I applied online. The process took 2 weeks. I interviewed at AlphaSights in Jan 2014
Interview
The first part of the process was an video interview. I had to answer 4/5 questions. You almost have no time for preparations but most of the questions that you can be asked can be found on the website so search it thoroughly and train.
Mine were the followings:
- can you tell us about a time when you had a difficulty/failed something ?
- what does Alphasights do ?
- Tell us about a movie you like.
- Tell us about a time you worked in a team.
I don't remember the last one.
Then I was invited to a face to face interview. The interviewer was kind and welcoming so you're not likely to feel uneasy.
He will basically try to understand your background. You need to be able to explain it clearly and in details. I think that the interviewer really wants to see the core of the motivation so don't be vague, be very precise and do not hang around. You need to be able to speak about your education and your work experience during a long time and to answer very precise questions.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
I think the most "difficult" question, although it was not very difficult if you think about it, was to pick a random object in the room and invent a work situation at Alphasights based on it. A good way to do it is to think of an item and of the industry which produces it: what kind of experts could you provide to a client willing to invest in such an industry and what questions would he have ? Think of the problems linked to raw materials, demand on the world markets and all the supply chain. Give examples of experts who could help the client with these matters.
Other tricky questions, because I never really thought about it : what is personal your conception of money ? what do you do with your money ?
Video interview - somewhat like toeic speaking style : prep time given and should say the response in a given time
It was my first time having such style interview and I didnt do well. Fortunately I got a response back and I have another round of interview
I applied online. The process took 4 weeks. I interviewed at AlphaSights in Dec 2014
Interview
1st round: CV& 200 word statement
Make sure you send your CV in the best format possible as they will come into every single interview round with your CV in their hands.
2nd round: Video Assessment
All the questions are posted here anyway so nothing surprising. The Recruitment Team understand well that the video process is not ideal nor completely representative.
3rd round: HR Interview
Thorough process. Divided in half, first half about you. Literally from day 1 of your education till present. Make sure you have your answers ready for 'Why did you choose the course you're studying?' or 'Why did you decide to do an internship in company X?' type of questions. Second half about your interest in the company. Your long term plans, how alphasights fits into that, etc. This is where you can really tell them about yourself and your interest in the company. The HR team is lovely and unlike many other big corporation HR teams, they have no intention to catch you off guard or ask you ridiculous questions.
4th round: Case study
If you have a chance to attend any of their events on your campus, DO SO! It will be extremely useful for this round. And do go over the case study examples posted on their websites. First half of the interview is about the case study and the reasonings behind your decisions on who you think would be the best person to link with your client. Second half is just like the HR interview of the 3rd round. The interviewers are again very lovely and easy to speak to.
When you go into the office for these interviews, you do notice that it is an energetic atmosphere and people are genuinely happy to be working there.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
Why do you want to work with us and not our competitors? Because alpha sights was the first and only company i looked at in this sector, I had never really thought of applying to their competitors.