Recently, we caught up with Ewan about how he secured his role with Capgemini, his tips for improving commercial awareness and how he tackles tough interview questions. Here’s what he had to say.
What stood out to you about Capgemini?
Three major things stood for me for Capgemini when I was job searching.
Firstly, the dedication they put into creating a professional culture of tolerance and inclusivity, allowing for people from all walks of life to join and feel comfortable within the organisation.
Secondly, the great level of resources and focus they put on personal professional development, extending beyond the two-year graduate scheme to ensure I can keep learning and maturing important skills.
Lastly, Capgemini has a great range of clients and potential projects I could be part of, with such variety I’m bound to work for/in several industries facing tonnes of interesting challenges.
How did you build your commercial awareness before the interview?
Prior to the interview, I made a plan of what information I was going to gather. This included Capgemini’s main clients/projects, biggest successes of the last five years, technology development most interested in, the business areas (Data and Insight) projects/clients, the culture they want to promote and the atmosphere for graduates.
For most of the above Capgemini, like most businesses will share their successes, interests and cultural goals on their website and social media. I’d recommend checking for feedback from successful graduates on various recruitment boards to get an idea of their atmosphere. Going into the interview knowing what the company is doing, where and how is really important but it’s even better if you know what life at Capgemini might be like!
What would be your top tip to members going through the application process?
Do whatever you can to get yourself in the best mindset! You might be perfect for the role and know it but if you’re in a bad place on the day you might undersell yourself. If you know that you need an early night and a lot of caffeine to be confident, set an alarm for bedtime and stock up on coffee! For me, I’m most confident after getting up early (which I hate) and exercising (again hate!) it really helps me feel like I can do whatever I put my mind to!
Don’t undersell yourself or play yourself down, companies expect you to show off the best you so bring the best you! If rejections get you down just keep swimming even if it’s just enough to keep your head above water!
How did Bright Network help you secure this role?
Bright Network helped me to secure this role in three ways. Firstly, I learnt of Capgemini as a graduate employer through Bright Network, displaying Capgemini’s culture and work benefits. Secondly, the job advert I applied through was posted on the Bright Network job board, which means if I hadn’t subscribed to the weekly email blast of job postings, I would have likely missed this great opportunity. Lastly last summer I partook in two of Bright Network internship experiences which helped me understand that I wanted to switch industries from my degree field (Chemistry) to tech, and the kind of work I could be doing.
What’s been the toughest interview question you've faced and how did you tackle it?
“What is a good day for you?”
It’s a difficult question as it's open-ended, not clearly linked to a key interview skill and needs to link to work.
I began with a joke about being on a beach with a cocktail and not a cloud in sight – helped reflect confidence and keep the interview environment from being too business.
Then I answered - A good day is one where I am able to work with and help my co-workers on a project, either maturing a skill I’ve learnt or gaining a new one, that despite setbacks or difficult challenges we’re able to break through as a team and accomplish our goals! - linking it to the key interview skills curious learner, relationship builder and resilient achiever.
What top three tips would you give Bright Network members looking to follow in your footsteps?
- Practise your interview technique with a family member, friend or co-worker so they can give you feedback on your non-verbal communication and put you at ease on the day.
- Research what skills the role or business area you want to apply for want, sometimes it's a skill you have or can do a quick course on.
- For each key interview skill (e.g., logical resolver, opportunity seeker etc.) write examples of times you’ve achieved the skill so in the interview you can provide examples.
