and ask questions. The interviewer would prefer you enter a more detailed dialogue and work through the problem with them if struggling to get started, rather than guessing. This is what I did, and I was able to work through the problem.
What top three tips would you give Bright Network members looking to follow in your footsteps?
- Prepare for your interview with others. Getting into the habit of speaking to someone else, be that may a friend, as an interviewee will allow you to feel more confident and fluid when doing the real thing.
- Be yourself! Companies do not want to hire a robot and someone that is put on. Being able to express yourself as you do normally will not only relax you but also show your confidence.
- Research, research, research! You cannot stroll into an interview blind to what the company does. Extensively researching the company on the website, but also YouTube and social media really offers a different perspective on how employees in the company think.
Let us know where you've secured your work experience, internship or graduate role. We want to celebrate your success with a gift from us and exclusive invitations to evening networking drinks throughout the year.
